The Parlor Palm, scientifically known as Chamaedorea elegans, is a popular and forgiving houseplant adaptable to indoor conditions. Unlike many other tropical houseplants that can be multiplied easily from stem cuttings or by rooting a leaf in water, the Parlor Palm’s growth structure makes those methods ineffective. The two reliable ways to produce new plants are through separating the existing clumps (division) or by starting new palms from seed.
Propagating Through Division
Propagating a Parlor Palm by division is the most practical and fastest way to generate new plants. This method is best performed during the spring, which is the natural time for repotting, as the plant will be entering its most active growth phase. The process begins by gently removing the mature palm from its container to expose the root ball, which should be dense enough to indicate maturity.
Once freed from the pot, the soil surrounding the roots needs to be loosened, often by gently shaking the root ball or using a stream of water to wash away some of the potting medium. The goal is to clearly see the individual offsets or clumps that have developed, each with its own root system attached to a stem.
Using a clean, sharp knife or a sterilized cutting tool, carefully separate a smaller clump from the main root mass, ensuring the division retains a substantial portion of roots and at least one healthy stem with foliage. For smaller, less congested root balls, you may be able to gently tease the individual plants apart by hand, minimizing root damage. Immediately repot each new division into a small container using a fresh, well-draining potting mix, placing the crown of the plant just at the soil line.
Starting New Plants from Seed
While division offers immediate results, starting new Parlor Palms from seed is a fulfilling alternative, though it requires patience. The viability of Chamaedorea elegans seeds decreases quickly after harvest, so obtaining the freshest possible seeds is necessary. Before planting, remove any fruit or pulp layer, and soak the seeds in warm water for 24 to 48 hours to soften the hard outer seed coat.
Some growers recommend lightly nicking or scarifying the hard shell with a file before soaking to encourage water absorption. The prepared seeds should be sown in a shallow layer of sterile seed-starting mix, such as a blend of peat moss and perlite, and lightly covered with about an eighth of an inch of the medium. Consistent warmth is ideally maintained between 77 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit, often achieved using a seedling heat mat.
High humidity is also necessary to mimic the natural tropical environment; covering the planting container with a clear plastic dome or bag helps trap moisture and heat. Germination is notably slow and inconsistent, often taking several months before the first shoot appears above the soil line. Once the tiny seedlings have developed one or two true leaves, they can be carefully transplanted into individual small pots.
Care Requirements for New Plants
Freshly divided plants experience shock, which can result in some temporary die-back or yellowing of the older fronds. To mitigate this stress, the newly potted divisions should be kept in a slightly warmer environment than usual and given a thorough initial watering.
The soil should be kept consistently moist for the first few weeks following division to help the damaged roots recover, but it must never be allowed to become waterlogged. For both divisions and new seedlings, placement in an area that receives bright, indirect light is optimal, as direct sun exposure can scorch the new foliage. Room temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit are preferred, and cold drafts should be avoided.
Fertilization should be delayed until the plant shows clear signs of new, active growth, typically six to eight weeks after division or when the seedlings have developed a few fronds. Use a diluted liquid fertilizer applied sparingly during the growing season. Parlor Palms can also be sensitive to the chlorine and fluoride found in some tap water, so using distilled or filtered water can help prevent tip burn on the developing fronds.