Parlour Palm

About Parlour Palm

The Parlour Palm is a compact, elegant houseplant native to the rainforests of Mexico and Guatemala, prized for its graceful, arching fronds and tolerance of low light conditions. Growing to around 1–2 metres indoors, it has been a favourite in British homes since Victorian times, when it adorned the parlours of fashionable households. Its air-purifying qualities and undemanding nature make it ideal for UK homes with limited natural light, particularly north-facing rooms. The delicate, pinnate leaves bring a touch of tropical greenery to any interior without requiring the high humidity many palms demand.

UK fact: The Parlour Palm was awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit and became a staple of Victorian parlours in Britain, where it thrived in the dim, gas-lit rooms of the era, earning its enduring common name.

Watering Parlour Palm

Water thoroughly when the top 2–3 cm of compost feels dry to the touch, typically once a week during spring and summer. Allow excess water to drain completely, as Parlour Palms are susceptible to root rot in soggy conditions. Reduce watering to fortnightly or less during the UK winter months when growth slows and evaporation rates drop. Use tepid water rather than cold tap water, and if your area has hard water, consider using filtered or rainwater to prevent mineral build-up on the leaves.

Sunlight requirements

Position your Parlour Palm in bright, indirect light or partial shade, avoiding direct sunlight which can scorch the delicate fronds. In UK homes, north or east-facing windows are ideal, though it tolerates darker corners better than most houseplants. During winter months when natural light is limited, the plant will slow its growth but generally copes well without supplementary lighting.

Soil and feeding

Plant in a well-draining, peat-free houseplant compost mixed with perlite or orchid bark to improve aeration and prevent waterlogging. A slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5–6.5 is ideal for healthy growth. Avoid heavy, moisture-retentive mixes that can lead to root rot. Repot every 2–3 years in spring, moving up only one pot size, as Parlour Palms prefer slightly restricted roots and can suffer if overpotted.

Apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser at half strength every 4 weeks from April through September when the plant is actively growing. Avoid feeding during autumn and winter when growth naturally slows in response to reduced light levels. Over-feeding can cause brown leaf tips and salt build-up in the compost.

Pruning Parlour Palm

Prune away brown, yellow, or damaged fronds by cutting them cleanly at the base with sharp, clean secateurs. This tidying can be done at any time of year as needed and helps redirect the plant's energy into producing fresh growth. Avoid cutting green, healthy fronds unless absolutely necessary, as this reduces the plant's ability to photosynthesise. Wipe the blades with diluted disinfectant between cuts to prevent spreading any potential diseases.

Propagating Parlour Palm

Propagation is most successfully achieved from fresh seed sown in spring, though germination can be slow and erratic, taking 1–6 months. Division is not recommended as Parlour Palms grow from a single stem rather than producing multiple crowns. If you purchase a pot with multiple plants, these are individual seedlings planted together rather than divisions. Home propagation requires patience and warmth, with bottom heat significantly improving germination rates in the UK climate.

Common problems

Parlour Palms are relatively trouble-free but can suffer from spider mites in dry UK centrally heated homes, causing stippled, yellowing leaves and fine webbing. Brown leaf tips are common and usually indicate low humidity, over-feeding, or fluoride in tap water rather than disease. Root rot can develop if the compost is kept too wet, particularly during winter months, causing yellowing fronds and a musty smell from the pot. Scale insects occasionally appear as small brown bumps on stems and leaf undersides, weakening the plant by sucking sap.

Spot a problem with your plant? Photograph the affected area using the Loam app and it will suggest the most likely cause and treatment.

Safety

Humans

Safe

Cats

Safe

Dogs

Safe

Toxicity information is for general guidance only.

Seasonal care calendar

Monthly care guide for Parlour Palm in the UK, based on average conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Why are the tips of my Parlour Palm turning brown?

Brown tips are usually caused by low humidity, over-feeding, or fluoride in tap water. Increase humidity by misting regularly, reduce fertiliser strength, and consider using filtered or rainwater instead of tap water.

How do I know if my Parlour Palm is getting enough light?

Parlour Palms tolerate low light but thrive in bright, indirect light. Signs of insufficient light include very slow growth, pale fronds, and leggy stems. If you're unsure about your plant's light levels or notice these symptoms, the Loam app can help diagnose lighting issues and provide personalised care recommendations based on your home's conditions.

What type of soil does a Parlour Palm need?

Use a well-draining, peat-free potting mix or a specialist palm compost. A blend of houseplant compost with added perlite or orchid bark works well to ensure good drainage whilst retaining some moisture. Avoid heavy, compacted soils that can lead to root rot.

Related plants

• Boston Fern
• Spider Plant
• Peace Lily
• Pothos
• Chinese Evergreen