How to Prune and Propagate Night Blooming Jasmine (Raat ki Rani) for More Flowers Night Blooming Jasmine ( Cestrum nocturnum ) is one of those plants that can transform an ordinary balcony into a fragrant evening garden. During warm weather, its small greenish-white flowers release a powerful fragrance after sunset. However, this fast-growing shrub can become difficult to manage in a container. You may have noticed long, thin branches spreading over the balcony railing, fewer flowers than expected, or a plant that produces plenty of green leaves but very few fragrant flower clusters. Sometimes, an older Raat ki Rani looks attractive for a few weeks during its flowering season and then becomes an untidy collection of long branches. Regular pruning can help solve these problems. It encourages branching, removes damaged growth and helps maintain a compact shape. Healthy branches removed during pruning can also be used to propagate new plants through stem cuttings....
The Ultimate Parlor Palm Guide: How to Grow a Happy Chamaedorea elegans
If you have a dark corner where many houseplants struggle to survive, meet the plant that can actually handle it: the Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans).
A favourite since Victorian parlors, this elegant palm remains popular for good reason. It is pet-friendly, helps improve indoor air quality, tolerates low light, and grows very slowly indoors. That slow growth means it can stay beautiful in almost the same spot for years.
In this complete guide, I'll cover everything from Parlor Palm size and benefits to fertiliser, common problems, and ways to encourage healthier growth without harming the plant.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts
Is Parlour Palm a Good Indoor Plant?
7 Amazing Benefits
How Big Does It Get?
Indoor or Outdoor?
Does It Need Full Sun?
Complete Care Guide
Fertilizer Guide
How to Make It Grow Faster
Common Problems and Fixes
Does It Flower?
Can You Grow It in Water?
Areca Palm vs Parlor Palm
How to Keep It Happy
FAQ
Parlor Palm Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Chamaedorea elegans |
| Common Names | Parlor Palm, Neanthe Bella Palm, Parlour Palm |
| Family | Arecaceae |
| Native To | Rainforests of Mexico and Guatemala |
| Indoor Height | 2–6 feet, very slow |
| Light | Bright indirect light; tolerates low light |
| Pet Safe | Yes, non-toxic to cats & dogs |
| Lifespan | 10–20+ years indoors |
Is Parlor Palm a Good Indoor Plant?
Absolutely. The Parlor Palm is one of the best palms for beginners.
Unlike Majesty Palm or Kentia Palm, it does not demand extremely bright light or high humidity to maintain an attractive appearance. For good care, provide bright indirect sunlight and keep the soil consistently moist without making it waterlogged.
Parlor Palms also dislike having their roots disturbed, so they generally do not need frequent repotting. Repotting every 2–3 years is usually enough.
For apartments, desks, and north-facing rooms, the Parlor Palm can be an excellent choice.
7 Amazing Parlor Palm Benefits
1. Air-Purifying Superstar
The Parlor Palm was identified in NASA's Clean Air Study for its ability to remove harmful indoor air pollutants such as formaldehyde and xylene.
2. Pet-Friendly and Non-Toxic
Parlour Palm is considered safe for cats and dogs, unlike many common houseplants that can harm pets.
3. Thrives Where Other Plants Fail
One of its biggest advantages is its ability to grow in less-bright areas of the home where many tropical plants struggle.
4. Good for Feng Shui & Luck
Is a palm tree a lucky plant?
In Feng Shui, palms are associated with calmness, positive energy, and balance. The Parlor Palm is considered a lucky plant for living rooms because its soft, graceful fronds can create a calming atmosphere and help reduce visual stress.
5. Compact for Small Apartments
The Parlor Palm stays relatively neat and bushy, making it suitable for small apartments, desks, tabletops, and other limited spaces.
6. Low Maintenance
It forgives occasional missed waterings compared with many ferns, making it a practical choice for beginner plant owners.
7. Long-Lifespan Companion
The Parlor Palm is a naturally slow-growing plant. It can take years to reach its full indoor height of around 2–6 feet, making it a long-term houseplant that can remain with you for decades.
Parlor Palm Size: How Big Does It Get?
Indoor Size
Indoors, a Parlor Palm generally reaches around 2–6 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide.
It is a slow grower, so a 12-inch plant purchased from a store may take around 3–4 years to double in size.
Large Parlour Palm
If you want a fuller, statement-sized plant around 3–4 feet tall, look for one grown in a 10- to 14-inch pot where multiple seedlings have been grouped together.
This is how nurseries often create the full, lush appearance associated with larger Parlor Palms.
They are commonly grown in 6- to 14-inch containers, with plants ranging from approximately 18 inches to 4 feet tall.
Outdoor Size
When planted in the ground in a suitable warm climate, a Parlor Palm can reach approximately 8–12 feet.
Indoors, however, it normally remains much smaller.
Parlor Palm Indoor or Outdoor? Can I Put My Parlor Palm Outside?
For most growers, indoors is ideal.
The plant prefers normal room temperatures around 15–25°C and bright indirect light.
You can grow a Parlor Palm outdoors, but you need to introduce it carefully.
It can grow outdoors year-round in USDA Zones 10–12. In other zones, it can be moved outside during summer, but it should be kept in full shade, such as on a covered patio.
Never move it suddenly into direct sunlight. Strong direct sun can bleach the fronds and cause them to burn.
If you are moving an indoor Parlor Palm outside, acclimate it slowly over about a week, beginning in deep shade.
Does Parlor Palm Need Full Sun?
No. A Parlor Palm does not need full sun.
It prefers bright indirect light, although it can tolerate lower-light conditions surprisingly well.
Too Much Direct Sun
Too much direct sunlight can cause:
Faded or yellowish leaves
Crispy brown patches
Sun damage to the fronds
Too Little Light
Insufficient light can result in:
Small new leaves
Very little growth
Leggy stems
Best Location
Place your Parlor Palm within several feet of a moderately sunny window.
An east-facing or north-facing window can be an excellent location.
Complete Parlor Palm Care
Light
Provide bright indirect light to low light.
Avoid strong direct afternoon sunlight because it can scorch the fronds.
Water: Do Parlour Palms Need a Lot of Water?
No. Parlor Palms do not need excessive amounts of water.
A useful approach is to water when the top 50% of the soil has dried out.
The soil should remain consistently moist but should never stay soggy.
Parlor Palms are not particularly forgiving of repeated watering problems and can quickly develop brown fronds when they are allowed to become too dry.
If your tap water is hard, consider using room-temperature filtered water.
Soil
Use a well-draining peat-based indoor potting mix with around 20% perlite.
Good drainage is important because constantly wet soil can lead to root problems.
Temperature & Humidity
Parlor Palm prefers temperatures around 65–80°F (18–27°C).
It prefers a humid environment, although it can also survive in average household humidity.
You can mist the plant a few times a week. This can also help keep the leaves clean and may help prevent spider mites.
Which Palm Is Best for Growing in Pots?
For container growing, the Parlor Palm wins.
It actually enjoys being somewhat root-bound and naturally stays compact.
By comparison, an Areca Palm generally requires larger floor pots and more space.
Parlor Palm Fertiliser Guide
Parlor Palm is a light feeder and can be sensitive to excessive fertiliser.
When to Fertilise
Fertilise only during spring and summer, when the plant is actively growing.
How Much Fertiliser Does It Need?
Less is more.
Like other houseplants, Parlour Palms benefit from occasional feeding, but they do not need large amounts.
For a simple feeding routine, fertilise once or twice a year during spring and summer using an organic liquid fertiliser diluted to half or quarter strength.
Good options include:
Fish emulsion
Kelp emulsion
Compost tea
If you prefer more frequent feeding, you can use a balanced liquid fertiliser such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 every 4–6 weeks, diluted to half the recommended strength to reduce the risk of root burn.
Another option is an all-purpose liquid fertiliser every two weeks during spring and summer, again using half strength.
Pro Tip
Always water the plant before and after fertilising to help prevent root burn.
Never fertilise during winter.
How to Make Parlor Palm Grow Faster
You cannot turn a Parlor Palm into a naturally fast-growing plant. Its growth rate is genetically slow, so patience is important.
However, you can prevent poor conditions from slowing it down even further.
1. Give It Brighter Indirect Light
Do not keep it in a completely dark corner.
A bright east-facing window can encourage considerably faster growth.
2. Water Consistently
Do not allow the soil to remain bone-dry for weeks. Repeated drought can stall growth.
3. Feed Lightly
A half-strength monthly feeding during spring and summer can support active growth.
4. Keep It Warm
Aim for around 65–80°F.
Temperatures below 55°F can stop or significantly slow growth.
5. Increase Humidity
Try to maintain humidity around 50% or higher.
A pebble tray or small humidifier can help.
6. Avoid Disturbing the Roots
Do not repot unnecessarily.
Repotting is usually needed only every 2–3 years, or when there is a genuine need.
7. Clean the Leaves
Dust can block light from reaching the leaves.
Wipe the leaves approximately once a month to keep them clean.
Common Parlor Palm Problems and How to Fix Them
| What You See | What It Means | How to Fix It Today |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow leaves | Overwatering is a common cause of yellow or brown leaves; poor drainage can also contribute. | Let the top 2 inches of soil dry, check the drainage hole, empty the saucer, and cut away yellow fronds. |
| Brown, crispy tips | Underwatering, low humidity, or fluoride in water | Increase humidity to 50%+, switch to distilled water, and water thoroughly. |
| Drooping + yellow streaks, soil wet | Root rot starting | Remove the plant from the pot, trim black and mushy roots, and repot in fresh, dry mix with perlite. |
| Pale leaves + fine webbing | Spider mites — a major pest and favoured host | Shower the plant, wipe the leaves, treat with neem oil weekly, and mist often. |
| No new growth | Too little light, low temperature, or root-bound conditions | Move it to brighter indirect light, keep it warm, and feed lightly during spring. |
This is one of the sections readers can bookmark for quick troubleshooting.
Do Parlor Palms Flower?
Yes.
Mature indoor Parlour Palms can produce small, ball-like yellow flowers on thin stalks.
These flowers are followed by tiny black berries.
The flowers are not particularly showy, and many growers remove them so the plant can put more energy into producing leaves.
Can You Keep Parlour Palms in Water?
No, not as a long-term growing method.
Unlike Pothos, Parlour Palm is not a water plant.
You can use water temporarily when propagating divisions for around a week or two while they develop roots, but they should then be moved back into soil.
Keeping them in water for too long can cause the roots to rot.
For long-term growth, use well-draining soil.
Areca Palm vs Parlor Palm: Which Is Better?
| Feature | Parlor Palm | Areca Palm |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Low to bright indirect | Bright indirect; needs more light |
| Size | 2–6 ft, compact | 6–8 ft, large |
| Pet Safe | Yes | Yes |
| Care | Very easy | Moderate; needs more water & light |
Verdict
For small apartments, low-light spaces, and tabletops, choose the Parlor Palm.
For large, bright living rooms and a bigger floor statement, an Areca Palm is the better choice.
How Do You Keep a Parlor Palm Happy?
Here is the simple checklist:
Bright indirect light + water when the top half of the soil is dry + well-draining soil + warm room around 65–75°F + humidity above 50% + light spring feeding + clean leaves + no drafts.
Follow these basic conditions and your Parlor Palm can remain a beautiful indoor companion for many years.
FAQ
What is Parlour Palm good for?
Parlor Palm is good for air purification, low-light indoor decoration, pet-safe tropical style, and Feng Shui luck.
Where is the best place to put a Parlour Palm?
Place it within several feet of a moderately sunny window, while keeping it away from heater vents and cold drafts.
What is the lifespan of a Parlor Palm?
A Parlor Palm can live for 10–20+ years indoors, and sometimes longer when it receives good care.
What is the luckiest plant inside the house?
Parlor Palm is considered lucky for creating a calm energy.
Other plants often considered lucky include:
Money Tree
Lucky Bamboo
Jade Plant
Do Parlour Palms grow quickly?
No. Parlor Palm is a slow-growing plant.
Do Parlour Palms need a lot of water?
No. It needs a moderate amount of water. Keep the soil moist but never waterlogged.
Final Thoughts
The Parlor Palm is a great choice if you want an elegant, compact, beginner-friendly houseplant that can tolerate lower light.
Its slow growth means it will not quickly take over your room, while its graceful green fronds can bring a soft tropical look to apartments, desks, bedrooms, and living rooms.
Give it bright indirect light, appropriate watering, well-draining soil, warmth, moderate humidity, and occasional feeding, and it can stay with you for many years.
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