Cat Palm

Chamaedorea cataractarum

• Other common names Cascade Palm, Cataract Palm, Cattail Palm, Mexican Hat Palm
• Small palm tree
• Cold hardy
• Low-maintenance
• Can be grown indoors or out

The Cat Palm is a small, attractive clumping palm without a trunk, and this tropical beauty is also an excellent choice for planting near swimming pools, ponds or streams! Native to Mexico, Chamaedorea cataractarum (botanical name), can also be used as an indoor houseplant in a bright room, such as a sunroom, though it shines in the landscape when used as a backdrop for other tropical plants. We like to plant them with the Bismarck Palm, where they can be used to create one of the lushest privacy hedges you can find! We also like to use them as an attractive understory plant and in borders.

This Chamaedorea has many versatile uses, whether grown indoors or out. If used as an indoor houseplant, the Cat Palm will thrive in a room with plenty of bright light. Outdoors, this plant prefers to grow in a spot with shade to partial shade exposure. These are cold hardy palms and may be the toughest of all the Chamaedorea. With its graceful dark green and glossy tropical foliage, it is easy to see why this is a favorite plant, indoors or out!

Chamaedorea cataractarum is a slow growing plant, so if you want the characteristics of a mature Cat Palm, buy as big as you can. Moon Valley Nurseries grows and nurtures them in our local climate so that they are ready to thrive in any landscape! We also grow the palms, trees, and other plants that are the perfect complement to this small palm tree! Visit any of our Houston nursery locations, and we will be glad to help you handpick what you need to realize your landscaping goals!

We are your one-stop shop! We design, deliver and you can relax while our professional planting crew does all the work!