How to care for a potted parlor palm? A complete guide to care tips

  The parlor palm is an evergreen small shrub of the palm family, native to Mexico and Central America. It usually grows about 20-30 cm tall, and taller varieties can reach one meter. The ones kept at home are generally small parlor palms, placed on desks, in living rooms, on balconies and similar spots. Below we briefly explain how to care for a parlor palm.

  1. Light: The parlor palm likes a semi-shaded environment and fears direct strong light most of all; in a greenhouse it does very well. Under blazing strong light, the leaves turn dry and yellow, and the tips may dry out or the edges may scorch; but if it is kept in an extremely light-deficient place for a long time, the plant becomes thin and leggy. So if it is kept indoors, it is best to place it near a window or another spot with light, and not leave it in a shaded place for a long time.

  2. Temperature: The parlor palm likes warmth, and its suitable growing temperature is around 20°C. In Suzhou, a potted parlor palm in winter must be moved indoors for care, otherwise, once the temperature drops below 10°C, it is very prone to cold damage. But it is best not to place it next to an air conditioner to be blown on, as this will have the opposite effect.

  3. Water: The parlor palm likes to drink water. During the growing period, keep the soil moist, so that you can feel the moisture when you put your hand on the soil, but it is best not to let water accumulate. Apart from having little effect on aquatic plants and wetland plants, water accumulation is extremely bad for most plants. In addition, the parlor palm likes high air humidity, so you can spray water on the surface to increase air humidity. When short of water, the leaves turn brown, and the tips may also dry out.

  4. Fertilizer and soil: During the growing period, apply a compound fertilizer once a month; for some grown in water, a liquid fertilizer is enough. The soil is best if it drains well and is loose and fertile; leaf mold can be used, or peat, vermiculite, perlite plus a small amount of original soil mixed in a certain ratio is also fine.

  Key care points:

  Light: This potted plant should be placed near a window with scattered light every 2-3 days. Avoid exposure to strong midday sunlight.

  Temperature: The suitable growing temperature is 15-30°C, and it adapts to indoor temperatures.

  Humidity: Affected by indoor air conditioning and dry weather, spray clean water on the leaves about twice a day.

  Watering: Water appropriately; it is recommended to water twice a week, pouring along the stem of the plant, with an amount of 50 ml (about 1/4 of a common disposable cup); reduce the amount of watering appropriately in winter.

  Fertilizer: Apply granular fertilizer once a month (about 4-6 granules each time), evenly scattered around the outer edge of the pot; avoid scattering it on the plant's roots or letting it touch the plant directly.

  Precautions:

  1. Do not place the parlor palm in direct sunlight. The parlor palm fears direct strong light most of all; even short exposure to the sun can cause the leaves to scorch and dry and the leaf color to turn yellow. Of course, if it is kept in an overly dry and dark place for a long time, the leaf color will also fade and lose its luster. Therefore, it is best to place it near a north-facing or east-facing window indoors or in another spot with bright scattered light.

  2. Pay attention to ventilation. Under high temperature and high humidity, it is prone to disease infection.

  3. Repot once every 2-3 years, and new plants can be obtained by dividing the clumps at the same time.