Parlor Palm Chamaedorea elegans
At a glance
- Light
- Medium indirect
- 3000–10000 lux
- Water
- Every 7–14 days
- Top 2-3cm of soil
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- Tolerates dry air
- Temperature
- 13–24°C
- Ideal 18–24°C
- Soil pH
- 6–7
- well-draining
- Mature size
- 120 cm tall
- 60 cm wide
- Native to
- Mexico, Guatemala
- Growth
- Slow
- Upright
Watering calculator
Estimate how often to water your Parlor Palm based on pot size, light, and season.
Always check the top 2 cm of soil before watering. Calculator output is an estimate, not a schedule.
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Compare with similar plants
| Trait | Parlor Palm Chamaedorea elegans | Areca Palm Dypsis lutescens |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Medium indirect | Bright indirect |
| Water | 7–14 days | 5–8 days |
| Pet safe | Pet-safe | Pet-safe |
| Difficulty | Very Easy | Easy |
| Mature size | 120 cm | 250 cm |
Light requirements in detail
Parlor Palm prefers medium indirect (3000–10000 lux) . One of the few palms that genuinely thrives in low to medium indirect light — perfect for north windows
A spot 1–2 meters from a bright east or south-facing window usually fits this range. Direct afternoon sun through unfiltered glass can scorch leaves; sheer curtains help diffuse it.
Watering in detail
Water Parlor Palm every 7– 14 days during the growing season, allowing Top 2-3cm of soil to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter when growth slows.
This plant tolerates the occasional missed watering — err on the dry side rather than overwater.
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Frequently asked questions about Parlor Palm
How often should I water Parlor Palm?
Water Parlor Palm every 7–14 days during the growing season, allowing Top 2-3cm of soil to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency by 30–50% in winter.
What kind of light does Parlor Palm need?
Parlor Palm prefers medium indirect (3000–10000 lux). One of the few palms that genuinely thrives in low to medium indirect light — perfect for north windows
Is Parlor Palm toxic to cats?
Parlor Palm is non-toxic to cats according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Mild stomach upset is still possible if a cat chews the leaves, but it will not cause poisoning.
Is Parlor Palm toxic to dogs?
Parlor Palm is non-toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Mild stomach upset is still possible if a dog chews the leaves.
How big does Parlor Palm grow?
Parlor Palm reaches about 120 cm tall and 60 cm wide at maturity. Growth rate is slow.