Chamadoreas have several attributes that give them their popularity. Their tremendous diversity is exemplified in the vast array of species with large or small and pinnate or bifid leaves. Such great diversity is also reflected in stems that may be solitary or clustered, slender or somewhat stout, and relatively long or short, or sometimes even lacking. Plants can be dwarf, and flowering and fruiting when no more than 30 cm tall, or moderately large, with stems to 15 meters long. In fact, just about every conceivable combination of leaf and stem is represented somewhere in the genus.

Their great ornamental value is due to the diversity mentioned above and several other factors. Being relatively small palms, they are much more manageable and better suited to average residential landscapes. With few exceptions, Chamadoreas are easy to grow and are not particularly susceptible to pests and diseases. They are amazingly cold-hardy; in fact, most species will tolerate 0C(32F) without sustaining damage and a few species will not show damage as low as 5C(23F). Chamadoreaincludes about 100 species of dioecious (i.e. separate male and female plants-Ed.), understory palms restricted to neotropical rainforests and cloud forests on the Atlantic and Pacific slopes from western and eastern Mexico through Central America to northwestern Ecuador, and the Amazonian portions of Colombia, western Brazil, eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, and northern Bolivia.

A young example of a "Palour Palm" these belong to the Feather Palm group often favored as an indoor plant.

Chamaedorea seifrizii is a taller grower with a slender cane holding the leaves. It is ideal when an upright effect is needed in a corner or against a wall towards the back of other lower plants. It is slow growing inside and will last for long periods for you. As a garden plant even in full sun Chamaedorea seifrizii is an ideal choice for a clumping palm in garden beds. In a garden situation it will grow to 2.5 metres.

Chamaedorea are rewarding plants so long as a few well proven rules are followed. They do not like to be too wet so attention to watering, varying as to time of year, is important. Do not ever stand the plants in water, it generally results in root rot and eventual death. Keep the foliage wiped free from dust which otherwise blocks up the stomata preventing the plants from breathing.  Lastly, the only real pest to watch for is mites. These minute insects which are too small to see with the naked eye can sometimes be a problem. Keep a close watch for light changes in colour under the leaves. If you see any wipe the leaves thoroughly above and below between two pieces of old towel which has been moistened. In early stages this can be successful. Also change the plant position to a slightly darker place in your home. An insecticide from your local nursery centre would be used for persistent outbreaks.