At a glance
- Light
- Low light tolerant
- Typical interval
- Every 6 to 8 days (summer)
Every 11 to 17 days (winter) - Climate
- 18–24 °C
- Humidity
- 50–70 %
- Pet safety
- Pet-safe (non-toxic)
- Scientific name
- Chamaedorea elegans
When and how much water
Water parlor palm when the top 3 cm of soil feel dry. In summer that’s typically every 6 to 8 days. In winter, slow down to every 11 to 17 days. Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Light and placement
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 parlor palm every 90 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
Parlor palm is comfortable between 18 and 24 °C. Below 10 °C the leaves start taking damage, so keep it clear of cold drafts and unheated rooms.
It does best at 50–70% 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 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 are my Parlor palm’s leaves turning yellow or drooping?
On a parlor palm, yellowing and soft growth usually mean overwatering: watch for yellowing fronds, rot at base, or mushy stem base. Let the soil dry further between waterings and check drainage. If you see crispy frond tips, brown leaf edges, or drooping fronds instead, it’s likely thirsty. Water a little more often. With Botanicaly Pro, Botanicaly Bot can help assess visible signs from a photo and suggest possible causes.
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
Last reviewed: 2026-09-21
