Once I get rid of the HORRIBLE case of mealybugs, I'd like to repot it - my question is, can I bury the spindly part of the stem? It has little nubs up and down it that look as if they'd like to form roots, but I just don't know enough about this type of plant yet to know for sure.

I'm told that it came as a seedling in a floral arrangement in the early 1980's - it's almost 3 feet tall, and I sure would like to help it come back if I can.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

This is a single plant, single stem. I do have a pot of multiple small seedlings that I picked up at Target and have just been loving (it's what prompted the original owner of the bigger one to give it to me). Funny thing, I just checked the tag that came with the seedlings, and it says "Dwarf Palm, Neanthe Bella" and also "Chamaedorea elegans" (not from memory, looking at tag, not as spelling-brave as you lol).

So! C. elegans for both, I think. I had already repotted the babies, so I know they're definitely separate plants. I'll go research further - Thanks for the info!! - Jules

Just finished the first round of the Mealybug War, and had to pull off some of the old dried leaf bases to get at them. At the base of where the stem starts to grow thicker, there is a ring of what looks like fat little rootlets.

Can I, can I, huh? I'd love to see this guy growing straight and tall (the bottom half of the trunk has an L-bend in it, so the palm is sortof laying over).

And what should I feed the little darling? - whoops, never mind that one. I'll go check FAQ's.

Thanks for any help! - J.

Also I only fed mine miracle gro once and have had it since a seedling. Its been five years and its about 3-4 feet tall and fruits every year just intime for christmas.