A compact, dainty feather palm that thrives in low light and tight spaces. Pet-safe and undemanding, a long-standing favourite for tabletops and shelves.
At a glance
- Plant type: Palm or cycad
- Mature size: 1.2 m tall
- Aspect: part shade or morning sun and shade and low-light positions
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Parlour Palm
Botanically, Chamaedorea elegans is a slow-growing palm or cycad in the Arecaceae family. It reaches around 1.2 m tall at maturity, with evergreen foliage.
Where to grow Parlour Palm
Parlour Palm suits tropical and subtropical climates and grows best in part shade or morning sun and shade and low-light positions. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot.
Soil & planting
Most soils suit Parlour Palm provided drainage is reasonable. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Parlour Palm does best with regular, moderate watering. Refresh mulch and provide a modest balanced feed at the start of spring. For the first year, favour occasional deep watering over frequent shallow drinks so roots move into the surrounding soil.
Pruning & care
Tip-prune Parlour Palm in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Parlour Palm in the garden
Parlour Palm earns its place for pots and courtyard containers and a feature or specimen planting. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Combine Parlour Palm with plants that share its preference for regular, moderate watering and tropical climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Parlour Palm
Plant Sale lists Parlour Palm as potted plants. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
