The Cat Palm (Chamaedorea cataractarum) is a lush, trunkless clumping palm that forms a dense fountain of glossy green fronds — one of the best palms for shaded beds and soft, tropical foundation plantings in South Florida. Native to streamside habitats in southern Mexico, it stays low, full, and tidy.
Why Florida Customers Choose Us
Cat Palm Breakdown
Appearance:
Many slender green stems rising from a tight clump, each carrying arching, feathery fronds with narrow, glossy leaflets.
Mature clumps are full to the ground, giving a bushy, fern-like look. Small yellow flower stalks and dark fruit appear on older plants.
Growth Rate:
Slow to moderate.
Clumps thicken steadily but never get tall.
Size:
3–6 feet tall and 4–6 feet wide at maturity.
Available in 7-gallon, 15-gallon, and 25-gallon.
Sunlight Requirements:
Shade to part shade.
Fronds scorch and yellow in hot afternoon sun — plant it under tree canopy, on the north or east side of the house, or beneath taller palms.
Water Needs:
Moderate to high.
Likes consistently moist, well-drained soil; it is a water-loving palm and wilts in prolonged drought.
Soil Preferences:
Rich, moist, well-drained soil with organic matter; mulch to hold moisture.
Maintenance:
Low.
Remove old brown fronds at the base. Feed with palm fertilizer 2–3 times a year to keep the color deep green.
Landscape Use:
Shade accent, foundation plantings, understory beneath trees and tall palms, poolside and courtyard beds, low screens in shade, and large containers on covered lanais.
Climate Tolerance:
USDA zones 10a–11.
Takes brief dips to about 28°F with minor leaf damage.
If you have a shady spot that needs a full, green, tropical fill, the Cat Palm is the easy answer — plant three for a bed that looks finished in a season.
Florida Delivery Available
We have in-stock Cat Palm ready to ship throughout Florida. Multiple sizes available with professional installation options. Order online or text/call 561-898-2028 for expert advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Plant & Care for Cat Palm in Florida
Choose Sun + Clearance
Palms prefer full to partial sun. Allow room for frond spread and future trunk growth.
Plant Slightly High
Dig a wide hole and plant with the root ball level to slightly above grade. Palms do not like being buried.
Backfill + Water In
Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly to settle. Avoid compacting too aggressively.
Consistent Watering (Critical)
Water deeply and consistently during the first few weeks. Most palm issues come from under-watering early on.
Fertilizer + Pruning
Remove only fully brown fronds. Apply a slow-release palm fertilizer after the palm has settled in.
Professional Installation Available: Not comfortable planting yourself? We offer expert installation services throughout Florida. Our team has 15+ years of experience ensuring your plants thrive. Call 561-898-2028 to add installation to your order.
What Florida Customers Say
No need to look any further than Dino's Palms :) Incredible website - very easy to use. After a few minutes with fantastic pricing, I purchased what was needed and sent the order. Received an immediate reply and a subsequent date for installation. The tree was as described - the installer was professional and thorough even cleaning where some dirt had fallen in the street. Will deal again Highly recommend / easy 5 Stars - thank you!!!
I bought 12 plants. All in excellent condition. Good size. Delivery was on time. Thank you. I recommend it.
Great price for plants with delivery in PBC. They also did the install and did a great job! I ordered Saturday and had everything in by end of Tuesday. They were quick, upfront with pricing, reasonable and the plants are healthy and gorgeous. Highly recommend!
