Pacaya Palm (Chamaedorea tepejilote)

Pacaya Palm

Chamaedorea tepejilote

Its fronds arch softly like a green fountain, bringing tropical calm indoors. Evergreen palm; common name: Pacaya Palm.

Partial sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Bright indirect light; tolerates low light but grows slower; avoid direct midday sun to prevent leaf scorch
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Watering Water thoroughly when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
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Temperature Thrives at 18–24℃; protect from cold drafts and temperatures below 10℃
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Pinnate, arching fronds with narrow, glossy green leaflets; up to 1 m long
  • Stem: Slender, clustered green stems; self-supporting without staking
  • Inflorescence: Drooping panicles with small yellowish flowers (male/female on separate plants)
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy; mist fronds to boost humidity in dry conditions

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed every 4 weeks. Discontinue fertilization during autumn and winter when growth slows

Banana peel compost tea:Compost banana peels for 2–3 weeks; steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench; avoid using raw peels to prevent pest infestations
Pruning
  • Remove brown, dead fronds at the base to maintain a tidy appearance
  • Trim yellowing leaflets to reduce unnecessary energy expenditure
  • Divide overcrowded clumps during spring repotting to promote healthy growth
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats

Humans: No known toxic effects in humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental indoor palm; young edible shoots in native Central American regions