Palm
Cat Palm
Chamaedorea cataractarum
Varieties We Carry
StandardChamaedorea cataractarum
Sizes & Pricing
12 inFrom$69.95
15 galFrom$125.00
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 11.
LightPart Shade, Full Shade
WaterModerate-High
Mature size6-8 feet × 4-6 feet
About Cat Palm
Cat Palm (Chamaedorea cataractarum) is a clustering, low-growing palm native to southeastern Mexico that produces dense clumps of slender canes with dark green, pinnate fronds. It is commonly used as a lush ground cover, hedge, or container plant in shaded tropical and subtropical gardens. Starting at $69.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Flower Color
- Yellow
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Loam, Sandy, Well-drained, Moist
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Can be planted with extra attention to watering.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter. May need protection below 25°F.
Care essentials
Light
Cat Palm thrives in part to full shade in NE Florida; avoid direct afternoon sun which scorches fronds. Nursery-grown specimens should be acclimated slowly if transitioning to brighter outdoor spots.
Water
Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. In NE Florida's heat and sandy soils, water regularly — more frequently in full sun sites. Browning leaf tips indicate drought stress or fluoride in tap water.
Soil & Fertilizer
Plant in well-drained soil amended with organic matter to retain moisture. Fertilize three times per year (spring, summer, fall) with a balanced palm fertilizer; use organic options to avoid root burn.
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Common questions
Is Cat Palm a good plant for St. Augustine?
Cat Palm is a palm for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 6-8 feet × 4-6 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed March 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.