Parlour Palm
Chamaedorea elegans
Compact slow-growing palm that stays manageable indoors, rarely exceeding 1.2m. A favourite since Victorian times for its tolerance of low light and dry air. One of NASA's top air-purifying plants.
Best rooms for parlour palm
Light requirements
Best near a window with filtered light — avoid harsh direct rays.
Tolerates shade and north-facing windows with limited natural light.
How to care for parlour palm
Tolerates low light well but grows more vigorously in bright indirect light. Water when the top 2cm of compost dries. Avoid overwatering — let it drain fully. Feed monthly spring-summer. Keep away from direct sun which scorches the fronds. Minimum 12°C.
Watering
Water when the top 2–3cm of compost feels dry. Roughly weekly.
Propagation
- Seed (slow)
- Cannot be divided or propagated from cuttings
Toxicity
This plant is not known to be toxic to cats or dogs.
Common problems
- Brown frond tips from dry air
- Spider mites in dry heated rooms
- Overwatering is the main killer
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