Native to the countries of Mexico and Guatemala, the popular Parlor Palm is called by the scientific name Chamaedorea elegans. Was that Chamaedorea elegant? No, Chamaedorea elegans. But a person does have to wonder if there’s a connection there! Indeed, Parlor Palms contribute an elegance and grace that makes their popularity no mystery.
Parlor Palms, unlike many ornamental plants, are not propagated from cuttings. Instead, they are grown directly from seed. Many seeds will be sprouted and the resulting seedlings grown together in a pot to make the resulting product full an aesthetically-pleasing. If you look carefully, you will find that your Winter Gardens Parlor Palm has 50 or more individual palm seedlings crowded together in the same pot! If you’ve got an 8″ palm, you may count up to 100 seedlings! The result is a plant that looks full and lush!
Parlor palms bring a slow and steady element to the indoor setting; they are not quick growers. Lighting requirements for this species are surprisingly low–a characteristic that has helped to make them an indoor favorite. Indirect window light or a few rays from the morning or evening sun will keep your Parlor Palm quite happy (Baessler, 2021).
The soil, water, and nutritional needs of your new palm are fairly basic, so do not spend too much time worrying about what to do here. Should you need to repot your plant, use a basic peat-based potting soil. Do not overwater your palm. As Planterina.com points out (2021), it’s better to keep the soil on the dry side than on the soggy side, especially during the winter months when your palm is not using as much water. A simple houseplant fertilizer applied a couple times during the growing season will provide your palms with ample nutrition.
Keep you palm in low-moderate light, water it only as needed (don’t overdue it!) and fertilize it lightly throughout the summer months.
Whether gracing your home, office, or business, your parlor palm will bring a fresh, tropical elegance to the indoor environment. Is that why it’s called Chamaedorea elegans?
Sources
Baessler, L. (2021). Parlor Palm Houseplants: How to Care for a Parlor Palm Plant. Retrieved 7/19/21 from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/parlor-palm/parlor-palm-houseplants.htm
Parlor Palm Care (2021). Retrieved 7/19/21 from https://planterina.com/blogs/plant-care/parlor-palm-care
VanZile, J. (2021). How to Grow Parlor Palm. Retrieved 7/19/21 from https://www.thespruce.com/grow-chamaedorea-indoors-1902884