Parlor Palm / Neanthe Bella Palm
Chamaedorea elegans
description
Parlor Palm is a compact shade-tolerant palm popular in homes since Victorian times.
benefits
- Pet-friendly, non-toxic to animals
- Suitable for containers
How to care for Parlor Palm
sunlight
Parlor palms grow beneath the forest canopy, where light is filtered and gentle. At home, keep yours out of harsh sun and near a window with softened daylight.
Low light tolerated
It can handle a dim room or a spot several feet from a window, but growth will be slower and the plant may become sparse over time.
Bright indirect light
This is the best placement for fuller, steadier growth. Use an east-facing window, or set it back from a south or west window behind a sheer curtain. Direct sun can scorch the fronds.
watering
Keep the mix lightly moist, not constantly wet. Water thoroughly only after the top 1-2 inches of soil have dried.
Spring - summer
In active growth, this is often about every 7-10 days. Check the soil first, then water until it drains from the pot and empty the saucer.
Fall - winter
In lower light and cooler rooms, water roughly every 2-3 weeks, when the upper soil is dry and the pot feels noticeably lighter.
humidity
Humidity
Parlor palms grow beneath humid forest canopies, but they adapt well to average homes. Aim for at least 40% relative humidity, with 50-60% especially helpful in heated or air-conditioned rooms.
Very dry air can cause brown, crispy leaflet tips and edges, and may encourage spider mites. Brown tips can also come from inconsistent watering or mineral-heavy tap water, so check the soil before blaming humidity.
- Keep the palm away from radiators, heating vents, and air-conditioning drafts.
- Group it with other plants to create a slightly more humid pocket of air.
- Use a pebble tray with water beneath the pot, keeping the pot above the waterline.
temperature
Preferred range
Winter minimum
Native to warm, sheltered Central American forest floors, Parlor Palm prefers steady indoor warmth. It handles typical room temperatures well but can decline when chilled or repeatedly exposed to hot, dry air.
nutrition
March - August
Feed about once a month while the palm is making new fronds, using a balanced liquid houseplant or palm fertilizer diluted to half strength. Pause feeding in autumn and winter unless it is still growing steadily in warm, bright conditions.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen supports the palm's soft green fronds. Regular light feeding during active growth is enough - stronger doses can damage roots.
Magnesium
Magnesium helps keep older fronds green. A balanced fertilizer that includes trace nutrients usually supplies what this slow-growing palm needs.
soil
Loose, moisture-retentive soil
Parlor palm has fine roots that appreciate steady moisture but decline in dense, soggy compost. Use a quality indoor potting mix loosened with perlite or fine orchid bark for air around the roots and reliable drainage.
pH 6,1 - 6,5
This is slightly acidic, a good range for nutrient uptake. Most fresh indoor plant mixes are suitable, especially if they contain bark or coir. Avoid repeatedly watering with very hard water if leaves develop pale growth.