Chamaedorea seifrizii
Chamaedorea Seifrizii, known as the Bamboo Palm, is a tropical palm from the rainforests of Central and South America. To be clear, it is not a bamboo but a palm, belonging to the Arecaceae family. But it takes its name from the bamboo-like stems that support its beautiful feathery fronds.
In my opinion, The Bamboo Palm is a one of the best indoor palm options. It offers a style, air-purifying abilities, and the lush tropical feel. And, let’s face it, it is that tropical vibe that largely inspires us to grow palms indoors (at least, it does for me). This palm is relatively easy to care for, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced plant people. Displayed in a bright corner or near a window, it can transform any space into a green haven. But it can also adapt to lower light conditions, which makes it a great plant asset.
- Ease of Care: 4/5 – tough and low-fuss, perfect for the busy plant lover
- Visual Appeal: 5/5 – Its exotic look adds something to any room.
- Value for Money: 4/5 – A long-lasting, air-purifying plant that’s worth the investment.
Basic Needs
Light
Moderate to Low
Water: growth period
Moderate
Water: dormant period
Low to Moderate
Humidity
Moderate to High
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Star House Plant
Pros
Tolerates low light conditions well.
Adds a tropical and sophisticated aesthetic to interiors.
Excellent at purifying air, removing harmful substances like formaldehyde and benzene.
Easy to care for, with moderate watering and pruning needs.
Cons
Prefers high humidity, which can be a challenge in dry indoor environments.
Requires regular cleaning of leaves to prevent pest infestations.
Sensitive to overwatering and root rot.
Prone to mites, requiring occasional treatment.
Star Ratings
We rate plants overall from 1 to 5 stars based on individual ratings for ease of care, visual appeal and value for money.
Full details of care requirements for the plant are in the care guide below.
- Chamaedorea seifrizii
- Star Ratings
- Chamaedorea seifrizii quick care guide
- Chamaedorea seifrizii key facts
- Light
- Propagation
- Common Problems and Solutions
- Chamaedorea Seifrizii troubleshooting guide
- Winter care
- Chamaedorea Seifrizii frequently asked questions
- Other Chamaedorea varieties
- Other great indoor palms
- Key references and resources
Chamaedorea seifrizii quick care guide
Caring for a Bamboo Palm is moderately easy. It is a resilient plant that doesn’t demand too much, but it does appreciates consistent care.
Level of care: Easy to Moderate
- Light Requirements: Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight because this is an under-storey rainforest plant and direct sun will burn its leaves. Can tolerate lowe light and be placed near a north or east-facing window.
- Water Requirements: Keep soil evenly moist but not wet. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Don’t let the soil dry out completely.
- Humidity Requirements: Prefers medium to high humidity. Mist regularly or use a humidifier.
- Temperature Requirements: 65-80°F (18-27°C). Avoid temperatures below 55°F (13°C).
- Potting Soil Requirements: Well-draining soil. A mix of peat, pine bark, and perlite works well.
- Fertiliser Requirements: Balanced, water-soluble fertiliser monthly (or granular slow-release) during growing season.
- Propagation: Division of clumps or seed. But division is not straightforward and you need a mature plant.
- Repotting: Every 2-3 years, in spring.
- Pruning: Trim dead or yellowing fronds at the base.
Level of care definitions
- Easy – Low maintenance plants. Good for beginners. Can survive a bit of neglect.
- Moderate – Plants that need a bit more attention. Should survive and thrive with good care.
- Challenging – Plants that make you work hard at keeping them alive. Experience needed.
Read more about house plant care in general in our comprehensive guide to the 7 critical requirements of house plant care here.
Chamaedorea seifrizii key facts
The Bamboo Palm is a lush, tropical, air purifying palm with interesting bamboo-like stems. It adds a great fresh green presence to a room.
- Scientific Name: Chamaedorea Seifrizii
- Meaning of Name: ‘Chamaedorea’ – low palm, ‘Seifrizii’ – named after William Seifriz, a botanist.
- Common Names: Bamboo Palm, Reed Palm
- Plant Family: Arecaceae
- Origin: Central and South America
- Type of Plant: Evergreen perennial
- Size (Indoors): Up to 7 feet
- Foliage: Dark green, feathery fronds
- Flower: Insignificant yellow flowers
- Fruit: Non-edible small black fruits
- Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets and people (ASPCA)
Light
Bamboo Palm thrives in low and indirect light. A sudden change in lighting can shock the plant, so it’s best to gradually adjust it to new light conditions.
Propagation
Propagation through division is most effective in spring. Carefully separate clumps with roots attached and pot them in fresh soil.
Make sure you try to divide a mature plant with some good established clumps, as the root damage cause by division can kill young plants.
Common Problems and Solutions
The BambooPalm isn’t especially troublesome. But it does like humidity.
This means that if the air is dry it can get brown leaf tips and be more susceptible to sale insects and spider mites.
Chamaedorea Seifrizii troubleshooting guide
Leaves and shoots
- Yellowing from overwatering.
- Brown tips suggest low humidity.
Roots
- Root rot from overwatering. Ensure good drainage.
Pests
- Mealybugs, scale and spider mites are common. Wipe leaves with an insecticidal soap solution or use a systemic treatment.
Diseases
- Rare, but watch for fungal infections in overly moist conditions.
Winter care
Reduce watering in winter and avoid fertilising. Keep the plant away from cold drafts and mist regularly to maintain humidity.
Read more about how to overwinter your house plants here.
Chamaedorea Seifrizii frequently asked questions
1. How often should I water my Bamboo Palm?
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
2. Can Bamboo Palm tolerate low light?
Yes, it actually prefers low light conditions.
3. Is Bamboo Palm safe for pets?
Yes, it’s non-toxic to pets.
4. How do I increase humidity for my Bamboo Palm?
Mist regularly or use a humidifier.
Other Chamaedorea varieties
See our guides to caring for these other:
- Chamaedorea Elegans (Parlour Palm): Smaller, ideal for tabletops.
- Chamaedorea Metallica: Unique metallic sheen on leaves.
- Chamaedorea cataractarum (affiliate link): Low growing palm with dark green leaves
- Chamaedorea Costaricana: Similar care, with a more upright growth habit.
Other great indoor palms
Read our guide to the 16 best indoor palms to grow and our individual guides to caring for these other indoor palms:
- Golden Cane Palm
- Robellini Palm
- Parlour Palm
- Christmas Palm (Adondidia merillii)
- Round leaf palm (Livistionia rotundifolia)
- Beaucarnea recurvata (the Ponytail Palm)
- Howea forstereana (Kentia Palm)
- Rhapis Excelsa (the Lady Palm)
- Fishtail Palm (Caryota mitis)
Key references and resources
World Checklist of Palms – Rafael Govaerts, John Dransfield. ISBN 9781842460849, Kew Publishing 2005.
Ornamental Palm Horticulture, Broschat, Timothy K.; Meerow, Alan W.; Monica L. Elliott, 2017, University Press of Florida
Alloway, Z and Bailey (F). (2018) RHS Practical House Plant Book: Choose The Best, Display Creatively, Nurture and Care, Royal Horticultural Society, UK.
Camilleri,L and Kaplan, S. (2020), Plantopedia: The Definitive Guide to Houseplants, Smith Street Books.
Hessayon, Dr D.G. (1991) The New House Plant Expert, PBI Publications, UK.
Brickell, C. (2016). Royal Horticultural Society AZ encyclopedia of garden plants. 4th Edition Dorling Kindersley.
Squire, D. (2017). Houseplant Handbook: Basic Growing Techniques and a Directory of 300 Everyday Houseplants, CompanionHouse Books.
Nelson, G (2021). Plant – House plants: Choosing, Styling, Caring. Mitchell Beazley. London
Brickell, C. (2011). American horticultural society encyclopedia of plants and flowers. Penguin.
Martin Cole has been an avid plant lover and gardener for more than 20 years and loves to talk and write about gardening. In 2006 he was a finalist in the BBC Gardener of the Year competition. He is a member of the National dahlia Society.
He previously lived in London and Sydney, Australia, where he took a diploma course in Horticultural studies and is now based in North Berwick in Scotland. He founded GardeningStepbyStep.com in 2012. The website is aimed at everybody who loves plants or has been bitten by the gardening bug and wants to know more.
Gardening Step by Step has been cited by Thompson and Morgan, the UK’s largest mail order plant retailer, as a website that publishes expert gardening content.