The Neanthe Bella Palm is widely grown and sold in the trade as a
A viewer on Youtube requested that I do a vlog on the Neanthe Bella Palm care so I’m finally getting around to it.
When I was an interior
Neanthe Bella Palm care tips here:
The info’s in the video but here’s the shortened version of what you need to know:
Light:
Low to medium. It does better & grows more in medium light but will tolerate lower levels.
Water:
Temperature:
Fertilizer:
Once in the spring will do it. Organix RX is a good organic fertilizer for houseplants.
Update: Read about my worm compost/compost feeding right here.
Here’s the skinny on the Neanthe Bella Palm as a houseplant: it comes with good news and bad news.
The bad news is, this plant is subject to spider mites and is sure to get them especially when you turn the heat on. We replaced oodles of these palms in offices because once the infestation gets bad, it’s hard to control. You can find out how to get the upper hand on this insect and others in my book Keep Your Houseplants Alive.
Most palms, like the Kentia, Bamboo
You can see the Neanthe Bella in the back of this massive basket garden I’m holding.
Here are some babies – the grower uses this size in smaller dish gardens.
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Thank you very much these care tips were very helpful. I have a Neanthe Bella and I needed some advice and I got it so thanks so much.
Glad to hear that Ethan. They’re really easy to maintain but just your eyes open for spider mites. It’s usually an issue at some point. Here’s a post & video on spider mites I did: https://www.joyusgarden.com/plant-pests-spider-mites-whiteflies/ Nell
I’ve had my neanthe belle for just over 3 yrs and it is rewarding me this winter with a few flower stalks! No tiny flowers just yet, but I’m sure they’ll pop out soon. These palms have become my favorite houseplant. They are so graceful & delicate looking and I’ve had many friends & family comment on how beautiful they are. The plant that’s flowering was purchased thru the mail, so didn’t know for sure what condition it would arrive in, but it was just fine & has been flourishing.
Oh that’s great to hear Doris. Many people have a harder time with them because of the issue with spider mites. I love it when palms flower indoors! Nell
Exactly how does a neantha belle aquire spider mites?
Melanie – A few ways: mites or their eggs can already be on the plant, they can travel from plant to plant, & they hitchhike in on us. Nell
I have this plant, the palm. It is in a pot I believe needs to be repotted to a bigger pot. Can I break them up into two so I have two separate pots.
Thank you for your time.
Cheers
Yes you can. I’ve never done it but was told it could change the appearance of the palm a bit. Nell
Could you use house plant liquid to mix with water also.
Yes Dan, you could. Depending on the strength of the fertilizer, you might dilute it to half strength. 1 fertilizing in spring & another in summer should do the trick. Nell
Can this palm be placed outside in the summer months? My front porch faces north and I live in the Midwest.
Hi Becky – Yes you can. With a north exposure, it shouldn’t get any direct sun. Just make sure to spray the entire plant off well with water before bringing it back indoors. Nell
Hi Nell –
The leaves on my neanthe bella seem to slowly be turning light brown.
I am guessing it has something to do with what has been inconsistent watering of late…..either too much or too little. . Only other guess is too much hot summer sun?
Would appreciate your advice.
Thanks so much
Hi Sarah – It could be a watering issue, usually from too much water. They don’t like to be in direct, hot sun & that’ll cause burn. It could also lack of humidity or spider mites, which NBPs are prone too. I don’t have a definite answer because I can’t see it but those reasons will give you something to go on. Here’s a piece on spider mites: https://www.joyusgarden.com/plant-pests-spider-mites-whiteflies/ Nell
I purchased a small neanthe bella palm and traveled with it while it was in a plastic bag. I am now home and need to pot it but am concerned about what soil medium I should use. I would appreciate your help.
Hi Sandra – You want a loamy, well drained mix for your NBP. Nell
I accidentally left my Bella palm outside in the scorching sun and now half the plant is colorless (albino). Should I clip those leaves off or let the plant heal?
Eve – Once the leaves are sunburned, they’re gone. Nell
Hi Nell, my palm’s new leaves have been growing with the sides curled inward (kinda like an upside down taco). Any idea why that is? Thanks in advance!
Corey – I’ve never seen that on a Neanthe Bella Palm before. Have you checked to make sure it doesn’t have spider mites? Nell
Hi Nell, I just checked, no spider mites.
How do I prevent spider mites?! I am now throughly disgusted and petrified!
Hi Jenny – Neanthebella Palms are very prone to spider mites. They’re tough to prevent especially when the heat comes on in winter. Keep your eye out for them & treat as soon as you see them. Nell