Bamboo Palm
Slender, bamboo-like canes in a clump, topped with feathery fronds. Pet-safe, tolerant of medium light, and a step up in size from its cousin the parlor palm with the same easygoing nature.
The bamboo palm is the parlor palm's taller sibling: a clump of thin, ringed canes that really do look like bamboo, with soft fronds on top. It is safe for pets, happy in medium light, and it grows into a screen or a corner filler over a few years.
It is on the NASA clean-air list, for whatever that is worth, and it is the palm we recommend when someone wants height without the majesty palm heartbreak.
Light
Medium indirect light. A north or east window, or a few feet from a south one. It tolerates low light, growing more slowly. Direct sun scorches the fronds.
Water
Lightly moist: water when the top inch is dry, every six days or so in summer and every ten in winter. It dislikes drying out completely and equally dislikes standing water. Filtered water reduces brown tips.
Soil and potting
A well-draining potting mix. Repot every couple of years in spring, one size up. It grows in a clump and can be divided.
Feeding
A half-strength palm feed every six weeks in spring and summer.
Propagation
Division of the clump at repotting: separate a few canes with roots and pot them up.
In a hot, dry home
A reasonable palm for a dry home, tougher than areca and majesty though not as tough as the parlor palm. Keep it away from vents, water consistently, and shower the fronds occasionally to keep spider mites off in summer.
Problems and fixes
Brown frond tips
Likely cause: Dry air or tap water
Fix: Filtered water; raise humidity; trim tips.
Yellow fronds
Likely cause: Too much light or overwatering
Fix: Move out of direct sun; let the surface dry between waterings.
Fine webbing
Likely cause: Spider mites
Fix: Shower and treat with insecticidal soap.
Bamboo Palm questions
Is the bamboo palm safe for cats and dogs?
Yes. It is non-toxic to pets.
How tall does a bamboo palm get indoors?
Four to six feet over several years in medium light, growing as a clump of canes.
How often should I water a bamboo palm?
Every six days or so in summer and every ten in winter, keeping the soil lightly moist.
