Bamboo Palm plants are one of those that stun EVERYONE as soon as they walk into your home. Large, gorgeous and low maintenance? A plant parents dream! But they still have their needs that have to be met in order for your bamboo palm plant grow and thrive.
So if you have a Chamaedorea seifrizii (that is the formal name but hey who uses government names over here?!) then make sure to read below and ensure that you can help your plant look and feel its best!
Let’s get into it-
**Stock image! Knowledge gained from years working in the agriculture/greenhouse industry and related plants/research and all opinions below are my own!
Bamboo Palm Plant: How To Care For Them!
Best care tips for bamboo palm house plants:
Bamboo palm plant light needs:
We are going to break this down into the best light situation, what it tolerates and then what you should avoid!!
Best: Bright, indirect light (think along the lines of shear curtains).
Tolerates: Low light conditions
Avoid: Direct sunlight (it can scorch the leaves and basically give them sunburn)
Bamboo Palms thrive in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels, making them a great option for your office or apartments. If your plant is looking leggy or losing its deep green color, try moving it closer to a window with filtered light. That probably means it is getting too much direct light and can’t handle it!
Bamboo palm plant water needs:
How Often to water: Every 7–10 days (or when the top inch of soil is dry, if you stick your finger in and pull it out and its dry then it is time to water!)
Winter (cold weather) Watering needs: Every 2 to 3 weeks- unless you are still seeing a lot of growth! Then stick to 7-10 days.
Can I Overwater it?: Yes!! Bamboo Palms are susceptible to root rot. So make sure to only water when the soil is dried out.
Let the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out before watering again. If you notice yellowing leaves, it may be a sign of overwatering, so then you need to cut back and ensure your pot has proper drainage.
Bamboo palm plant humidity and temp needs:
Ideal Temperature: 65–80°F (aka 18–27°C) but really any temperature that is comfortable for humans is fine! Just don’t let your home get too cold or too warm when you are gone.
Humidity needs: Mist the leaves or use a humidity tray to ensure this tropical plant gets its humidity needs.
Avoid: Cold drafts, heaters, or AC vents. The temperature extremes and swings from those can really stress out your plant so just keep it in a stable area.
Since Bamboo Palms are tropical plants, they love humidity! If you live in a dry climate, consider misting the plant occasionally or placing a tray of pebbles and water beneath it to boost moisture levels.
Bamboo palm plant soil needs:
Soil isn’t a huge problem for bamboo palms, generally they are durable but there is things you can do to ensure they thrive in your home!
The Best Soil: Well-draining, peat-based potting mix!
Ideal Pot: One with drainage holes is essential for keeping moisture moving through rather than sitting in the pot.
Anything I should avoid? : Heavy, compact soil that retains too much moisture! This can increase the likelihood of your bamboo plant getting (and then dying!) of root rot.
A lightweight, well-aerated soil mix keeps roots happy and healthy. Repot your Bamboo Palm every 2-3 years or when you notice roots outgrowing the container.
Bamboo palm plant fertilizing tips:
What fertilizer should I use?: Liquid houseplant fertilizer- this is my favorite one!
Fertilizing Frequency: Once a month (spring & summer)
When can I skip fertilizing?: During fall & winter when growth slows down- if you don’t see a lot of new growth and it’s a colder month then it won’t be able to handle fertilizer.
A balanced liquid fertilizer (like 10-10-10) once a month in the growing season helps your Bamboo Palm stay lush and vibrant. Avoid over-fertilizing though my friends, as it can cause leaf burn.
Bamboo palm plant pruning guide:
Trimming: Brown or yellow leaves to encourage new growth
Cleaning the leaves: Remove dust with a damp cloth regularly. I generally try to do a plant spa day once a quarter to keep them thriving. Dust actually keeps the light back from the leaves so they don’t get all the growth benefits,
Make sure to avoid: Cutting off healthy fronds- that is how you get new and fresh growth!
Bamboo Palms are low-maintenance, but occasional pruning keeps them looking fresh. If the leaves collect dust, wipe them gently with a damp cloth to help the plant breathe better.
Common FAQs about Palm Bamboo plants (in my humble opinion at least):
| Why are my leaves yellowing? | This is most likely overwatering so: | Let soil dry before watering again |
| Why are there brown tips? | Brown tips or edges are from dry air and/or low humidity! | So you should start misting your plant or use a humidity tray |
| The growth is leggy how can I fix it? | Not enough light is making those thin trailing vines. | So I recommend you move it to a brighter spot in your home! |
| Pests?! (spider mites, mealybugs) | Dry air or infested plants nearby is usually what causes infestations for bamboo plants. | But they are resilient- Just wipe the leaves & use insecticidal soap |
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