Parlor Palm
Botanical Name: Chamaedorea elegans
Light:
Low light tolerant however, that doesn’t mean no-light. Like most tropical houseplants they still prefer bright, filtered sunlight to do their best. They often do well with northern exposure.
Water Requirement:
Like many palms, parlor palms are sensitive to overwatering and cannot tolerate being waterlogged or sitting in saturated soil. Even moisture is key. Err on the side of being slightly too dry rather than overwatering. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Luckily, parlor palms will let you know when they need more water with yellowing fronds. Simply snip these spots after a good watering.
Fertilizer:
Feed with a mild liquid fertilizer once or twice during the growing season and not at all during the winter. Palms tend to be light feeders.
Growth Habit:
As houseplants, parlor palms reach a manageable height of approximately 2-4ft, by 2ft wide, making it suitable for virtually any room. Be patient with this one; these palms grow very slow.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
These palms are a great place to start for the budding plant parent and are non-toxic to pets! They do well with northern exposure and lower light conditions, where they can show off their fine-textured leaves. Because they are tolerant of lower light conditions and sensitive to too much water, they are prime candidates of being “loved to death,” either through overwatering or by getting too much direct sunlight. Resist the temptation!
Pro Tips:
Parlor palms are vulnerable to pests. If possible, identify any infestation as early as possible and treat with the least toxic option.