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Plant Profiles / Parlour palm
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Parlour palm
Chamaedorea elegans · Neanthe bella palm
A compact, graceful palm with fine, feathery fronds. Happy in lower light and safe for pets, it's one of the easiest palms to grow indoors.
Low to bright indirectLight
WeeklyWater
Very easyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Low to bright indirect
ShadeFull sun
Tolerates low light; avoid direct sun.
Water
Weekly
DryWet
Water when the top 2–3 cm is dry.
Humidity
Average
LowHigh
Likes some humidity.
Temperature
16–27°C (60–80°F)
CoolWarm
Keep above 10°C (50°F).
Growth
Slow, upright
SlowFast
Grows 60 cm–1.2 m.
Soil
Free-draining
LeanRich
Potting mix.
Fertiliser
Every 2 months
RarelyOften
Diluted liquid fertiliser.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
About this plant
Native to the rainforests of Mexico and Guatemala, parlour palms have been popular since Victorian times. They grow slowly and stay small, so they suit desks, shelves and small rooms.
Best spots
Desks, bedrooms, bathrooms, offices and lower-light corners.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Chamaedorea elegans |
| Family | Arecaceae |
| Origin | Mexico & Guatemala |
| Plant type | Evergreen palm |
| Mature size | 60 cm–1.2 m |
| Growth rate | Slow |
| Foliage | Feathery green fronds |
| Flowers | Small yellow beads |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Seed or division |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Active growth
Fertilise
Water less
Active growthFertiliseWater less
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Brown tips | Dry air or tap water salts. |
| Yellow fronds | Overwatering. |
| Spider mites | Raise humidity and wipe fronds. |
| Pale fronds | Too much sun. |
| Slow growth | Normal. |
Common questions
Is it pet safe?
Yes.
Does it need sun?
No, indirect light is best.
How big does it get?
Usually under 1.2 m indoors.
Why are there several stems?
Nurseries plant several together for fullness.
