How to Propagate Parlor Palm by Division: Detailed Methods and Steps

The parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans) is a very easy-to-grow foliage plant, and because it is shade-tolerant, it is very well suited to being grown in pots at home. However, parlor palms produce many tillers (offsets) at the seedling stage, so they should be divided in a timely manner to ensure the normal growth of the plants in the original pot and to cultivate more young plants.

Division of parlor palms is best done in late winter to early spring, a period that comes right before the plant resumes growth. The division process is roughly as follows:

I. Prepare materials or tools

Parlor palm plants, several flower pots, potting soil, a spray bottle filled with water, flower pot saucers.

II. Division method/steps

1. Mixing the soil

It is recommended to use a mix of peat and perlite as the growing medium.

2. Flower pots

Plastic flower pots with a diameter of 15-20 cm can be used. It is recommended to spread a layer of expanded clay pebbles (Leca) at the bottom of each pot for drainage.

3. Division

Division of parlor palms is best done in spring when repotting, so choose plants that are ready for repotting, take the parlor palm out and divide it into several plants, then plant them separately into flower pots with a bottom layer of expanded clay pebbles.

4. Potting up

Plant about 3-4 plants per flower pot, then cover with potting soil and firm the soil to stabilize the plants.

5. Care

After potting up is complete, place these flower pots on saucers, then water each one appropriately. After that, place the plants in a spot that receives indirect light for care. It is best to keep the potting soil moist, following the principle of letting the soil dry out between waterings; when dry, water thoroughly.