Parlour palm care: watering, light and repotting
Also called chamaedorea, parlor palm, neanthe bella palm · Chamaedorea elegans · Arecaceae family
12 d in winter
How often to water the parlour palm?
Allow about 7 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 12 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
One of the few palms that copes with partial shade. Slow growing.
Misting every 5 days helps keep the air humid around its leaves, especially in winter when central heating dries the house out.
What light does it need?
The parlour palm is happy in a dim room, away from windows or facing north. It grows more slowly there, but copes well; above all, avoid direct sun, which scorches the leaves.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 3 years, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from April to September, feeding every 30 days is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 2–4 ft (60 cm–1.2 m).
Safe for cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA.
Toxic to children. Keep this plant out of reach and, if it is eaten, contact a vet or a poison control centre.
Common problems
Fine webbing under the leaves
Cause: Spider mites (dry air). What to do: Shower the plant and mist more often.
Brown tips
Cause: Dry air. What to do: Mist it and keep it away from heating.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the parlour palm?
About every 7 days in spring and summer, and every 12 days in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the parlour palm?
The parlour palm is happy in a dim room, away from windows or facing north. It grows more slowly there, but copes well; above all, avoid direct sun, which scorches the leaves.
Should you mist the parlour palm?
Yes, misting every 5 days does it good, especially in winter when heating dries the air. Use soft, room-temperature water.
When should you repot the parlour palm?
Every 3 years, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the parlour palm safe?
It's best kept out of reach of young children. For cats and dogs, no toxicity is known.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Yes: the parlour palm forgives a missed watering and adapts well to the home. A good plant to start with.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.