How to Grow Parlor Palm Care - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Parlor palm care is not difficult, as this plant is very tolerant. It can live in a wide range of conditions and still look attractive. watering is the most important aspect of care, as this plant does not like to be too wet or too dry. Allow the top inch or so of soil to dry out between watering, and then water deeply. fertilizing is not necessary, but if you wish to do so, use a half-strength fertilizer once a month during the growing season.

How to Grow Parlor Palm Care - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Chrysalidocarpus lutescens
  • Dypsis lutescens
  • Rhapis excelsa
  • Washingtonia filifera
  • Neodypsis decaryi

Basic info

  • Parlor palms are relatively easy to care for and make excellent indoor houseplants.
  • They prefer bright, indirect light but will tolerate low light conditions.
  • Water when the top few inches of soil are dry. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering.
  • Feed monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
  • These palms are relatively drought tolerant and can go several weeks without water.
  • Palms are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases. Watch for scale, mealybugs, spider mites, and thrips.
  • Parlor palms can be propagated by division or seed.
  • These palms make excellent container plants and can be brought outdoors during the summer months.
  • Parlor palms can reach 6-10 feet in height.
  • The Latin name for the parlor palm is Chamaedorea elegans.

Planting Process

  1. For parlor palm care, first step is to choose the right spot for your plant. It should be in a room with bright, indirect sunlight and away from any drafts.
  2. The next step is to water your plant regularly. Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
  3. Feed your plant every month during the spring and summer with a half-strength, all-purpose fertilizer.
  4. Cut off any brown or yellow leaves as they appear.
  5. To help your plant grow fuller, you can trim back the tips of the leaves every few months.
  6. When repotting, choose a pot that is only one size larger than the current pot.
  7. Use a well-draining potting mix that contains peat moss or vermiculite.
  8. In the winter, reduce watering and fertilizer.
  9. To prevent spider mites, regularly wipe down the leaves with a damp cloth.
  10. If your plant gets too leggy, you can propagate it by taking stem cuttings and growing them in water or moist potting mix.

Related plant:
Parlor Palm

Soil Condition

About soil condition, generally speaking, the best soil for a parlor palm is a light and airy potting mix that is well-draining. This type of soil will help to prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged, which can lead to problems like root rot. A good potting mix can be made by combining equal parts peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. If you are using a store-bought potting mix, make sure that it is labeled as being suitable for use with palm trees.

Light condition

Like the other houseplants, parlor palms enjoy indirect sunlight. If you can't provide enough natural light, artificial lighting will suffice. The most important thing is to make sure that your palm gets enough light to maintain its vibrant appearance.

The Temperature

The temperature that is best for parlor palms is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive in temperatures as low as 50 degrees, but their growth will be stunted. If the temperature dips below 50 degrees for an extended period of time, the leaves will begin to turn brown and drop off. In very warm weather, the leaves may yellow and the plant will stop growing.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60% to 70%. The leaves of the plant will start to brown and become crispy if the humidity drops below 50%. If the humidity gets too high, the leaves will start to yellow.

Fertilizer Requirement

Mentioning fertilizer, usually the plant doesn't need a lot of fertilizer and too much will actually harm the plant. It's best to under-fertilize rather than over-fertilize. Fertilize every two to three months using a basic houseplant fertilizer at half the recommended strength. As for watering, the root system of a parlor palm is relatively small so it doesn't need a ton of water. Allow the topsoil to dry out in between waterings. When you do water, make sure to thoroughly saturate the soil.

Plant Pruning

Pruning your parlor palm is an important part of its care. Pruning helps to encourage new growth, keep the plant looking tidy, and remove any dead or damaged leaves. When pruning your parlor palm, be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears. Make sure to cut at an angle just above a leaf node (the point where leaves emerge from the stem). This will encourage new growth.

About Propagating

Propagation Parlor palms are easily propagated by seed or division. To propagate by seed, sow the seeds in a well-drained potting mix and water regularly. Seedlings will appear in 4-6 weeks. To propagate by division, simply divide the rootball and replant in a new pot.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is not too fast. They can grow about an inch to an inch and a half per year. Repotting may be necessary every two years or so to accommodate the growth. If your plant is growing too fast, it may be due to over-fertilizing.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are brown leaves, yellow leaves, and a general decline in plant health. These problems are often caused by too much or too little water, inadequate light, or pests. If you see brown leaves on your parlor palm, it is likely that the plant is not getting enough water. Make sure to water the plant regularly and deeply, and mist the leaves regularly as well. If the problem persists, you may need to increase the humidity around the plant by placing it on a pebble tray or using a humidifier. Yellow leaves on a parlor palm are usually a sign of too much water. Make sure to reduce watering frequency and allow the soil to dry out somewhat between waterings. If the problem persists, you may need to repot the plant in a well-draining potting mix. If your parlor palm is generally unhealthy, it may be due to inadequate light or pests. Make sure the plant is getting enough light, and check for pests such as mites, scale, or mealybugs. These can be controlled with insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, or neem oil.

Basics of Growing

  • Make sure to plant your parlor palm in a well-draining pot or container.
  • Water your palm regularly, but don't over-water it.
  • Place your palm in a bright spot, but out of direct sunlight.
  • Fertilize your palm every few months with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune your palm as needed to keep it looking its best.
  • Repot your palm every few years to keep it healthy.
  • Protect your palm from cold weather and drafts.
  • Control pests and diseases as needed.
  • Give your palm plenty of room to grow, as it can reach up to 6 feet tall.
  • Enjoy your beautiful parlor palm!

Related Plants

  • ParPla - Your Family's Response to an Emergency
  • Atlantic palms - Cuban plant species
  • PlaDental - Dentist finder in Barcelona
  • PlaDent- Find a Dentist in Canada
  • Jardin Vertical Plantas - Plantas Empresariales
  • Plantas Constructivas - Consultoría Técnica para Obras de construcción
  • Plantas Grandes - Grandes Plantas
  • Plantas Medicinales - Plantas Medicinales
  • Plantas Outdoor - Outdoor Plantas
  • Plantas Indoor - Indoor Plantas

Source:
Chamaedorea seifrizii (Bamboo Palm, Parlor Palm, Reed Palm)
Palm Diseases & Nutritional Problems - Clemson University
Parlor Efficiency - Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Trees Category