Find out how to keep parlor palm happy and healthy. Learn what kind of lighting this plant requires. Also discover how to water them and when and how to feed them. This is a really easy-to-grow plant that makes a good plant for beginner houseplant growers, as well as for more experienced gardeners. See care stamps below.
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Today we’re checking back in with Marco, a Parlor Palm featured in a previous video about the history of parlor palms. That video explains how these plants were grown during Victorian times and how they became popular in indoor gardens today.
Why Parlor Palms Make a Great Indoor Plant
Parlor palms are lovely statement plants for indoor gardens. They provide a tropical, palm-like appearance and are slow-growing, adding elegance without overwhelming a space. Keep in mind, small palms grow only 2–4 inches per year, so larger plants are needed if you want immediate impact.
Lighting
Parlor palms are low-light tolerant, but they thrive in:
Bright, filtered sunlight
Northern exposure (unblocked by buildings or trees)
Eastern windows with morning sun and afternoon shade
Artificial full-spectrum lighting in darker spaces
Soil Requirements
Use a high-quality peat-based potting soil with:
Good drainage
Moisture retention
Avoid soils that are entirely bark-based, as they do not hold enough moisture.
Watering
Parlor palms are sensitive to overwatering. Key tips:
Keep soil evenly moist; do not let it dry out repeatedly
Avoid sitting in water or saturated soil
Yellow fronds may indicate either underwatering or root rot
Check a moisture meter; watering around level 4 is ideal
Temperature and Humidity
Preferred temperature: 65–80°F (18–27°C)
Can tolerate lows of 50°F, but frost will kill the plant
Avoid cold drafts near windows and doors
Average indoor humidity (40–60%) is sufficient
For brown leaf tips, consider a humidity tray
Fertilizing
Use diluted fertilizer (half-strength recommended)
Feed every 2–3 months
Avoid over-fertilizing due to sensitive roots
Repotting
Parlor palms have delicate root systems
Repot infrequently, ideally when plant-to-pot ratio requires it
Be gentle to avoid root damage
Pest Control
Common pests include:
Mealybugs – treat with isopropyl alcohol (≥70%)
Scale insects – treat with neem oil (organic solution)
With these tips, your parlor palm will stay healthy, beautiful, and a charming addition to your indoor garden.
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Parlor Palm FAQ
What are the ideal lighting conditions for a parlor palm?
Parlor palms thrive in bright, filtered sunlight, northern or eastern windows, and can also do well under artificial full-spectrum lighting.
What type of soil is best for parlor palms?
Use high-quality peat-based potting soil with good drainage and moisture retention. Avoid soils that are purely bark-based.
How should I water my parlor palm?
Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water when a moisture meter reads around level 4, and avoid letting the plant sit in water.
What temperature and humidity do parlor palms prefer?
Ideal temperatures are 65–80°F (18–27°C). They tolerate average indoor humidity (40–60%) and should be kept away from drafts and HVAC vents.
How often should I fertilize my parlor palm?
Feed every 2–3 months with a diluted fertilizer at half the recommended strength to prevent root burn.
How often should I repot my parlor palm?
Repot infrequently, when the plant-to-pot ratio indicates the need. Be gentle with the delicate root system to avoid damage.
What pests affect parlor palms and how can I treat them?
Common pests include mealybugs and scale. Treat mealybugs with 70% isopropyl alcohol and scale insects with neem oil as an organic solution.
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