Chamaedorea elegans
Common name: Parlor palm · Neanthe bella palm
Chamaedorea elegans is a small, clumping palm native to the rainforests of southern Mexico and Guatemala. Its slender, arching fronds and tolerance of low light have made it one of the most popular indoor palms since Victorian times.
Care summary
Sun
Low to medium indirect light
Water
Keep evenly moist; do not overwater
Soil
Rich, well-draining potting mix
Hardiness
Zones 10–12
Mature height
Up to 1.2 m (4 ft) indoors
Pet safe
Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Difficulty
Easy
Propagation
Usually propagated from seed, which needs warmth and patience to germinate. Clumping specimens can occasionally be divided at repotting, but this is risky since the roots resent disturbance; seed is the standard commercial method.
Fun facts
- It has been a popular houseplant since the Victorian era, when it decorated dim parlors.
- It grows naturally in the understory of rainforests, which explains its low-light tolerance.
- Mature plants can produce small yellow flowers, though this is uncommon indoors.
- It is one of the palms frequently listed among air-purifying houseplants.