Parlour Palm

Scientific Name: Chamaedorea elegans

⚠Toxicity⚠

The Parlour Palm is considered NON-TOXIC to both cats and dogs

It’s important to remember that any plant may cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs, and those with large leaves can be a choking hazard. If you believe that your pet is ill or may have ingested a poisonous substance contact either your local veterinarian or the APCC 24-hour emergency poison hotline at 1-888-426-4435

General Info

ℹ Though native to rain forests in Southern Mexico and Guatemala, Parlour Palms are able to survive on very low light and average humidity. They’re popular house plants and are often used in floral arrangements as well, so it’s a good thing they’re non-toxic!

❓ Let me know in the comments if you have any questions regarding the Parlour Palm or suggestions for plants you would like me to talk about in the future

Care Instructions

🔪How to Murder

• Since Parlour Palms enjoy being a bit crowded up with their pals, separate them and watch them slowly perish from loneliness, you monster

• Place the palm in direct sunlight to cook it up real nice. Now eat it! Eat those stringy leaves, you awful thing, I will not let that sweet little tree die in vain!

• Drowning is always an option

🌍Soil

Parlour Palms like a high-quality potting mix that drains quickly. If you prefer to make your own mix, try a blend of 1 part potting soil, 1 part sand, and 2 parts peat moss

💦Water

Use room-temperature, filtered or “aged” water (water left in an open container for several days to remove chlorine) if possible

Consistent moisture is ideal, but to be on the safer side, let the soil dry out a bit in-between waterings and water even less during the winter when the plant is dormant

To avoid root rot, always empty any excess water from the catch saucer under your plants

💩Fertilizer

In spring and summer, feed a 20-20-20 liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength every month. Do not fertilize in the winter, and if using a slow-release fertilizer, water the plant before fertilizing to avoid burning the roots

🌞Environment

Place the plant in an area with medium sunlight that is indirect or filtered by a sheer curtain

Keep room temperature between 62-82°F (17-28°C)

Parlour Palms prefer high humidity, so placing them in a terrarium or other glass case is best if you are unable to keep your home’s humidity between 40-80%

Group plants together to help them retain moisture

🌷Flowers

Parlour palms can bloom once mature, but the flowers are small and the seeds it bears are sterile, so they cannot be used for propagation. The flower stalks can be removed if desired

👩‍🌾Re-potting

Parlour Palms should not need to be re-potted every year, as they have a minimal root system and prefer their home to be a bit cramped

Wait until the end of winter to re-pot, if necessary

Use a container that is 1 inch larger than the current one and has holes for drainage in the bottom

Pour an inch of rich, well-draining potting mix into the new container

Gently hold your sweet little plant as close to the soil line as possible, turn the pot sideways, and slowly pull the plant out

Put the plant in the new container and fill up the area around the plant, taking care not to change how high the soil line is on the plant and gently spreading the roots out

✂Pruning

Since the Parlour Palm grows from a terminal bud, you will prevent any further growth if you prune at the stem. Instead, remove only individual fronds if they become yellowed or brown

🌱Propagation

Parlour Palms cannot be propagated by stem cutting or leaf cutting. Propagation is almost always done through seed and by professionals, as the process is very difficult