Botanical Name of the plant is Chamaedorea cataractarum. Cat palm tree makes a dramatic house plant and is easy to grow if you give it what it needs. The pinnate leaves have leaflets that will reach up to 1 ft (30 cm) long and 1 in (2.5 cm) wide.
The cat palm, also called the cascade or cataract palm is native to southeastern Mexico and resembles the inexpensive areca palm and the very pricey kentia palm. Indoors the plant grows slowly, eventually reaching a height of 4-6ft. Although this plant looks beautiful in the plant nursery, it often deteriorates once you bring it home. It requires a very tropical environment; bright indirect light and plenty of water. This is a very attractive plant that produces glossy, dark green leaves on thin shoots, but it is a challenging plant that needs attention.
With a cat palm, you need to keep a soil moist but not soggy. Your cat palm should be kept slightly moist all year. A planter should have drain holes so a excess water can drain out. When you water your indoor cat palm, water until you see a water starting to come out a drain holes, which indicates it has had enough water.
Liquid fertilizers are applied more frequently, bi-weekly or monthly, for example. Granular products are used less frequently, perhaps once every month or two. Slow-release houseplant fertilizers break down slowly and release their nutrients in small amounts, over a longer period of time. A single application of most of these products lasts for three to four months.
Palms like heat but too much dry heat causes leaf damage. Avoid placing palms in drafts, in front of heaters or air conditioners, or in unheated rooms during the winter. The ideal temperatures are 80°F (26.7°C) during the day and no lower than 45°F (7.2°C) at night.
Ceramic pots are the most popular type of containers for houseplants today. You'll find them in all kinds of styles, colors, and sizes. At one time, the clay pot was the most common container for indoor plants. When choosing a pot, choose a pot that is 2.5-5 cm (1-2”) larger than the current size.
