I love growing Parlor Palms because of their lush green foliage, ability to thrive in low-light conditions, and forgiving nature. These plants make beautiful and easygoing additions to any home or office space.
Parlor Palm Care
Whether youâre a beginner plant parent or an experienced indoor gardener, this guide covers everything you need to know to keep your Parlor Palm healthy and thriving.
Understanding Parlor Palm Basics
The Parlor Palm is slow-growing and typically reaches 4 to 6 feet in height indoors, with a spread of around 2-3 feet.
With good care, Parlor Palms can live indoors for several decades. They grow slowly, which makes them perfect for people who want long-lasting houseplants without frequent repotting or pruning.
If You are interested in learning about different types of palms, check out this post on 31 large, medium and small palm trees your indoor and outdoor spaces.
Light Requirements
Parlor Palms are well-suited to lower-light settings and indirect, filtered light. Avoid intense, direct sunlight, as this can burn their delicate leaves.
Ideally, place them near an east-facing window where they can get soft morning light or in a room with gentle ambient light.
Unlike many plants, Parlor Palms can thrive in artificial lighting, making them a popular choice for office spaces. However, providing natural light whenever possible helps them maintain their best color and shape.
Leaves may turn yellow, curl, or develop brown tips if exposed to excessive sunlight.
If the plant starts stretching or appearing âleggy,â itâs likely trying to reach for more light. Moving it closer to a brighter area may help it return to a compact shape.
Watering Needs
Parlor Palms prefer consistently moist soil but are sensitive to overwatering. Generally, water them once a week in the warmer months, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. In winter, reduce watering frequency as their growth slows, typically every 10-14 days.
These palms are somewhat sensitive to chemicals in tap water, such as chlorine and fluoride, which can cause brown tips. Using distilled or filtered water can reduce the risk of damage.
When overwatered, they might get root rot, yellowing leaves, and drooping stems. Ensure the pot has drainage holes and remove excess water from the saucer after watering.
When underwatered, Parlor Palms may develop brown, crispy tips or dry leaf edges. Increase the watering frequency slightly, especially if your home is dry or the plant is near a heat source.
Humidity and Temperature
Native to tropical rainforests, Parlor Palms prefer moderate to high humidity and temperatures between 65-80°F. They do well in typical indoor humidity levels but may struggle in very dry air.
If you live in a dry climate or have central heating, which can lower indoor humidity, consider misting the plant regularly, using a room humidifier, or placing it near other plants to create a more humid micro-environment.
You can also place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water (make sure the pot is not submerged) to gently raise humidity levels around the plant.
Parlor Palms are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, especially cold drafts. Avoid placing them near air conditioning vents, heaters, or drafty windows, as sudden temperature changes can stress the plant and cause leaf damage.
Soil and Potting
Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix designed for palms or indoor plants. The ideal mix retains moisture without becoming soggy, as excess water retention can lead to root rot. A blend with perlite or sand can improve aeration and drainage.
Choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent standing water at the bottom, which can cause root problems.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its pot. Parlor Palms grow slowly and donât need frequent repotting, which is ideal for indoor plant enthusiasts looking for low-maintenance options.
Repotting Process:
- Water the plant thoroughly a day before repotting to help the roots come out more easily.
- Choose a pot just one size larger to avoid water retention issues.
- Gently loosen the root ball and place it in the new pot with fresh soil, leaving a small space at the top to prevent overflow during watering.
Fertilizing Needs
Parlor Palms are light feeders and require only minimal fertilization. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with a ratio around 10-10-10 (N-P-K) works well.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can encourage excessive foliage growth at the expense of overall plant health.
Feed the plant monthly during the growing season (spring and summer). In fall and winter, reduce fertilization to every two to three months, or stop completely, as the Parlor Palmâs growth naturally slows down.
Over-fertilizing can lead to salt buildup in the soil, which may cause leaf burn and browning tips.
If this occurs, flush the soil with water to remove excess salts. Water the plant thoroughly and let it drain well, repeating as needed.
Pruning and Maintenance
Pruning is mostly aesthetic for Parlor Palms, as they naturally shed older, yellowing fronds.
Use clean, sharp scissors to remove any completely yellow or brown leaves at the base. Avoid cutting partially yellow leaves unless theyâre mostly dead, as removing healthy parts can stress the plant.
Dust can accumulate on the Parlor Palmâs delicate fronds, reducing its ability to photosynthesize effectively.
Clean the leaves every month or so with a damp, soft cloth or by gently spraying them with water. This not only helps the plant absorb light but also reduces the likelihood of pests.
Pest Control
Parlor Palms are generally pest-resistant but can sometimes attract common indoor plant pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids.
Inspect leaves regularly, especially in dry environments, as pests thrive in low humidity.
If you notice any signs of infestation (like sticky residue, webbing, or white spots), treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil and increase humidity if possible.
Parlor Palm Problems
Parlor Palms are relatively hardy, but they may show signs of stress if their needs arenât met. Here are some common issues and solutions:
Yellowing Leaves: Yellowing can result from overwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or too much direct sunlight. Evaluate watering habits first, then assess light levels and fertilization.
Brown Tips: Brown leaf tips are often a result of low humidity, over-fertilization, or inconsistent watering. Increase humidity with regular misting or a humidifier, reduce fertilizing frequency, and ensure consistent watering practices.
Drooping Stems: Drooping can signal various issues, such as underwatering, root rot, or lack of light. Check the roots for signs of rot if the soil is very wet, or consider adding supplemental lighting if you suspect low light is the issue.
Root Rot: Often caused by poor drainage or overwatering, root rot appears as soft, brown roots and wilting, yellow leaves. Remove affected parts, repot in fresh soil with good drainage, and water less frequently.
Parlor Palm Propagation
Parlor Palms are not the easiest to propagate, but it can be done through division. Spring is ideal for propagation, as it aligns with the plantâs natural growth cycle.
Propagation Steps:
Locate Healthy Offshoots: Mature Parlor Palms may produce small offshoots near the base. Ensure that each division has its own healthy root system before attempting to separate.
Separate Carefully: Gently pull or cut the offshoot from the parent plant, taking care not to damage the roots.
Pot in Fresh Soil: Place the offshoot in a small pot with well-draining soil. Water lightly and keep it in indirect light, maintaining high humidity to help it establish.
Care for New Plants: Young plants require extra humidity, consistent moisture, and indirect light to develop strong roots. Mist frequently and keep out of direct sunlight until they are fully established.
Parlor Palm Health Benefits
Beyond aesthetics, Parlor Palms are beneficial for your indoor environment.
- Air Purification: Parlor Palms filter indoor toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, helping to purify the air in your home.
- Stress Reduction: Studies show that indoor plants can improve mood, reduce stress, and increase overall well-being. The Parlor Palmâs calming green foliage is perfect for creating a soothing indoor atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my Parlor Palm leaves turning yellow?
Yellowing is often due to overwatering, but it could also be a sign of low light or nutrient deficiency. Adjust your watering schedule and consider providing supplemental light if needed.
Can I grow a Parlor Palm outdoors?
Parlor Palms can grow outdoors in warm, tropical climates but cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below 50°F. If youâre in a cooler climate, keep them as indoor plants year-round.
How can I increase humidity for my Parlor Palm?
Misting, using a humidifier, or placing the plant on a pebble tray with water are all effective ways to increase humidity. Grouping plants together also helps raise ambient humidity levels naturally.
Do Parlor Palms need a lot of sunlight?
No, Parlor Palms do best in low to moderate, indirect light. They can tolerate lower light levels, making them suitable for indoor environments with limited natural light.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a plant that will give you a touch of greenery that you can enjoy year-round then get a Parlor Palm.
I hope this post was helpful, subscribe to my mailing list and also save the Pinterest Pin below to receive more awesome plant care guides.
