Parlor Palm
Chamaedorea elegans
A compact, feathery palm that tolerates dim offices.
Plant care guideCare guide
- 1Bright direct light
- 2Bright indirect light
- 3Medium light
- 4Low light
Watering requirements
Water every 7–10 days, letting the soil dry to the right level between waterings.
Sunlight requirements
Tolerates low to medium indirect light. Not suited to intense, direct sun.
Humidity requirements
Normal room humidity will do. Keep it away from direct AC airflow.
Pet-friendly plant?
Yes, listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA.
Care level
Easy
Best setting
Indoor
About Parlor Palm
One of the few true palms that genuinely tolerates low light, which makes it a good choice for interior cabins and cubicles that don't get much natural light.
A compact palm that tolerates low light better than most.
Where it works best
- Low-light cabins and cubicles
- Pet-friendly office spaces
How to care for Parlor Palm
Sunlight
Tolerates low to medium light, which suits office cabins. Direct sun scorches the fronds.
Water
Keep the soil lightly and evenly moist, but never waterlogged — roughly every 5–7 days, adjusting for season. Let the top few centimetres dry between waterings.
Humidity & temperature
Likes average to higher humidity at 18–32°C. Dry AC air commonly browns the frond tips; group plants together or move away from vents.
Soil & feeding
Use a well-draining, peaty potting mix. Feed with a palm or balanced fertiliser every 6–8 weeks in the growing season.
Pruning
Trim only fronds that are fully brown or dead. Avoid cutting green fronds or the growing point.
Propagation
Palms are normally grown from seed or by dividing clumps at repotting. Division is best left to a horticulturist, as damaged roots recover slowly.
Common problems
- Symptom
Brown frond tips
CauseDry air or salts in tap water; trim only the brown part.
- Symptom
Yellowing lower fronds
CauseNatural ageing, or overwatering.
- Symptom
Webbing or speckled leaves
CauseSpider mites, common in dry air — wipe the fronds and improve humidity.
Frequently asked questions
Can I cut off the brown tips?
Yes, trim just the brown tip with clean scissors, following the natural shape of the frond. Do not cut into green tissue.
How big will it get indoors?
Growth is slow indoors. Most palms in this range reach a manageable height for a lobby or corner, and rarely outgrow the space within a few years.
Is it safe for pets and children?
The ASPCA lists this plant as non-toxic to cats and dogs (checked October 2026). Even so, discourage chewing, as any plant can cause mild stomach upset if eaten in quantity.
Care guidance is general advice for Indian indoor and outdoor conditions. For plants in a Bonita maintenance programme, our team looks after watering and feeding for you.
