Chamaedorea metallica is also known as Metal Palm, Metallica Palm and Miniature Fishtail Palm. It looks rather different to other palms, with its wide, stiff, ‘fish-tail’ shaped leaves on a single stemmed trunk. The leaves are dark blue-green with a metallic lustre, almost like gun metal. This metallic sheen is most noticeable when the plant is in shade. Metallica palms occasionally flower, producing fascinating spikes of red, purple, or orange flowers that develop into small black, inedible fruits.
Horty Hints
Queen of the night! This palm is very shade tolerant. Placing it in a deeply-shaded location will cause the leaves to turn a dark greeny-black with a metallic sheen.
Green is good! Leaves yellowing at the tips can be a sign of overwatering.
Shade-seeker! This palm prefers to stay away from direct sunlight. Find a space with bright, indirect light or a nice shaded area for best results.