How to Grow and Care for a Parlor Palm

The Parlor Palm, or Chamaedorea elegans, is a distinguished houseplant native to the rainforests of Southern Mexico and Guatemala. It became a staple of interior decor during the Victorian era, earning its common name from its ability to thrive in the dim, filtered light of parlors. The plant’s elegant, arching fronds, composed of many slender leaflets, create a lush, tropical appearance. This palm’s compact size makes it a versatile addition to many indoor spaces.

Parlor Palm Care Guide

Light

Proper lighting is important for a Parlor Palm. These plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight, such as the light from an east-facing window or a spot several feet from a south-facing window. While they are tolerant of lower light levels, insufficient light will cause growth to slow considerably. Direct, harsh sunlight can scorch the fronds, leading to yellowing or brown, burnt patches.

Water

Parlor Palms are sensitive to both overwatering and underwatering. Water the plant when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feel dry. Moisten the soil evenly but do not saturate it, and empty any excess water from the saucer to prevent the roots from sitting in water. Overwatering is a common problem that can lead to root rot. Using filtered or distilled water is beneficial, as these palms can be sensitive to chemicals found in tap water.

Soil

A well-draining, peaty soil-based potting mix is necessary for a Parlor Palm. You can create a suitable mixture by combining one part peat moss, one part pine bark, and one part coarse sand. This combination ensures adequate aeration and drainage for the root system.

Temperature and Humidity

These palms prefer indoor temperatures from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 27°C). They can tolerate a minimum temperature of about 50°F (10°C) but are not frost-tolerant and must be protected from cold drafts. Parlor Palms appreciate average to high humidity. To increase moisture, you can mist the plant, place it on a pebble tray with water, or use a humidifier.

Fertilizer

A Parlor Palm benefits from feeding during its spring and summer growing season. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half-strength, once a month. Do not fertilize during the fall and winter when growth slows. After repotting, wait at least two months before fertilizing to allow the plant to acclimate.

Growth and Repotting

The Parlor Palm is a slow-growing plant indoors, reaching a maximum height of 2 to 6 feet over several years. This modest growth rate means it does not require frequent repotting. A Parlor Palm will only need to be moved to a new pot every two to three years, or when it shows clear signs of being root-bound.

You will know it is time to repot when you see roots emerging from the drainage holes or when the plant’s growth has stalled despite proper care. Select a new container that is only about 2 inches wider in diameter than the current one. This prevents the pot from holding excess soil moisture, which can increase the risk of root rot.

To repot the palm, gently remove it from its current pot, being careful not to damage the root ball. Place fresh potting mix in the new container and position the palm so the top of the root ball sits at the same level as it did in the original pot. Fill in the surrounding space with more potting mix, gently firming it around the roots. Water the plant thoroughly after repotting and allow it to adjust before resuming your fertilizer routine.

Pruning and Maintenance

Parlor Palms do not require extensive pruning, as maintenance is focused on keeping the plant looking neat. The primary task involves removing any fronds that have turned yellow or brown as they age, which is a natural process. Use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or shears to cut the entire stem off at the base of the plant.

If you notice the tips of the leaves have turned brown, you can trim off just these tips to improve the plant’s appearance. Use sharp scissors to snip away the dead portion, following the natural shape of the leaf. Be careful to cut only the brown tissue and avoid cutting into the healthy green part, as this can cause a new brown edge to form.

Beyond trimming, maintenance includes periodically wiping the leaves with a damp cloth. This removes dust that can accumulate on the fronds, which improves the plant’s appearance and helps it photosynthesize more efficiently. Cleaning the leaves also allows you to inspect the plant for early signs of pests.

Common Parlor Palm Problems

Spider mites are a frequent issue for Parlor Palms, as these pests thrive in the warm, dry conditions found indoors. You might notice fine webbing on the plant or a stippled, faded appearance on the leaves. Increasing humidity around the plant and regularly wiping down the fronds can help prevent them.

Widespread yellowing of the leaves is often a sign of overwatering, though some yellowing is natural as older fronds die off. If you notice multiple leaves turning yellow, check the soil moisture and allow the top few inches to dry out completely before watering again. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage to prevent water from pooling at the roots.

Browning of leaf tips is a symptom of low humidity, underwatering, or a buildup of salts in the soil from tap water and fertilizer. The air in many homes is too dry for these rainforest natives. Regular misting or using a humidifier can help alleviate this issue.

Is the Parlor Palm Toxic?

For households with pets or small children, plant safety is a concern. The Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans) is an excellent choice, as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) considers it non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. While it is best to prevent pets from chewing on any houseplant, ingesting parts of a Parlor Palm is not expected to cause harm.