Parlor Palm Care: A Complete Guide

Parlor palm is one of the easiest plants to grow indoors. This palm is cherished for its lush and vibrant foliage. Also, known as Chamaedorea elegans and Neanthe Bella Parlor Palm, this plant is an ideal indoor plant for beginners as parlor palm care is very easy. Native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America, these plants thrive in similar conditions indoors.

Although parlor palm belongs to the same family as coconuts and dates, which produce flavorful fruits, this palm produces inedible fruits at its base. The parlor palm is also known as the bamboo palm because of its bamboo-like stems that also spread the same way.

So, let’s explore how you can grow this plant and parlor palm care tips.

Where To Grow Parlor Palm?

The parlor palm is native to tropical regions and therefore requires bright and indirect sunlight to thrive. This plant can survive well in low light conditions, however, medium lighting conditions are ideal for these plants. Therefore, an east-facing window is perfect for this plant, and avoid placing them in direct sunlight. You can grow parlor palms in front of a north-facing window as this plant is well-known for its adaptability to low light.

If you are growing your palm outdoors choose a place where it is protected from harsh sunlight and strong winds which can cause damage to its delicate foliage. Also, make sure that it receives high humidity and well-drained soil.

Also, read Low-maintenance Indoor Plants.

Parlor Palm Care

Some things that you should keep in mind to perform better parlor palm care are-

Soil

Use a well-draining potting mix suitable for indoor plants with a slightly acidic to alkaline pH (6.0 to 7.5). Parlor palm will thrive in a high-quality peat-based potting mix indoors and outdoors this plant can do well in any soil – sandy, loamy, or clay. Avoid using salty soil as this plant can’t tolerate it.

Water

Once established this plant is drought-tolerant til then it likes moist but not wet soil. This plant is sensitive to overwatering and won’t survive in water-logged soil. So, it is better to keep your soil on the dry side rather than watering regularly. Water only when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry. Moreover, the fronds of this palm will turn yellow when it receives less water.

Sunlight

This plant grows best in a bright and filtered light. Even though considered a lowlight plant, parlor palms still require enough light to grow. So, place your plant in an east or north-facing window for it to receive sufficient sunlight.

If growing outdoors, choose a place with shade so that your plant can remain protected from strong light.

Temperature and Humidity

Just like most palms this plant also loves a temperature above 40℉. So keep a temperature range between 65 to 80℉, but this plant can also survive short hot or cold periods. If the temperature is bearable your plant can also be moved outside, however, you’ll need to protect it from extreme temperatures as too much heat can scorch the leaves, and freezing conditions can also inflict heavy damage or even death.

Moreover, this plant love consistent humid conditions that mimic their natural habitat so if your house has a low humidity level, misting the plant regularly or placing the pot on a tray filled with water and pebbles can be helpful.

Fertilizer

The parlor palm care does not include much fertilization as this plant is a light-feeder. However, you can use a weak, all-purpose liquid fertilizer for your plant to improve its foliage growth. Feed this plant every two weeks only in spring and summer.

Read more on How To Fertilize Plants.

Pruning

This palm is a slow-growing plant that doesn’t need much pruning in fact too much pruning can kill the plant so you only need to remove dead and decayed foliage from around the plant.

Pests and Plant Diseases

The parlor palm is prone to some plant diseases and pest infestations such as aphids, mealy bugs, whiteflies, and scales. Other than these this plant can be affected with diseases such as fungal leaf spots and root rot that can be caused due to moisture from overwatering.

Related: Indoor Gardening Tips.

Some Problems With The Parlor Palm

Even though parlor palm care is easy and the plant can adapt to most conditions you put around it, this plant is still prone to some common problems like every indoor plant.

• Browning Leaf Tips: Browning of leaf tips can happen either due to underwatering or too much exposure to bright light. So make sure you place your plant away from direct light and water it adequately.
• Root Rot: The only cause of root rot is overwatering. To protect your plant cut off the affected roots and transplant your plant. After that keep the watering in check.
• Yellowing Leaves: Yellowing can be caused due to too much sunlight and watering. So this is also an easy fix.
• Stem Cankers: Treating stem cankers in parlor palms is next to impossible because they can’t be pruned. You can try to cut off the impacted area but there’s a chance that the plant is beyond saving.

Read about Plant Diseases.

Conclusion

The Parlor Palm is an amazing indoor choice for anyone who’s looking for a beautiful low-maintenance plant. Parlor palm care is very easy as we discussed in this blog so make sure to add this plant to your collection and improve the appearance of your indoor garden.

FAQs

Q.1 Should I water my parlor palm from the top or bottom?

Ans. Water your parlor palm from the top as the roots of this plant do not like sitting in water.

Q.2 How long do parlor palms live?

Ans. Indoors the parlor palm can live for many decades. If the outdoor conditions are favorable these plants can live even longer.

Q.3 Are parlor palms fast growers?

Ans. No, just like most palms these plants are also slow growers and it can take several years for them to reach the mature size.

Q.4 What are the benefits of parlor palm?

Ans. Parlor palm is an easy-to-care beautiful indoor plant that is pet-friendly and also has great air-purifying properties.

Related: Pet-friendly Plants.