Where to Grow Parlor Palm

In their natural environment, parlor palms enjoy dappled sunlight, which means they do best indoors with bright, indirect light—an east-facing window is ideal. In very sunny spaces, consider positioning your palm away from the window or using a sheer curtain. Parlor palms are adaptable and can tolerate low-light conditions, making them suitable for shaded or north-facing windows.

For outdoor planting, find a spot offering high humidity, dappled sunlight, and well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Protect your palm from strong winds and shield it from harsh afternoon sun, ideally with northern or eastern exposure.

How and When to Plant Parlor Palm

Planting your parlor palm indoors can be done at any time of the year. Select a pot with proper drainage that’s just a bit larger than the plant's root system. Use a high-quality potting mix that ensures good drainage, ideally with a slightly acidic to alkaline pH (6.0 to 7.8). Shallow root systems mean these palms thrive best when not overwhelmed by overly deep or large containers.

For outdoor planting, the best time is spring. Create a planting hole twice the size of the root ball, removing any rocks or debris. Place your parlor palm firmly in place as you fill half the hole with soil, then water thoroughly to settle it. Continue filling with soil, ensuring the top of the root ball aligns with the surrounding ground level. After tamping down the soil, add 2 to 3 inches of mulch to retain moisture and water the plant deeply once more.

Before acquiring a new plant, make sure your environment meets its needs. Not every plant will do well in every location.

Parlor Palm Care Tips

Parlor palms are highly adaptable, making them an excellent choice for beginners looking for stress-free houseplants. They require minimal maintenance and can thrive in various light conditions, adding greenery to your home with ease.

Light

Indoors, parlor palms thrive with bright, filtered sunlight, similar to what you’d find near a south- or west-facing window with a sheer curtain. These versatile plants also do well under low-light conditions, such as east- or north-facing windows.

Outside, parlor palms prefer ample light but appreciate some afternoon shade to protect their leaves from scorching.

Soil and Water

Inside, parlor palms grow best in well-drained potting soil with a slight acidity to alkaline pH (6.0 to 7.8). In Zones 10 to 12, outdoor palms flourish in nutrient-rich, moist, well-drained soil coupled with some shade. If your soil lacks nutrients, supplement it with well-decomposed compost before planting.

These palms prefer evenly moist—not saturated—soil and show drought tolerance once established. Water your indoor palm thoroughly when the soil feels dry to the depth of your second knuckle; discard any excess water from saucers or trays. For outdoor palms, regular watering in well-drained conditions is ideal, but avoid waterlogging the soil.

Temperature and Humidity

To thrive, parlor palms need temperatures above 40°F and prefer a range of 65 to 80°F. They can handle brief periods of hotter or colder weather. During warm months, indoor palms can enjoy the outdoors, just ensure they're shielded from direct sunlight to prevent leaf damage. Place them in a shady area and water daily if the heat is intense. Bring them back indoors when the nighttime temperature drops below 55°F, as freezing can be fatal to the plant.

These palms love high humidity, similar to a tropical environment. If indoor humidity falls below 40%, try misting the plant several times weekly or place it on a tray of wet pebbles—keeping the plant's pot above the waterline.

Fertilizer

Promote lush growth by applying an all-purpose liquid fertilizer or fish emulsion every two weeks during the spring and summer months, following the product's label instructions for best results.

Pruning

Parlor palms grow slowly and rarely require pruning. In fact, excessive pruning can harm the plant. Simply remove any dead or diseased fronds, but avoid trimming the plant's top.

Potting and Repotting

Parlor palms prefer stability and should only be repotted when essential—usually every two to three years or if the soil needs refreshing. A rootbound plant will often have roots visible through the drainage holes, so check periodically by gently removing the palm from its pot.

When repotting, choose a container just 2–3 inches larger in diameter to minimize transplant shock. Start with a soil layer in the new pot, carefully transfer the palm, and gently separate the roots. As you add soil, hold the palm in place and tamp down to eliminate air pockets. You might need to stake the plant for stability. Water deeply right after repotting and return the palm to a bright, warm area.

Pests and Problems

Parlor palms can be affected by spider mites, which damage the plant by feeding on its sap.

These palms may also encounter aphids, scale, whiteflies, and mealybugs, particularly when planted outside. Overwatering or poorly-drained soil can lead to root rot and fungal leaf spots in both indoor and outdoor settings.

How to Propagate Parlor Palm

Though challenging, parlor palms can be propagated using division or seeds.

Propagating via Division

If you choose to propagate via division, know that both the parent plant and the new division will likely suffer a period of shock. When repotting your palm, find a stem or clump that has a system of roots attached and work it away from the main stem or cut it away with a sharp blade. Place the newly separated plant in a small container, water it well, and keep it in a warm, bright area until it adapts to the new environment. If needed, add some stabilizing stakes.

Propagating via Seed

If your palm produces seeds, collect them and save as many as possible. Parlor palm seed viability decreases quickly after the fruits are harvested, so plan to collect and plant more than you think you will need. Soak the seeds for 2 to 7 days in a container of warm water that is kept warm by placing the container on a heating mat or other source of continuous warmth. Change the water daily and watch for the seed coats to crack.

Next, nick the outer shell of the seeds with a knife and plant them just below the surface in a small container filled with well-draining potting mix. Wrap the container in a plastic bag and place it in a bright, sunlit area but out of direct light. Keep the soil warm, between 85°F and 95°F, and evenly moist as the seeds germinate—which may take several months.

Types of Parlor Palm

Bella Parlor Palm

There are just two known naturally occurring subspecies of Chamaedorea elegans, but a handful of cultivars, including this selection, the Bella parlor palm. The Bella is a compact parlor palm that remains under 4 feet tall for a long time.

Bamboo Palm

A relative of the parlor palm, the bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii) earned its common name thanks to its resemblance to bamboo. Bamboo palm is a small, slow-growing multitrunk palm with an upright shape that makes a good houseplant. It can also be grown outdoors in zones 9–11.

Cat Palm

Chamaedorea cataractarum, affectionately called cat palm, is a pretty palm with dark green, arching fronds. Outdoors, it is hardy in zones 9–11. In ideal conditions, a cat palm can grow as tall as 6 feet, but that may take 10 years or more. Cat palms are easygoing, low-maintenance plants that offer a lot of flourish for such little care. They are a popular choice among first-time houseplant growers who appreciate their forgiving, adaptable nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do parlor palms live?

Indoors, and with proper care, parlor palms can live for several decades. Outdoor-grown parlor palms may live even longer if the plant is well-maintained and growing conditions are favorable.

How fast do parlor palms grow?

Parlor palms, like many of the Chamaedorea palms, are slow growers—especially when grown in containers as houseplants. It may take several years, possibly a decade or more, for your palm to reach its full mature height.

Is parlor palm safe for pets?

Yes, parlor palm is safe for pets. The plant is considered non-toxic for both cats and dogs. Although safe, it's still a good idea to prevent your pets from chewing on too much of the plant as it could cause mild digestive distress.

Why does my parlor palm have brown tips?

Brown tips on a parlor palm are no cause for alarm, and you can trim them off if you find them unsightly. The discoloration is likely a signal that the air is too dry or that your plant isn’t getting enough water. But brown tips also occur when parlor palms are overwatered, so evaluate your watering schedule and adjust accordingly. If the air in your home is very dry, consider misting your palm regularly, 2 to 3 times weekly, in conjunction with routine watering.

Why is my parlor palm not growing?

Stunted growth in parlor palms can be due to several factors: insufficient nutrients, overwatering, lack of light, cold temperatures, and dry air. Encourage growth by ensuring bright, indirect light exposure and letting the soil dry between waterings. Use a water-soluble all-purpose fertilizer during spring and summer and remove any yellowed leaves. Mimic a tropical environment by misting regularly and maintaining temperatures between 65° and 80°F.