Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
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The parlor palm is the easiest indoor palm you can grow. Its soft, feathery fronds arch from slender green stems, bringing a relaxed tropical look to rooms where most plants struggle. It grows naturally on shady rainforest floors, so it handles low light and dry indoor air, and it grows slowly, staying a manageable size for years. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Quick facts
| Botanical name | Chamaedorea elegans |
| Also called | Parlor palm, neanthe bella palm, good luck palm, table palm |
| Pets | Non-toxic to cats and dogs (listed by the ASPCA) |
| Light | Low to bright indirect light; no direct sun |
| Water | When the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry |
| Size | Usually 2 to 4 feet indoors over time; grows slowly |
| Care level | Easy, great for beginners |
Why you'll love it
- Made for dim rooms: north-facing windows, offices and spots far from a window.
- Slow and tidy: it stays close to its size, so it won't outgrow your space.
- Pet-safe palm: a true palm, and nothing like the toxic sago palm.
Care guide
Light: Bright, indirect light gives the fullest growth, but parlor palms handle low light better than almost any houseplant, including offices with only overhead lights. Keep it out of direct sun, which bleaches and scorches the fronds.
Water: Water thoroughly when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry, then empty the saucer. Plants in lower light need water less often. Overwatering is the most common cause of problems.
Humidity and temperature: Normal household air is fine. Keep it between 65 and 80°F and away from cold drafts. Very dry air can cause brown tips, which are cosmetic and easy to trim.
Soil and feeding: Standard potting mix with some perlite works well. Feed at half strength monthly in spring and summer. Repot only every 2 to 3 years, since parlor palms like a snug pot.
Trimming: Remove fully brown fronds at the base. Never cut the growing tip at the top of a stem, because palms don't branch and that stem will stop growing.
Want the full breakdown? Read our parlor palm care guide.
Questions
Is parlor palm safe for cats and dogs?
Yes. The ASPCA lists parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans) as non-toxic to cats and dogs. A pet that chews a lot of any plant may get a mild upset stomach, but parlor palm won't poison it.
Can it really grow in low light?
Yes. It's one of the best low light plants there is. It grows more slowly in dim rooms but stays healthy and green. A room with no windows needs a grow light.
How big will it get?
Usually 2 to 4 feet indoors, and it takes years to get there. Buy close to the size you want.
Why are the frond tips turning brown?
Usually dry air, inconsistent watering, or minerals in tap water. It's mostly cosmetic: trim the tips with clean scissors, water a bit more consistently, and try filtered water.
Is parlor palm the same as neanthe bella palm?
Yes. Neanthe bella is a trade name for Chamaedorea elegans, often used for smaller plants.
See all pet-safe palms or more low light plants.
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So beautiful and healthy!
Root & Reach seriously has the best customer service I've ever experience. I reached out asking questions about which plants would be best for each of my rooms and Nikki was so helpful and got back to me the same day with recommendations. My parlor palm, bonnie curly spider plant, and all three of my peperomias arrived so quick and are all absolutely beautiful!!
My 6 inch parlor palm arrived in amazing condition as did my other plants! So impressed by the well they were packaged. Wonderful place to buy plants.
I have been stocking the 10 inch pot parlor palm for a while and when it finally came back in stock, I purchased it right away! This is my second parlor palm I have purchased from Root & Reach Botanicals, and I continue to be impressed by the quality of the plants. They source from the best greenhouses. They are the best online plant shop I have found to date. Both purchases my palms arrived in pristine condition and extremely healthy.
Both of my parlor palms were packaged wonderfully, very secure. I potted them and put them both my office. I've had multiple people ask me what kind of palms these are and where I got them. They look fantastic. I can't recommend this store enough.
I got 2 of the 6 inch parlor palms and they look absolutely beautiful in my living room and office! Wonderful shopping experience.
My parlor palm showed up healthy and full. Would buy more plants from this shop.
My parlor palm arrived in perfect condition with vibrant, full leaves. Love that it's dog safe. I'm praying my Archie doesn't eat this one like he did the last plant I got. Easy to care for and looks great in my space!
This parlor palm arrived healthy and full. It's the perfect size for adding some tropical vibes to my space. I appreciate that it's completely pet safe, so I don't have to worry about placement. It's been easy to care for and seems very happy in indirect light. Great addition to my plant collection!
My Parlor Palm came packaged very well. It's healthy and is settling into its new home well. I'll definitely order from here again.
