The parlor palm is the quintessential houseplant – the proof is right in the name. Growing a parlor palm tree indoors is ideal because it grows very slowly and thrives in low-light and cramped spaces. It’s also an excellent air purifier. Keep reading to learn how to care for a parlor palm plant.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Chamaedorea elegans, the neanthe bella palm or parlour palm, is a species of small palm tree native to the rainforests in Southern Mexico and Guatemala. The parlor palm is one of the most extensively sold houseplant palms in the world. It is one of several species with leaves that are harvested as xate.
This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
A woody, rhizomatous plant with a slender green trunk, it is found in tropical areas and grows to 2–3 m (6 ft 7 in – 9 ft 10 in) tall (rarely to 4–5 m (13–16 ft). It has 1.2 centimetres (1⁄2 in)-long ringed stigma, punctured crescent-shaped leaves, erect buds, and flexible tubular stems without spines with generally pinnate foliage. The crown carries 3-10 long-leaf pinnate leaves (more when mature). A remarkable feature of this species is the early age of the onset of flowering, with some plants blooming with a height of only 30 centimetres (12 in).
The small, light yellow, yellow, or orange-red odorous flowers appear on irregularly branched petioles that grow below or among the leaf. They emerge from the trunk as lateral buds and open in the form of clusters of small balls without petals. These have a certain resemblance to those of the mimosa. Occasionally, pea-sized berries develop after flowering, which are 6mm in diameter, and dark, collected in paniculate inflorescences.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Indoors as a houseplant, parlor palm grows well in bright filtered light, like what you’d get at a south- or west-facing window with a sheer curtain. But this adaptable plant also tolerates low light and can thrive in spaces with east- or north-facing windows.
Outdoor parlor palms also love lots of light but will welcome some shade from the high afternoon sun (which can scorch the fronds).
Temperature and Humidity
Most palms need temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit to thrive and parlor palms are no exception. They are happiest when temperatures are between 65 and 80 degrees, but can tolerate short cold or hot bouts. If the weather is fair and warm, indoor parlor palms can be moved outdoors in the summer. Just be sure to protect them from direct sun, which will scorch their leaves. Choose a shaded outdoor location and water daily in hot, dry conditions. Move your plant back indoors when night temperatures fall below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Freezing conditions are likely to cause irreparable damage or death.
Whether grown indoors or outdoors, parlor palms enjoy a warm, humid environment that mimics the climate of a tropical forest. If your humidity levels indoors are below 40%, consider misting the plant 3 to 4 times per week or setting the pot on a tray of wet pebbles to increase the environmental humidity.
Watering
Like many palms, parlor palms are sensitive to overwatering and cannot tolerate being waterlogged or sitting in a saturated potting mix. Ideally, keep moisture at an even level.
Err on the side of slightly too dry rather than overwatering. Water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry. Yellow fronds will indicate the plant needs more water.
Soil
Indoors, any high-quality peat-based potting mix will suffice. Be careful not to let the mixture break down and become spongy. Outdoors, this palm will grow well in almost any soil—sand, loamy, or clay—but does not tolerate salty soil.
Fertilizing
Feed with a weak liquid fertilizer once or twice during the growing season and not at all during the winter. These plants are light feeders.
Planting Instructions
If you are planting your parlor palm indoors, you can do it any time of the year. Choose a container with excellent drainage that is just an inch or two bigger than the plant’s root system and fill it with a high-quality, well-draining potting mix that is acidic to slightly alkaline (with a pH between 6.0 to 7.8). Avoid using very deep or very large containers. Parlor palms have shallow root systems and like to be snug in their pot.
Outdoor-grown parlor palms should be planted in the spring. To plant your parlor palm outdoors, dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and make sure it is clear of rocks and debris. Place the plant in the hole and hold it steady as you backfill with soil halfway. Water the surrounding soil well and continue filling the hole. When you finish, the top of the root ball should sit at the same level as the surrounding soil. Tamp down the soil, add a 2-to-3-inch layer of mulch (to help the soil maintain its moisture), and water deeply again.
Pruning
While you may remove fronds that have dried, browned, or yellowed, do not prune the parlor palm. This will stop its growth and is not necessary in caring for palm trees of this type.
Propagation
Parlor palms are not easy to propagate, but it can be done via division or seed. If you choose to propagate via division, know that both the parent plant and new division will likely suffer a period of shock. When you repot your palm, find a stem or clump that has a system of roots attached and work it away from the main stem or cut it away with a sharp blade. Place the newly separated plant in a small container, water it well, and keep it in a warm, bright area until it adapts to the new environment. If need be, you can add some stabilizing stakes.
If you have palm parlor seeds or your palm produced seeds, you can collect them. Parlor palm seed viability decreases quickly after the fruits are harvested, so plan to collect and plant more than you think you will need. Start by soaking the seeds for 2 to 7 days in a container of warm water that is kept warm by placing the container on a heating mat or other source of continuous warmth. Change the water daily and watch for the seed coats to crack.
Next, nick the outer shell of the seeds with a knife and plant them just below the surface in a small container filled with well-draining potting mix. Wrap the container in a plastic bag and place it in a bright, sunlit area (but out of direct light). Keep the soil warm (between 85- and 95-degrees Fahrenheit) and evenly moist as the seeds germinate—which may take several months.
Potting and Repotting
Palm trees are prone to stress from repotting, so it’s best to only repot your palm when it grows rootbound or needs a soil refresh (most likely every 2 to 3 years). If it becomes rootbound, you’ll see roots coming out of the bottom of the pot. To check, lift the plant from its pot to peek at the roots every few months.
When needed, repot your palm into a container that is just 2 or 3 inches larger in diameter than the previous container. A much larger container could cause transplant shock. Prepare your new container by adding a layer of soil, remove the palm from its old container, and tease apart the roots. Lower the palm into the new pot and fill in the rest of the soil while holding the palm steady. Fill in the air pockets by tamping down the soil as you work. If necessary, you can stake your palm to keep it steady. Water immediately and deeply and place the plant back in a bright, warm location.
Pests and Diseases
Common Pests & Diseases
Parlor palms are vulnerable to pests including aphids, mealy bugs, scale, and whitefly.2 If possible, identify the infestation early. Fungal leaf spots and root rot can occur from moisture issues such as overwatering.
If you’ve found pests, wipe down the leaves with mild soap and water, then treat them with an organic insecticide. With fungal growth, remove the affected leaves.
Common Problems
The parlor palm is beloved for its easy going nature, adaptability, and ease for first-time plant owners, but that doesn’t mean it is completely free from issues. Here are a few of the parlor palm’s common problems and how to solve them.
Browning Leaf Tips
Browning leaf tips are often caused by either exposure to too much sunlight or underwatering. While parlor palms adapt easily to low light, make sure you don’t go in the other direction with too much light. Place them in a north-facing room and water adequately.
Yellowing Leaves
Similarly, yellowing leaves can also be caused by too much sunlight and, again, it’s an easy fix. Just move to a place with less direct light!
However, yellowing can also occur from overwatering. Make sure you let the soil dry out between watering.
Root Rot
Root rot can occur following overwatering. In this case, try to save the healthy roots by cutting off the impacted roots. Once you’ve transplanted the parlor palm, make sure not to overwater or you could face root rot again.
Stem Cankers
Stem cankers can be difficult to treat, particularly in a parlor palm, which can’t be significantly pruned. Attempt to cut off the affected area, but know that it may be too late at this point to save the plant.
III. Types of Parlor Palms
C. elegans is the most popular type of parlor palm. It’s native to Mexico and Central America and is sometimes used in dish gardens.
- C. erumpens is a bamboo palm that originates slightly further south than C. elegans and is a bit larger, with more fan-like leaves.
- C. hooperiana is a newer variety that resembles a kentia palm with its large, dramatic palm-shaped leaves. It’s a vigorous plant that’s easy to grow.
IV. Uses and Benefits
Although more popular indoors, parlor palm is sometimes used outdoors in container gardens and shady tropical yards, providing greening in borders and foundations. It has long been appreciated for its tall, attractive green fronds and its adaptability against temperature changes and general hardiness. This plant must be sheltered from direct sunlight, so tropical shade trees such as mahogany make the perfect companions.
Keeping a parlor palm in your home helps purify and clean the air, adds humidity, and provides an attractive touch of green.
Find Where to Buy the Best Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
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