The Parlor Palm is one of the most popular houseplants ever, and for good reason.  These plants are easy to grow, lush, and add effortless style to a space. Parlor Palm plants are easygoing and can happily live in most conditions, but provide a certain level of care to help your plant thrive.

The Perfect Houseplant for Your Parlor

Most Parlor Palm houseplants are Chamaedorea elegans, which have been gracing people’s homes since the 1800s. The genus name ‘elegans’ is Latin for ‘elegant’ because that’s how people in the Victorian era felt about the plant. Two other varieties, Chamaedorea erumpens and Chamaedorea hooperiana, are also available. All varieties require the same care. 

This palm is native to rainforests in Southern Mexico and Guatemala. Plants in nature can stand up to 10 feet tall, but expect a houseplant to reach 6 feet at most with proper Parlor Palm care. The thin, arching stems or stalks feature pinnate foliage or long, thin leaves that grow in pairs. There is plenty of space between the leaves, and the void adds to the appeal and visual interest of the plant. The leaf pairs may be slightly offset and taper near the end. A single plant often includes several fronds, creating a full and dense look. This palm has a distinctive tropical vibe.

Parlor Palm Care

This palm prefers bright, indirect sunlight, although it can live in medium or low light. A spot near a north-facing window is often a good location. Growth slows in low light, so plan accordingly if your goal is to grow a large palm.

The ideal temperature is between 65° and 80° F. The Parlor Palm can handle temperatures colder than many other types of palms, but anything below 50° F is potentially damaging, so mind the temperature if you move the plant to a porch or patio for the summer.

Parlor Palms need rich soil that promotes drainage and has a neutral to acidic pH. Water when the potting soil is dry throughout. Plants in bright light may dry out more quickly and need water weekly, while plants in medium or low light may need water closer to every two weeks. Feel the soil to determine the ideal time to water. Avoid bottom watering because the roots absolutely dislike sitting in standing water.

Parlor Palm Fertilizer

Parlor Palms are slow-growers, but you can help speed things along with monthly fertilizer applications when the plant is actively growing in spring and summer. Use a balanced plant food and a water-soluble product that is easy to apply during routine watering sessions.

Pruning Basics

Only remove dead growth from a Parlor Palm and wait until it is dead before reaching for the pruning shears. Removing live branches will stunt growth.

Common Parlor Palm Issues

Yellow leaves are the most common issue for Parlor Palm owners. As is always the case when it comes to houseplant care, yellow leaves are either caused by too much sunlight or too much water. If the entire leaf has a pale, washed-out look, then too much light is the likely issue. If the yellow discoloration starts at the leaf tip and slowly engulfs the entire leaf, then too much water is the culprit.

Brown leaf tips or edges occur when the humidity is too low. Average humidity is acceptable for Parlor Palm plants, so low humidity is not often an issue. If a lack of humidity is a challenge, group the palm near other houseplants or use a humidifier.

Does the Parlor Palm Bloom?

Parlor Palms do bloom. As a matter of fact, this plant is known for blooming early. Most plants need to reach a specific size before they bloom, and this is why most houseplants don’t set flowers; they perpetually stay in a juvenile state. Parlor Palms have been documented blooming when the plant reaches as little as one foot tall. With that said, houseplants rarely bloom. These easy-care plants can live indoors but need an environment that closely mimics their natural habit to bloom.

For what it’s worth, the flowers do not have petals and emerge as tiny, ball-like clusters in shades of yellow or orange.

Repotting Tips 

As slow growers, plan to repot your Parlor Palm every other year at most. Handle the root ball with care because this beauty has extra delicate roots. Upgrade to a larger container as necessary.

How to Propagate Parlor Palm

If you want to expand your Parlor Palm collection, you’re better off purchasing a new plant. While this plant is super easy in most regards, propagation is the exception. Most Parlor Palm plants available for sale are grown from seed, and since houseplants practically never bloom, seeds are hard to come by. Cuttings don’t work, and the roots are so delicate that division is seldom successful. 

Is the Parlor Palm Pet Safe?

Parlor Palm, or Chamaedorea elegans, is pet-safe. The palm is non-toxic and will not harm most pets, including cats and dogs.