Plants 101

Parlor Palm Plant Care Guide

The Parlor Palm plant is easy to maintain and grow, you only need to know these basic tips. Learn how to care for the Parlor Palm!

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Parlor Palm Plant Care Guide
Learn how to care for the Parlor Palm!

Chamaedorea elegans, also known as the Neanthe Bella Parlor Palm, is one of our favorite true palms. Parlor Palms are native to subtropical and tropical regions of the Americas. With the right care and many, many repottings, the Parlor Palm can grow to well over six feet tall. But do not repot more than 2-3 years, as they don’t like their roots to be disturbed. Although in the same family as coconuts and dates, which produce edible fruit from flowers at the top of the plant, this plant produces inedible fruit from flowers at the base of the plant. Cultivated since the Victorian era, this species of palm is prized for its resilience to indoor conditions and reliable habit.

This palm is also called the Bamboo Palm because it has attractive bamboo-like stems that also spread similarly to bamboo. The Parlor Palm is a wonderfully graceful indoor plant that is easy to maintain and grow.

General Care

 

Sunlight

Thrives in medium to bright indirect light and can tolerate low indirect light. Not suited for intense, direct sun.

Water

Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. Expect to water more often in brighter light and less often in lower light. 

Humidity

Normal to higher humidity. 

Temperature

Average home temperature of 65°F-75°F or warmer up to 85°F. If you’re comfortable, the Parlor Palm is comfortable.

Size

A well cared for Parlor Palm can reach 10 - 12’ tall.

Common Problems

SYMPTOM: Brown, crispy tips

CAUSE: Thirsty plant, low humidity 

SYMPTOM: Yellowing leaves, black stems

CAUSE: Overwatered

Precautions

This plant is not toxic to pets and has air-purifying qualities.

Words By The Sill

Empowering all people to be plant people—a collection of articles from The Sill's team of plant experts across a variety of plant care topics to inspire confidence in the next generation of plant parents. Welcome to Plant Parenthood™.

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