Cat Palm
Chamaedorea cataractarum
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Jul 19, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
Similar needs
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Maidenhair Fern
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Mecardonia
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Palm Grass
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Southern Wood Fern
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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.