The parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans) is one of the most popular ornamental palm species in the world. This compact species is great for beginners and ideally suited to indoor growth. Not only does it add a vibrant, tropical atmosphere to your indoor space, but it is a known air-purifier too!
Read on to learn how to grow and care for your own parlor palm houseplant.
Part of the reason for this palm’s popularity is its size. Chamaedorea elegans can reach 7 feet (2.1m) or so under ideal conditions but is usually only seen at 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9m) when grown indoors. It is a perennial tropical palm of the rainforest understory which makes it suitable for lower light situations.
This evergreen plant has thin fronds that are alternately arranged and grow from multiple thickened bamboo-like stems. Each frond is pinnately compound and typically grows 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6m) long. The parlor palm often flowers, producing a panicle of small round yellowish flowers in the spring.
These widely available plants are safe for homes with pets because they are non-toxic. They have been popular for centuries, and with so many great benefits, they are unlikely to go out of fashion any time soon. Additionally, they thrive in subtropical and tropical regions where warmth and humidity prevail
Plant Facts
| Scientific name | Chamaedorea elegans |
| Common names | Parlour palm, Neanthe Bella Parlor Palm, reed palm, miniature fish tail dwarf palm, good luck palm |
| Family | Arecaceae |
| Plant Type | Houseplant, miniature palm |
| Height and Width | 2-4ft. tall (indoors), 1–3 ft. wide (indoors) |
| Origin | Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and Guatemala in Central America (3) |
| Flower colors | Yellow, orange, red |
| Foliage color | Deep green |
| Sun Exposure | Indirect light |
| Soil Type & pH | Well-drained neutral to acidic soil |
| Special features | Air purifier |
How to Grow the Parlor Palm Plant
The parlor palm plant is an ideal indoor container plant because it is fairly slow growing and requires bright indirect light and little maintenance. These dwarf palms stay at a very manageable height, especially when grown indoors. They can, however, be grown outdoors in a shady spot if you have a tropical climate. The following information deals with their growth indoors as an indoor plant.
Propagation
While it is not possible to propagate new plants from cuttings, it is fairly easy to grow this species from seed. Unfortunately, indoor plants are only likely to produce viable seeds if you have both male and female plants in close proximity. This is because they are a dioecious plant, with different sex flowers on different plants.
Soil
Parlor palms grow best in loamy soil, which closely resembles their natural habitat. This plant requires consistent access to moisture, without its roots remaining waterlogged.
A standard well draining potting mix that contains a lot of peat or coco coir is effective. These materials have excellent moisture-retaining properties.
Pruning
Parlor palms are usually grown in clumps that actually consist of several specimens grown close together in a single container. This makes for a beautiful, full display, but some leaves on the interior will struggle to access enough light. Unhealthy leaves should not be left to die and decay on the plant as this can encourage disease, and it doesn’t look too good either!
The leaves are large and compound, and unfortunately, entire fronds must be pruned off as close to the stem as you can reach. Flower inflorescences can be removed when they lose color and begin turning brown.
Repotting and Transplanting
Repotting should only be done when strictly necessary to avoid unnecessary stress on your plant. This typically needs to be done if you have purchased the plant in an inappropriate soil medium, or if you have an established plant that has become rootbound and outgrown its container.
If you have just bought a parlor palm and do not like the look of its container, consider buying an ornamental pot that you can place the plant and container into, rather than uprooting the plant. Parlor palm plants are pretty slow-growing, which means they do not need frequent repotting. This typically only needs to be done after two or three years.
When the time comes, be sure to water the plant well the day before the transplant. Do not disturb the roots unnecessarily during the move. Make sure the new container has a drainage hole in the bottom and fill the pot with some soil before placing your palm into it. Then fill in the sides of the container with soil, being careful to close up any air spaces.
How to Care for Parlor Palm Tree
The parlor palm is a low-maintenance, beginner-friendly houseplant. Overwatering and incorrect lighting are the biggest care issues to watch out for. Read on for specific parlor palm care tips to maintain healthy palm houseplants.
Water
The parlor palms thrive an evenly moist environment, but will not tolerate being waterlogged. It is not a drought-tolerant species either, so do not allow the soil to dry out completely.Â
The amount and frequency of water the plant requires will depend on many factors like soil type, plant size, ambient temperatures, and more. The simplest way to avoid over or underwatering is to grow the plant in soil that drains well and a container that has drainage holes.
Water the plant well until water drains out of the drainage holes and then wait until the soil has dried down to a depth of an inch (2.5cm) or so before rewatering.
Sunlight
Parlor palms are adapted to growing on the understory of rainforest environments. These plants tolerate low indirect light because these naturally shady habitats do not get much direct sun light.
A bright area of the home which does not receive any direct sunlight is ideal. This could be near a north or east-facing window. A position near a west or south-facing window is suitable if the light is diffused by a sheer curtain.
Temperature and Humidity
The parlor palm tree will survive outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 10 through 12, but for growers in colder areas, this plant will need to be kept indoors.
Provide a humid environment by growing the plant on a water tray and wetting the foliage every few weeks. This can also help to control spider mites.
This species is not frost-tolerant, and regular indoor temperatures of 60-80°F (16-27°C) are ideal. Protect your plant from cold or hot dry wind and draughts.
Fertilizer
The parlor palm is a slow-growing plant that does not need to be fertilized often. You may wish to fertilize it a few times during the growing season (not more than once a month) to improve growth and vigor. Fertilizing is not necessary in the fall and winter when the plant is not actively growing.
Pest and diseases
Parlor palm trees are fairly resistant to pests but may nevertheless be affected by some common offenders like mealybugs and red spider mites. Maintaining adequate humidity can prevent mite infestations.
Overwatering can result in root rot, especially if your soil does not drain freely or the plant’s container does not have a drainage hole.
Leaves that turn yellow can be an indication of either too much light exposure or not enough water. Remember, the soil should not dry out to a depth of over an inch (2.5cm), and the plant should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
Common Varieties and Cultivars
Chamaedora elegens has not been developed into many distinct varieties. A compact form known as ‘Bella’ is the most popular.
There are other similar species in the genus that make good houseplants, however. A few of the over 100 Chamaedora species are popularly grown. These include the following:
- C. seifrizii
- C. erumpens
- C. hooperiana
FAQs
Do Parlour palms need direct sunlight?
No, Parlour palms (Chamaedorea elegans) prefer bright, indirect light. Place your plant near a window that receives plenty of natural light, but avoid direct sunlight. Too much sun can cause the yellowing leaves problem.
How often do you water a Parlour Palm?
Water them when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 1-2 weeks.
Do parlor palms like to be misted?
While they appreciate humidity, misting may not be necessary, as they can tolerate normal indoor humidity levels.
What does an overwatered Parlour Palm look like?
An overwatered parlour palm may show signs of yellowing or browning leaves, wilting, or soggy soil.
Conclusion
The parlor palm is an excellent houseplant for adding a tropical accent to your indoor environment. This species is very forgiving and easy to care for, so it is suitable for growers of any experience level. It is also pet safe and purifies the air in your home, so this is one plant with many benefits!
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References
Reference list:
North Carolina State Extension. Chamaedorea Elegans
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/chamaedorea-elegans/
Missouri Botanical Garden. Chamaedorea Elegans
https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b631
Rojas-Sandoval, J. Chamaedorea Elegans (Parlour Palm)
https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/14347
Steinkopf, L. E. Houseplants: A Guide To Choosing And Caring For Indoor Plants
Deardorff, D. & Wadsworth, K. What’s Wrong With My Houseplants? Save Your Indoor Plants With 100% Organic Solutions.
Chase, R. A., Henley, R. W. & Osborne, L. S. Chamaedorea Palm Production Guide
https://mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/foliage/folnotes/chamaed.htm
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