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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Parlour Palm is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Parlour Palm with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and tropical climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Parlour Palm
Plant Sale lists Parlour Palm as potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.