Parlor Palm

Overview

The Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans), also known as Neanthe Bella Palm, is a classic and beloved houseplant that has graced indoor spaces since the Victorian era. Native to the rainforests of Southern Mexico and Guatemala, this compact palm earned its common name during the Victorian period when it was a staple in formal "parlors" or living rooms, signifying elegance and prosperity.

Unlike many other palm species that can quickly outgrow indoor spaces, the Parlor Palm maintains a manageable size, typically reaching only 2-4 feet tall when grown indoors. Its slender, bamboo-like stems support delicate, feathery fronds composed of narrow leaflets, creating a graceful, airy appearance that softens interior spaces with a touch of tropical elegance.

One of the Parlor Palm's most appealing qualities is its adaptability to indoor conditions. It tolerates lower light levels better than most other palms, making it suitable for spaces where many tropical plants would struggle. This adaptability, combined with its non-toxic nature, has made it a perennial favorite for homes, offices, and public spaces.

Beyond its ornamental value, the Parlor Palm has been recognized for its air-purifying qualities. NASA's Clean Air Study identified it as effective at removing indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide, making it both beautiful and beneficial for indoor environments.

As a non-toxic plant safe for pets and humans, the Parlor Palm makes an excellent choice for households with children and animals. Its elegant appearance, adaptability to indoor conditions, and air-purifying benefits have ensured its continued popularity for over a century, making it one of the most enduring houseplants in cultivation.

Care Guide

Light Requirements

Parlor Palms are prized for their adaptability to various light conditions, particularly their tolerance of lower light levels:

• Bright indirect light: Ideal for healthy growth and more robust plants
• Medium light: Thrives well with moderate light
• Low light: Can tolerate lower light conditions better than most palms, though growth will be slower
• Direct sunlight: Avoid as it can scorch the delicate fronds

For optimal growth, place your Parlor Palm near a north or east-facing window where it will receive gentle, filtered light throughout the day. If placed near a south or west-facing window, ensure the plant is positioned several feet away from the window or protected by a sheer curtain to filter the intense direct sunlight.

The Parlor Palm's ability to tolerate lower light levels makes it perfect for interior spaces like offices, bedrooms, or areas away from windows where many other tropical plants would struggle. However, while they can survive in low light, they will grow more slowly and produce fewer fronds in these conditions.

If your Parlor Palm's fronds are becoming pale or yellowed, it may be receiving too much direct light. Conversely, if new fronds are smaller than usual or the plant seems to be growing very slowly, it might benefit from slightly brighter conditions.

Watering

Proper watering is crucial for Parlor Palms, as they prefer consistent moisture without becoming waterlogged:

Watering Schedule:

• Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings
• Typically water once every 7-10 days, depending on your home's conditions
• Reduce frequency slightly in winter when growth slows
• Increase during hot, dry periods when soil dries more quickly

Watering Technique:

• Water thoroughly until it flows from the drainage holes
• Empty the saucer to prevent the plant from sitting in water
• Water the soil directly, avoiding wetting the crown of the plant
• Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots

Water Quality:

• Parlor Palms can be sensitive to chemicals in tap water
• If possible, use rainwater, distilled water, or filtered water
• If using tap water, let it sit out overnight to allow chlorine to dissipate

Parlor Palms communicate their watering needs through their fronds. Drooping or wilting indicates underwatering, while yellowing fronds often signal overwatering. The plant prefers to dry out slightly between waterings but should never be allowed to dry out completely.

These plants are more susceptible to damage from overwatering than underwatering. When in doubt, it's better to wait another day before watering. During winter dormancy, the plant's water needs decrease significantly, so be especially careful not to overwater during this period.

Soil

Parlor Palms thrive in well-draining soil that retains some moisture:

Ideal Soil Mix:

• 2 parts quality potting soil
• 1 part perlite or pumice
• 1 part peat moss or coco coir
• Optional: Add a small handful of compost for additional nutrients

This combination creates a light, airy mix that holds moisture while still allowing excess water to drain away. The addition of perlite or pumice helps create air pockets in the soil, promoting healthy root development and preventing compaction.

Container Considerations:

• Always use pots with drainage holes
• Choose a pot that's proportional to the plant's size—Parlor Palms don't mind being slightly root-bound
• Plastic or glazed ceramic pots retain moisture better than terracotta
• Consider the mature size when selecting a container—most Parlor Palms stay relatively compact

Parlor Palms grow very slowly and don't require frequent repotting. Repot only every 2-3 years, or when the plant has clearly outgrown its container. The best time to repot is in spring during the active growing season. When repotting, handle the root ball gently to avoid damaging the delicate roots and position it at the same depth it was previously growing.

These palms actually prefer to be somewhat root-bound, so don't rush to repot them into much larger containers. When repotting, choose a pot that's only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.

Temperature & Humidity

As tropical plants, Parlor Palms have specific temperature and humidity preferences:

Temperature:

• Ideal range: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Minimum temperature: 50°F (10°C)
• Will suffer damage below 45°F (7°C)
• Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations
• Keep away from cold drafts, heating vents, and air conditioners

Humidity:

• Prefers moderate humidity (40-50%)
• Will struggle in very dry environments below 30% humidity
• Increase humidity through these methods:
  • Use a humidifier near the plant
  • Place on a humidity tray (pebble tray with water)
  • Group with other plants to create a microclimate
  • Mist occasionally, though this provides only temporary relief

While Parlor Palms appreciate higher humidity, they are more tolerant of average household humidity levels than many other tropical plants. In very dry environments, they may benefit from occasional misting or placement on a humidity tray, but they generally adapt well to normal indoor conditions.

Temperature stability is important for Parlor Palms. During winter, be especially mindful of keeping them away from cold windows and doors. Similarly, avoid placing them near heating vents, which can create hot, dry conditions that stress these moisture-loving plants.

Fertilizing

Parlor Palms have modest fertilizer requirements and can be sensitive to over-fertilization:

Fertilizing Schedule:

• Apply a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength
• Fertilize once every 2-3 months during spring and summer (active growth period)
• Do not fertilize in fall and winter when growth naturally slows
• Resume fertilizing in spring when new growth appears

Fertilizing Tips:

• Use a balanced formula (such as 10-10-10) or one specifically formulated for palms
• Liquid fertilizers are easier to control and less likely to cause fertilizer burn
• Always apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn
• Flush the soil thoroughly with water every few months to prevent salt buildup

Parlor Palms are light feeders and particularly sensitive to over-fertilization, which can cause leaf burn, brown leaf tips, or salt buildup in the soil. Signs of over-fertilization include brown or black spots on fronds, especially near the edges, and a white crust on the soil surface.

Given their slow growth rate and minimal nutritional needs, Parlor Palms can thrive with very little supplemental feeding. When in doubt, it's better to under-fertilize than over-fertilize these sensitive plants.

Propagation

Propagating Parlor Palms is challenging for home gardeners, as they primarily reproduce through seeds or division:

Division Propagation:

1. Division is best done during repotting in spring
2. Remove the plant from its pot and gently shake off excess soil
3. Look for natural divisions in the root ball where multiple stems have formed
4. Using clean, sharp scissors or a knife, carefully separate the clumps, ensuring each division has both stems and roots
5. Plant each division in its own pot with fresh soil mix
6. Water thoroughly and place in bright, indirect light
7. Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy during the establishment period
8. Avoid fertilizing for at least a month after division

Seed Propagation: Seed propagation is rarely practiced by home gardeners due to the extremely slow growth rate, specialized conditions required, and difficulty obtaining fresh, viable seeds. Commercial growers typically handle seed propagation of Parlor Palms.

Important Propagation Notes:

• Division is only possible when the plant has naturally produced multiple stems
• Not all Parlor Palms will produce multiple stems, limiting division opportunities
• Unlike many houseplants, Parlor Palms cannot be propagated from stem cuttings or leaf cuttings
• Handle the roots with extreme care during division to avoid damage
• Expect some stress response after division, such as frond browning or wilting
• Provide extra humidity during the recovery period
• Be patient—divided plants may take several months to show new growth

Division is the most accessible method for home gardeners to propagate Parlor Palms, though opportunities may be limited. If your plant hasn't produced multiple stems, the best way to get another Parlor Palm is to purchase a new plant.

Common Problems

While Parlor Palms are generally resilient, they can experience several common issues:

Brown Leaf Tips and Edges:

• Cause: Low humidity, underwatering, or fertilizer buildup
• Solution: Increase humidity, adjust watering schedule, and flush soil occasionally to remove mineral buildup

Yellowing Fronds:

• Cause: Overwatering is the most common cause, though normal aging of older fronds also produces yellowing
• Solution: Reduce watering frequency, ensure proper drainage, and remove only completely yellow fronds

Pale or Bleached Fronds:

• Cause: Too much direct sunlight
• Solution: Move to a location with filtered, indirect light

Leggy Growth:

• Cause: Insufficient light causing the plant to stretch toward light sources
• Solution: Move to a brighter location (still avoiding direct sun)

Pests:

• Spider Mites: Tiny pests that cause stippling on fronds and fine webbing, particularly in dry conditions
• Mealybugs: White, cotton-like clusters in leaf joints and on stems
• Scale: Small brown bumps on fronds and stems that don't scrape off easily
• Solution: Increase humidity (for spider mites), wipe fronds with insecticidal soap or neem oil, isolate affected plants

Root Rot:

• Cause: Overwatering, poor drainage, or compacted soil
• Symptoms: Wilting despite moist soil, yellowing fronds, mushy stems, foul smell
• Solution: Reduce watering, ensure proper drainage, and in severe cases, unpot the plant, trim affected roots, and repot in fresh soil

Slow or No Growth:

• Cause: Normal for Parlor Palms, which are extremely slow-growing
• Solution: No action needed unless accompanied by other symptoms of distress

Leaf Spot Diseases:

• Cause: Fungal or bacterial infection, often from water on fronds in cool conditions
• Symptoms: Brown or black spots on fronds, sometimes with yellow halos
• Solution: Avoid wetting fronds, improve air circulation, remove affected fronds, and treat with appropriate fungicide if necessary

Most Parlor Palm problems can be prevented with proper care focused on appropriate light, consistent moisture without overwatering, and adequate humidity. Regular inspection helps catch issues early when they're easier to address.

Popular Varieties

While the standard Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans) is the most commonly available variety, there are a few related species and variations:

Chamaedorea elegans (Standard Parlor Palm)

• The classic form with delicate, feathery fronds
• Compact growth habit, typically reaching 2-4 feet indoors
• Slender, bamboo-like stems
• Most commonly available in nurseries and garden centers

Chamaedorea elegans 'Bella'

• A more compact form of the standard Parlor Palm
• Denser growth habit
• Smaller overall size, making it perfect for tabletops and small spaces
• Same care requirements as the standard form

Chamaedorea seifrizii (Bamboo Palm)

• Related species with more upright, bamboo-like stems
• Larger and more robust than C. elegans
• Can reach 5-7 feet tall indoors
• Requires similar care but needs more space

Chamaedorea metallica (Metallic Palm)

• Distinctive bluish-green, undivided leaves
• More unusual appearance than the feathery Parlor Palm
• Slower growing and more difficult to find
• Requires similar care to Parlor Palm but slightly higher humidity

Chamaedorea ernesti-augusti (Fishtail Palm)

• Unique fishtail-shaped leaflets
• More architectural appearance
• Rarer in cultivation than C. elegans
• Requires similar care but slightly higher humidity

Chamaedorea cataractarum (Cat Palm)

• Bushier growth habit than Parlor Palm
• Wider fronds with broader leaflets
• Can reach 4-6 feet tall indoors
• Requires similar care but slightly more water

Multi-Stem Specimens:

• Standard Parlor Palms with multiple stems planted together
• Creates a fuller, more lush appearance
• Often sold as larger, more mature specimens
• Same care requirements as single-stem plants

For most home gardeners, the standard Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans) is the most readily available and easiest to grow. These palms offer the classic, elegant appearance and adaptability to indoor conditions that have made them popular for generations.

With their graceful appearance, adaptability to indoor conditions, and relatively easy care requirements, Parlor Palms make excellent houseplants for both beginning and experienced plant enthusiasts. Their ability to tolerate lower light levels makes them versatile options for various indoor spaces, bringing a touch of tropical elegance to any home or office.