Parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans, spelled parlour palm by the RHS) is a slow-growing indoor palm. The Royal Horticultural Society says it is usually 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) tall but can reach about 4 feet (120 cm) over time, and that it needs no pruning or training.
Parlor Palm at a glance
| Type | Houseplant |
|---|---|
| Season | Perennial |
| Sun | Bright indirect light |
| Plant spacing | 0 in |
| Row spacing | 0 in |
| Per square foot | 1 |
| Seed depth | At surface |
| Days to maturity | Slow-growing; repot only when roots are crowded |
| How to start | Give parlor palm bright indirect light, water only when the compost surface is dry, avoid hard tap water and direct summer sun, and repot only when roots are crowded |
| Water | 1 in per week |
These are the same numbers our plant spacing, square foot and harvest date calculators use. See every crop in the plant database.
When to plant parlor palm
Repot in spring, and only when roots are densely crowded. RHS says slow-growing plants can stay in their original pot for several years. Feed monthly with a balanced liquid feed during the growing season, from spring to autumn.
How to plant parlor palm
- Light: bright, indirect light gives the best growth and greenest foliage. Partial shade works but growth is slower. Avoid direct summer sun, which scorches leaves, and too little light, which causes yellowing and poor growth.
- Temperature: the ideal range is 68 to 80°F (20 to 27°C) from March to October. Cooler winters are fine as growth slows; RHS gives a wider tolerable range of 50 to 80°F (10 to 27°C).
- Potting: use a light, fast-draining mix; RHS suggests three parts ericaceous compost to one part perlite or grit. Move to a pot only about 1 inch (2 cm) wider and avoid overpotting, which can cause root rot.
Caring for parlor palm
Water when the compost surface is dry, preferably with room-temperature rainwater. Do not water while it is still damp, and do not let the plant sit in water; empty the drip tray after a short time. Water less in winter, checking below the surface with your finger first. Regular use of hard tap water, which is alkaline, can cause brown leaves. See the overwatering checker.
High humidity is not essential, but regular misting helps prevent dry brown leaf tips and deters red spider mites. Wipe leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to remove dust, and remove old dying fronds at the base.
Companion plants
| Grow nearby | Bright, indirect window light and a well-draining pot with a drip tray you empty |
|---|---|
| Keep apart | Direct summer sun, hard tap water, soggy compost and overpotting |
RHS does not state whether this plant is safe for pets; check a reliable pet-safety source before placing it near animals. Check other pairings with the companion plant finder.
Common problems
| Problem | What you see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Brown leaves or tips | Crisp brown tips or patches | RHS lists overwatering, underwatering, hard tap water and direct sun as causes; mist for dry tips and use rainwater if tap water is hard. |
| Yellowing or poor growth | Pale foliage and little new growth | Too little light or overwatering that damages roots; move to brighter indirect light, check roots, repot if crowded and feed monthly if care is otherwise good. See the yellow leaf identifier. |
| Pests | Fine webbing, scale or black smut | RHS lists red spider mites, scale insects and black smut; misting helps deter spider mites. See the pest identifier. |
Not sure what you are looking at? The plant problem identifier ranks likely causes from the symptoms you see.
When and how to harvest
This is a decorative plant. To propagate, divide a multi-stemmed clump by gently pulling the root ball apart so each new plant has stems and plenty of roots. Plants are male or female; females form small black fruits with seeds after pollination, which RHS says to sow in warm conditions, ideally in a heated propagator.
Plan your parlor palm
- Plant spacing calculator: how many plants fit your bed
- Planting calendar: sowing and transplant dates for your frost dates
- Frost dates by ZIP code: your last spring and first fall frost
- Harvest date calculator: when your crop will be ready
Frequently asked questions
How far apart should I plant parlor palms?
Space parlor palms 0 inches apart in rows 0 inches apart. In a square foot garden, plant 1 per square foot.
How deep do I plant parlor palm seed?
Not applicable for houseplant care; repot into a container only about 1 inch (2 cm) wider.
How long do parlor palms take to grow?
Slow-growing; it may stay in the same pot for several years.
How much water do parlor palms need?
About 1 inch of water a week, from rain and watering combined. Water when the compost surface is dry; less in winter.
How often should I water a parlor palm?
When the compost surface is dry, and less in winter; check below the surface with your finger first.
Why are my parlor palm leaf tips brown?
Overwatering, underwatering, hard tap water or direct sun; misting helps with dry tips.
Does a parlor palm need a big pot?
No, repot only when roots are crowded, into a pot about 1 inch (2 cm) wider.