Chamaedorea oblongata
 
Common Names Tepejilote, Caquib, Xate Macho, Pacayita, Palmilla
 
Zones 9B–11
 
A slender, solitary palm native to moist lowland forests across southern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and Nicaragua, Chamaedorea oblongata is prized for its elegant, glossy foliage and adaptability to indoor and shaded garden conditions. Its leathery, lance-shaped leaflets and compact form make it a favorite among collectors of xate palms.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Solitary; upright; occasionally decumbent
Height: 3–10 ft (1–3 m)
Trunk: Smooth, green; 1–2.5 cm diameter; ringed with leaf scars
Leaves: Pinnate; 5–9 leaflets per side; leathery; deep green and glossy above, paler below; lanceolate to rhombic-oblong; up to 40 cm long
Petiole: 15–30 cm; slightly grooved above, rounded below
Inflorescence: Infrafoliar; erect-spreading; 20–70 cm long; dioecious—male and female flowers on separate plants
Fruit: Small berries; reddish orange when ripe
Ecology: Found in wet limestone forests up to 350 m elevation; often near streams or on shaded slopes
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Indirect light to part shade; avoid direct sun
Watering: Keep soil evenly moist; reduce in winter
Soil: Well-draining; mix of peat, leaf mold, and coarse sand
Temperature: Ideal range 65–80°F (18–27°C); protect below 45°F
Humidity: High; mist regularly indoors
Propagation: By seed; slow germination; dioecious—requires both sexes for fruit
Tolerance: Sensitive to dry air and overwatering; may attract mealybugs or spider mites indoors
 
Landscape Use Excellent for shaded gardens, tropical understory plantings, and indoor containers. Its refined foliage pairs well with ferns, Calathea, and other shade-loving ornamentals.