Parlor palm care guide
Chamaedorea elegans
Quick answer
Water your parlor palm when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil feel dry. In summer that’s typically every 6 to 8 days.
- WateringEvery 6 to 8 days · summer
Every 11 to 17 days · winter - LightLow light tolerant
- Climate10–27 °C (50–81 °F)
- Pet safetyPet-safe (non-toxic)
Not sure it’s this plant?Get the free Botanicaly app and find out with a photoWhen and how to water
3 cm (1.2 in)
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 6 to 8 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 11 to 17 days
Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Work out your own rhythm with the watering calculator.
Light and placement
Low light tolerant
Parlor palm tolerates low light but grows faster in medium light. Place it near a north-facing window, or a couple of meters back from a brighter one.
Feeding
Feed your parlor palm every 30 days while it’s actively growing. Use a palm fertilizer with magnesium and manganese, at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate10–27 °C (50–81 °F)
Humidity40–60%
During leafy growth, aim for 10–27 °C (50–81 °F). For routine indoor care, keep it above about 10 °C (50 °F) and avoid cold drafts. This is a care guideline, not an exact damage threshold. Cooler overwintering depends on the species and its rest conditions.
It does best at 40–60% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Common problems
Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.
Find what’s wrong
Toxic to pets?
No. Pet-safe.
Parlor palm is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Safe to keep in a home with pets.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Common questions
How often should I water a parlor palm?
Water your parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans) when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil feel dry. In summer, that’s typically every 6 to 8 days. In winter, slow down to every 11 to 17 days.
How much light does a parlor palm need?
Parlor palm tolerates low light but grows faster in medium light. Place it near a north-facing window, or a couple of meters back from a brighter one.
Is parlor palm safe for cats and dogs?
Parlor palm is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Safe to keep in a home with pets.
Why is my parlor palm turning yellow or drooping?
Yellowing, drooping and brown tips can have several causes. Check the potting mix before adding water and follow this plant’s watering and rest instructions. If the mix is still wet, do not add more water. Check drainage and roots, then light, humidity, water quality and pests. Faded color or webbing alone does not show that the roots need water.
Sources4 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineTaxonomy · accepted name · classification
- Royal Horticultural SocietyLight · water · feed · temperature · humidity · compost · repotting · pests
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxLight · humidity · watering · soil · repotting · temperature · pests · pet safety
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlScientific name · toxicity classification for dogs and cats
- How we check our plant advice
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