Chamaedorea seifrizii: Bamboo Palm

This Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ publication is part of a document series originally written by Edward F. Gilman. Visit https://FloridaFriendlyLandscaping.com to learn more about creating and maintaining attractive landscapes that protect Florida's water resources and environment.

Introduction

Bamboo palm has an upright growth habit, and reaches a height of 4 to 12 feet, and spread of 3 to 4 feet. New stems continually form at the base of the plant keeping it full of fine-textured foliage (Figure 1). These bright green canes grow to one-half inch in diameter, and have nodes that resemble bamboo, hence the common name. This small, delicate, multiple-trunked palm has lacy, pinnate, drooping fronds, which are evergreen, bipinnately compound, and palmate (Figure 2). The individual dark green leaflets are almost papery, and the last few leaflets at the tip of the leaf are several times wider than others on the leaf. Inconspicuous pale-yellow flowers are produced in panicles within the foliage, which turn from green to bright orange once mature (Figure 3). Fruit is rounded black drupes and develops on the panicle following the flowers (Figure 4). As bamboo palm is a dioecious plant, both male and female plant specimens are required for flower and fruit production. Bamboo palm is well suited for use as a screen or border, may be grown in a container or an above-ground planter, or may be grown as a houseplant, used in mass planting, or as an accent.

General Information

Scientific name: Chamaedorea seifrizii

Previous name(s): Chamaedorea erumpens (synonym)

Pronunciation: kam-ee-DOR-ee-uh see-FRIZ-ee-eye

Common name(s): bamboo palm, reed palm

Family: Arecaceae

Plant type: palm

USDA hardiness zones: 10A through 11B (Figures 5 and 6)

Planting month for zones 10 and 11: year-round

Origin: not native to North America

Uses: screen; container or above-ground planter; border; mass planting; suitable for growing indoors; accent

Availability: somewhat available, may have to go out of the region to find the plant

Description

Height: 4 to 12 feet

Spread: 3 to 5 feet

Plant habit: upright; clumping

Plant density: moderate

Growth rate: moderate

Texture: fine

Use and Management

Bamboo palm should be planted in a shaded location on well-drained soil. Soil texture is adaptable, but a rich soil encourages plant growth. Although it is usually used as an interior house plant or in containers, bamboo palm is striking when used around outdoor fountains or ponds or makes a delicate, fine-textured accent in a shrub border. If used outside, this plant should be located in the shade and given wind protection from taller plantings. Since older leaves die and hang onto the stem, they require manual removal to keep the plant looking neat. Although currently classified as “not a problem species,” this plant was listed as invasive on the UF/IFAS Assessment in the past.

Propagation is by seed or division of the clumps.

Design Considerations

Bamboo palm is valued in design for its elegant vertical form, with slender clumping stems that add height and structure without overwhelming a space. Its rich, dark green foliage and fine, feathery texture provide year-round color and a lush, airy, tropical feel. This makes it a versatile choice—whether used as a striking indoor specimen, a soft foundation planting near a patio, or a natural privacy screen along borders. Companion plantings that complement its texture and tropical character include understory species like bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae), shell ginger (Alpinia zerumbet), and caladiums (Caladium bicolor and hybrids); bold foliage contrasts such as alocasia (Alocasia spp.) and philodendrons (philodendron spp.); and flowering accents like impatiens (Impatiens spp. except I. walleriana), begonias (Begonia spp.), or bromeliads (Aechmea spp., Billbergia spp., Guzmania spp.) at the base.

Pests and Diseases

Pest issues include scale and spider mites (may become serious pest problems, especially when used indoors). No disease issues of major concern. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.