Reinhardtia elegans

Reinhardtia elegans is a small palm native from southern Mexico into Honduras, where it occurs in seasonally dry tropical forest. Its bifid leaves split into two broad lobes, and the plant may grow alone or in clusters; field accounts give a broad mature-height range rather than one dependable landscape size. [Kew Plants of the World Online](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:669560-1) and [Palmweb](https://www.palmpedia.net/wiki/Reinhardtia_elegans) ## Landscape use Use it as a tropical understory specimen or container palm where its distinctive foliage can be viewed at close range. Its native habitat is warm forest, so it is best suited to protected tropical or indoor growing conditions outside frost-free climates. ## Growing conditions Provide warmth, shelter from drying wind, and bright filtered light. The species’ forest setting favors a consistently cared-for root zone; use a free-draining medium and avoid prolonged saturation. ## Maintenance Water when the surface of the growing medium begins to dry, then let excess water drain. Protect from cold and inspect the leaflets periodically for damage in dry indoor air.