Cat palms: a full-to-ground mini palm that fluffs up Sarasota landscapes in a big way.

Cat palms
Fluffy cat palms and burgundy Ti plants frame a regal row of variegated Shell Ginger.

Cat palms should be nicknamed the “What’s Not to Like?” palm. These easy-care, pint-size tropicals will flounce into your landscape, all feathery and fluffy, and fill in your smaller spaces with instant style and flair.

Cat palms
Cat palms, or Chamaedorea cataractarum, do best in shade and require regular watering. These cat palms are the perfect backdrop for other shade-loving tropicals.

Versatility galore: Where to plant your cat palms

Often confused with Areca palms (which grow taller with yellow leaf stems), cat palms grow to about six feet, making them an ideal choice for privacy near windows, along raised decks, by entryways or as ”stairsteps” in front of tall plantings or behind small ones. Since they like shade/filtered shade, they’ll also do well under trees or taller palms. ArtisTree landscape designers will also use them as a hedge along a fence or as a small screen around a lanai (come out at least three feet and plant three feet apart to fill in). These clustering palms make nice corner accents and air-conditioner screens, too.

Cat palms
These cat palms help screen an AC unit and are paired with variegated Arboricola.

Caring for your cat palms

While cat palms will tolerate partial shade, they do best in shaded areas with regular irrigation. Keep in mind they don’t like “wet feet” and will suffer with too much water. Fertilize in spring, summer and fall — more often if necessary to retain their rich green color. Trim stems as needed (close to the ground) to keep their nice rounded shape.  Their small size, versatility and low maintenance requirements might make cat palms the perfect choice for your Florida landscape!

Cat palms
Nothing prettier than seeing small clustering palms paired with bright annuals.

What’s your landscape style preference — Florida beachy, traditional formal or a cozy cottage feel? Regardless, contact ArtisTree Landscape Maintenance & Design to meet with one of our award-winning designers. 941.488.8897, ext. 312.

Call ArtisTree Landscape 941.488.8897

ArtisTree HOA landscape maintenance

To get your landscape renovation started now, browse ArtisTree’s portfolio and then call Jenni Lassen at 941.488.8897, ext. 312, to meet with one of our award-winning designers. We proudly serve Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties.

ArtisTree also provides complete landscape maintenance services for HOA communities throughout Southwest Florida. Contact Michael Casper at 941.488.8897, ext. 321, for your custom proposal.  

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