With the addition of a Parlor Palm, it has never been simpler to bring the tropics indoors (Chamaedorea elegans). Parlor Palms thrive inside where many other varieties of palms struggle to do so and are regarded as durable, low-maintenance houseplants. Here is a brief overview of their care.
How to Take Care of a Parlor Palm: Grow your parlor palm in rich, well-drained soil, and water it when the top few inches of the soil become dry. Maintain indoor temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, produce above-average humidity, fertilize every three to four weeks, and place in bright, indirect light.
How is a Parlour Palm maintained indoors?
Parlour palms can tolerate some shade but thrive in direct, strong light. Keep away from draughts and direct sunlight, which will scorch the leaves. Parlour palms require a warm environment, ideally between 18 and 24 °C, with a minimum of 10 °C.
How to plant a parlour palm
In a container with drainage holes, plant your parlour palm in a mixture of soil-based and peat-free multipurpose compost. Only repot parlour palms when they are rootbound (you can tell when this is the case because roots are emerging out of the pot’s bottom). Only repot in the spring, but into a little bigger pot. This may only need to be done every three years.
Caring for a parlour palm
In warm weather, this may happen rather frequently when the top few centimeters of compost have become dry. Make sure the compost is evenly moist but not drenched, and allow any extra moisture to drain away. Wintertime irrigation is reduced, keeping the soil slightly damp.
The leaf tips of parlour palms can turn brown in dry air, yet they can endure it. To avoid this, mist a few times per week.
any brown fronds at the base, remove them.
These occasionally die off, which is expected. Feed with a mild liquid fertilizer once every month in the spring and summer.
Periodically wipe the leaves to remove dust. Your plant can be quickly fixed by being placed under a gentle shower, or even better, by being placed outside during a summer downpour.
How to propagate a parlour palm
The best method of parlour palm propagation is through division. You might notice that a stem at the edge naturally breaks away when you repot the plant in the spring. A sharp knife can also be used to cut a stem or clump away. Ensure that some roots are present. Replant in a new container with potting compost.
If your plant has bloomed and produced fruits, you could try planting the seeds after letting the fruits dry out. You’ll need a heated propagator because they require a temperature of 27C to grow.
Growing parlour palm: problem solving
Parlour palms frequently have brown leaf tips. The very dry air is the main cause. Additionally, the plant might not have had enough water or it might be too chilly. Cutting into green growth will just result in the creation of new brown points, so only the brown tips should be removed.
Lower leaves that have aged naturally develop yellowing leaves. If your parlour palm has many yellow leaves, the plant may be receiving too much direct sunlight. The cause can potentially be under-watering.
Brown fronds at the base are typical; simply remove them. Brown leaves on a large scale may be a sign of overwatering because parlour palms dislike being in cold, damp compost.
Sunburn could be the source of brown patches. Remove your plant from the sun’s direct rays.
Lack of humidity may be the cause of dull, dull leaves that have lost their sheen. Misting is beneficial.
Areca palms may be harmed by red spider mite. Fine webbing will cover the plant’s leaves and stems, and the upper surface of the leaf will start to mottle. With a magnifying glass and close inspection, you may find mites and eggs on the undersides of the leaves. Improved airflow increases humidity. Use sprays with fatty acids or plant oils as an alternative.
Mealybugs could be an issue.
Watch out for insects on the undersides of leaves that resemble white, fluffy blobs. Use a cotton bud or moist towel dipped in a pesticide containing fatty acids or plant oils to wipe them off. Keep inspecting the leaves since mealybugs can be challenging to get rid of.
Scale insects, which are tiny, 6mm long, brown sap sucking insects, may also be seen. Remove using a cotton bud or piece of cloth dipped in a pesticide with fatty acids.
How frequently should a Parlor Palm be watered?
Here is a quick overview on what Parlor Palm plants require, along with some advice on how to maintain their health.
Can tolerate low indirect light and thrive in medium to bright indirect light. Unsuitable for direct, hot sunlight. Find out more about these lighting needs.
Water once every two to three weeks, letting the soil dry up in between applications. In brighter light, water more frequently, and in less-bright light, less frequently. Here are some further advice on watering plants.
65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer at home, up to 85 degrees. The Parlor Palm is comfy if you’re comfortable.
Tip 1: Not too dark
Although Parlor Palms are regarded as low-light palms, this does not imply “no-light.” Although they prefer bright, filtered light, they can adapt to low light conditions rather well.
Tip 2: Just the right amount of water
Your Parlor Palm prefers to be well-watered before being given some time to dry out. Avoid overwatering it! Less regularly water throughout the winter. Overwatering is frequently indicated by brown leaf tips, while yellow fronds signal that the plant might use a little more water.
Tip 3: Lots of humidity
Extra humidity is beneficial for your Parlor Palm, especially throughout the winter. Mist your plant three to four times per week to keep it clear of dust, which will deter spider mites from attacking it.
Tip 4: Give it a hair cut
Sharp scissors should be used to quickly remove only the brown or yellow leaves as soon as they appear. This helps your plant maintain a healthy appearance and frees up energy for new growth.
Whether you’re a rookie plant parent or expanding your indoor jungle, we want you to have a wonderful experience with your indoor plants. You may always turn to the Grow-HowTM Team for plant care advice. You can get in touch with the Grow-HowTM Team here if you have any queries about plant maintenance, care, or simply need help selecting the best plant.
We want to show you that everyone can enjoy plants and that we love sharing our love of plants with you. Because the Grow-HowTM Team is here to assist, don’t be shy.
My parlor palm is dying; why?
Lots of direct, bright light is preferred by indoor palms. If your location doesn’t have enough light, go with the more adaptive varieties because inadequate lighting is a major contributor to stress. Remember that even animals that can endure lower light levels typically value more.
The brilliance of the sun, however, rapidly decreases with distance. While a skylight over a tall plant can be fantastic, it is insufficient for shorter plants that are much farther away. Over the winter, be aware of the changing seasons and dimming conditions; if necessary, add a grow light.
Drooping Parlor palm
The most likely causes of your Parlor palm drooping are underwatering or overwatering. Check the soil’s moisture content to find out which of the two is the main issue. You might be overwatering your Parlor palm if the soil is still wet. If the soil is dry, on the other hand, it’s time to water your Parlor palm.
Root rot will probably start to appear if your Parlor palm is routinely overwatered. This occurs when your Parlor palm’s roots cannot receive adequate oxygen. This can be easily avoided by waiting until the soil is entirely dry before you water your palm once again.
Yellow and/or light green leaves
Too much sunshine exposure frequently results in yellow and/or light green foliage. It can also be the result of poor irrigation. You will also notice your plant’s drooping leaves if there is a watering problem. You must relocate your plant to a more dimly lit area if you have non-drooping leaves that are yellow or light green.
Black spots on your Parlor palm
You must swiftly relocate your Parlor palm plant to a darker location once you notice black spots on the tops of its leaves. These dark marks are sunburns brought on by exposure to the sun. Trim these dark areas to replenish the nutrients in your plant. No longer will these spots change back to green.
Brown tips on your Parlor palm
The tips of your Parlor palm’s leaves will turn brown if you’ve allowed it to dry out for too long. Water your Parlor palm immediately if you notice this happening. The brown tips can be cut off because they won’t turn green again.
I appreciate you reading this. I hope it will help you maintain healthy and attractive plants! You may always request a plant guide or donate a plant to acquire a guide for the plant you need if you’re looking for more information on a certain type of plant.
Should I trim the parlour palm’s brown leaves?
Pruning requirements for your Parlour Palm are really minimal. Parlour Palms, like the majority of palm trees, self-clean, thus their old fronds naturally turn fully brown and fall off the plant on their own.
However, you can occasionally trim your plant to keep it looking good. By quickly removing the brown and yellow leaves with a pair of sharp scissors, you can encourage the plant to focus more of its energy on developing new growth.
My parlor palm can I place outside?
When roots start wrapping around the outside of the root ball, prepare to repot the parlor palm. Every few months, remove the plant from its container to inspect the roots. Repot plants when necessary in a pot with a 2–3-inch–larger diameter than the previous one. Add an all-purpose fertilizer on occasion, but only in the spring and summer.
In the summer, parlor palms can be relocated outside. They should be shielded from the sun, as it will burn the foliage. In hot, dry weather, pick a sheltered outdoor spot and water frequently. When nighttime temperatures drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, bring your plant back inside.
When should my parlor palm be repotted?
Older plants may only require repotting every three years, depending on their growth pace, whereas smaller Parlor Palms only need it once every 18 months in the early spring. Pick a new pot that will handle the plant’s size and rate of growth. After repotting, pot the plant again in soil with good drainage.
Where should a parlor palm be placed?
Water: Like the majority of indoor plants, parlor palms prefer moist (but not saturated) soil. Insert your index finger all the way into the pot, up to the second knuckle. Wait to water if it seems damp. If it’s dry, add water until the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot are filled with water. plant-care website To avoid dry soil patches that can cause the plant to lose fronds, Epic Gardening advises watering in a circle around the base of the plant.
Parlor palms require bright light, but not an excessive amount of it. Direct sunlight causes withering and excessively dry soil, but too little light will impede growth. This helpful advice is provided by Epic Gardening: If your parlor palm creates a shadow, it is receiving adequate light.
If you’re undecided, err on the side of less light. Rodale’s advises choosing an east-facing window, but if given the choice between a north and a south-facing window, choose the former.
Parlor palms enjoy temperatures of 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit indoors. When the nighttime temperature is over 65 degrees during the summer, your plant might also appreciate spending time outside. Pick a location away from the sun that is only partially shaded.
Rodale’s advises giving parlor palms a liquid fertilizer or fish emulsion once every two weeks during the growing season. Use half as much as recommended by the directions to prevent salt accumulation.
The ideal window for a parlor palm
Growing a parlor palm indoors is really simple and rewarding. Avoid placing parlor palm houseplants in your brightest windows since they require low light and may even suffer under direct sunshine. They do prefer a little light, and they will thrive next to a window that gets some morning or evening light.
If your space requires it, your indoor parlor palm will probably survive completely without windows; it just won’t grow as quickly. Even in the presence of sunlight, the parlor palm grows slowly; it frequently takes years for it to reach its full height of 3–4 feet (1 m).
Underwatering is preferable to overwatering when it comes to indoor parlor palms. Between waterings, let the soil start to dry out, and water even less throughout the winter.
LIGHT
This plant is tolerant of low light, which is one of the reasons it makes such an excellent indoor plant. In fact, I’ve previously cultivated this plant in a room without windows.
It is unquestionably one of the plants that can withstand this kind of care! But remember, I did have the overhead illumination on. Nothing can develop when it’s dark out!
Even though they can withstand very little light, giving your parlor palm greater light will help it grow the fastest. I’ve been growing a specimen parlor palm for a number of years, and it has developed into a quite lovely plant.
My eldest Chamaedorea elegans is growing in a window with an eastern exposure. It receives some morning sun, and the rest of the day is illuminated by bright indirect light.
This palm won’t thrive if it is exposed to sunlight all day, but 2-4 hours of direct sunlight indoors is OK, especially if it is the kinder early sun.
Other parlor palms that I have grown in a big bathroom, a few feet from a window with an Eastern exposure, and they thrive there as well.
This plant can grow in a variety of interior environments, making it very adaptable. Just be cautious not to expose them to too much sunlight.
These plants thrive in windows with a northern exposure as well as eastern windows. With windows facing the west or south, I would exercise caution. If necessary, deflect any extra direct sunlight coming through the latter two exposure windows.
REPOTTING
You should be aware that parlor palms, like many other palms, have relatively shallow roots. When you do repot, try to stay away from using extra-deep pots.
For parlor palms, I like to use a really well-draining potting mix, and you can easily find everything on Amazon.
I often use a potting mixture designed for citrus and palms. This potting mix has produced excellent results for me.
Alternatively, you can use a high-quality all-purpose houseplant potting mix and supplement it with some gritty sand, larger-sized perlite, or—even better—pumice. You will have great drainage, which is what parlor palms need.
Any packaged potting mix I purchase, I usually add either some perlite or pumice. Your plants will appreciate it.
Making your own unique mixes is always enjoyable, but ultimately, you should do what feels right for YOU.
WATERING
Never let your parlor palm rest in water, please. As I would advise for ANY indoor plant,
Depending on the size of the pot, I prefer to let the top inch or two of my parlor palm soil dry out before I water it again. Then go ahead and completely wet the potting media, letting the extra water drain away.
Any extra water that gathers in any trays you may have under the pot should be discarded.
The soil around palms should never be fully dry, especially not for long periods of time. If you do this, your lower fronds may turn yellow and finally turn entirely brown. You might also have dry, brown tips on the fronds.
FERTILIZING
Every time I water, I like to fertilize my parlor palm with a weaker solution. I love to use this method for all of my indoor plants. I won’t have to think about when I last fertilized because of this!
During the primary growing season, I will fertilize using a decent, balanced all-purpose fertilizer. From roughly February or March through October.
During the gloomier seasons of the year, when growth virtually stops and the days are short, I withhold fertilizer.
Check out my blog post about fertilizing to learn about all my favorite fertilizers and how I feed my houseplants.
FLOWERS
Yes, parlor palms do routinely bloom indoors. Nevertheless, this has both blessings and drawbacks!
You can be rewarded with a spray of yellow blooms after your plant reaches the appropriate stage of development. Throughout the year, my specimen parlor palm frequently blooms for me numerous times.
The small yellow “balls” in the flower sprays frequently fall to the ground and make a mess, despite how gorgeous they are!
In order to prevent a mess on my floors, I will let them bloom for a while, but once I see some of the flowers beginning to drop, I will simply chop off the inflorescence spray.
But keep in mind that a plant will only flower if it receives enough light. Before flowering, the plant must also be mature enough.
PALM PESTS
Spider mites occasionally damage these plants. Keep your plant healthy and pest-free by regularly cleaning it, whether by misting it or rinsing it out in the sink or shower.
I discuss three risk-free methods you can employ to get rid of spider mites. These plants are generally pest-free, although during the winter when the air is particularly dry, they may be vulnerable to spider mites.
HUMIDITY
I genuinely think that this plant is the most tolerant of interior settings, which is one of the reasons I favor it over all the other indoor palm plants.
For this palm, more humidity is undoubtedly ideal, although most interior environments are quite suitable!
Please click on that link to learn more about how I feel about how to improve humidity for indoor plants.
Everyone, that’s it! You now have all the information need to cultivate Parlor Palm. It is a lovely indoor palm that, given the right care, can survive a very long time!
Searching for a Parlor Palm to buy? Etsy is one of my favorite and most useful one-stop sites for purchasing almost any plant. Today, take a look at the Parlor Palm assortment (link to Etsy).