Chamaedorea elegans: Parlor Palm

This Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ publication is part of a document series originally written by Edward F. Gilman. Visit https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/ to learn more about creating and maintaining attractive landscapes that protect Florida's water resources and environment.

Introduction

Parlor palm is native to the rainforests of Mexico and Guatemala. It has an upright growth habit and reaches a height of 2 to 8 feet and spread of 2 to 4 feet (Figure 1). Foliage is evergreen, bipinnately compound, and palmate (Figure 2). The fronds consist of 12 to 40 leaflets. The lower fronds droop from the palm as it grows, and new foliage is atop the bright green, shiny stem. Inconspicuous pale-yellow flowers are produced in panicles within the foliage (Figure 3). Parlor palm is a dioecious plant, with both male and female plant specimens being required for flower and fruit production. Fruit is rounded black drupes and develops on the panicle (Figure 4). Parlor palm is one of the best indoor Chamaedorea species, tolerating crowded roots and low light levels. It can also be an effective accent plant in a ground-hugging groundcover in a small-scale garden. While excellent when used for a house plant, parlor palm can also be used outdoors in a shady understory setting as an accent.

General Information

Scientific name: Chamaedorea elegans

Pronunciation: kam-ee-DOR-ee-uh EL-uh-ganz

Common name(s): parlor palm, neanthe bella, bamboo palm, dwarf palm

Family: Arecaceae

Plant type: palm

USDA hardiness zones: 10A through 11B (Figures 5 and 6)

Planting month for zones 10 and 11: year-round

Origin: native to North America

Uses: container or above-ground planter; suitable for growing indoors; border; accent

Availability: somewhat available, may have to go out of the region to find the plant

Description

Height: 2 to 8 feet

Spread: 2 to 3 feet

Plant habit: upright

Plant density: open

Growth rate: slow

Texture: medium

Use and Management

Parlor palm should be located away from direct sunlight, in a location with dappled sunlight to full shade. It also requires an area of moderate humidity. This plant is adaptable to soil conditions, given that the soil is well drained; however, organic soil is preferred for optimal growth. Avoid overwatering this plant, as this can lead to root rot. Although parlor palm usually grows 5 to 8 feet tall, the size can be managed by pruning the tallest stem of the cluster nearly to the ground.

When grown as a houseplant, locate in an area with bright, indirect light and control for medium humidity levels. Houseplants will require a rich soil mixture.

Propagation is by seed.

Design Considerations

Parlor palm provides soft, medium-green, feathered foliage and a delicate, upright clumping form that brings fine texture and a gentle vertical accent to shaded plantings. Its compact habit makes it ideal as a specimen in courtyards, entry alcoves, and patios; a foundation plant on protected north- or east-facing exposures; or a refined understory element beneath open tree canopies; it also performs well in containers. Parlor palm pairs effectively with broad-leafed tropicals such as Philodendron (Philodendron spp.), Calathea (various species), and Alocasia (Alocasia spp.) for bold contrast; fine-textured companions like ferns and cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) for layered shade compositions; and low groundcovers such as mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus), or gingers (various species) to maintain a clean, cohesive base around its clumps.

Pests and Diseases

Pest issues include mites, nematodes, and scales, especially when used indoors. No disease issues of major concern.