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Parlour Palm Growth Guide

How Big Do Parlour Palms Grow?

Parlour Palm Height, Growth Rate and Watering Guide

Parlour palms are slow-growing indoor palms that usually grow between 60 cm and 1.5 metres tall indoors. Also known as Chamaedorea elegans, parlour palms grow gradually over many years and stay much smaller indoors than outdoor tropical palms.

Their compact size is one of the reasons they are such popular indoor plants. Parlour palms suit apartments, offices, bedrooms and shaded indoor spaces because they tolerate moderate light and do not outgrow indoor areas quickly.

How Tall Does a Parlour Palm Grow?

A parlour palm commonly grows between 60 cm and 1.5 metres tall indoors. Growth is slow and steady, especially in lower indoor light. Bright indirect light, stable watering and NPK 16-4-14 indoor plant fertiliser can help support healthier foliage and gradual new growth.

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Indoor Height

Usually grows between 60 cm and 1.5 metres indoors.

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Growth Rate

Slow-growing indoor palm with gradual frond development.

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Watering

Water when the top layer of potting mix begins to dry.

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Fertiliser

NPK 16-4-14 indoor plant fertiliser supports healthy foliage growth.

How Fast Do Parlour Palms Grow?

Parlour palms are naturally slow-growing plants. Indoors, they usually produce new fronds gradually rather than rapidly. In lower light conditions, growth becomes even slower, which is completely normal for this species.

A healthy parlour palm may only produce a limited number of new fronds each year indoors. This slow growth actually makes the plant easier to manage because it stays compact and does not quickly outgrow indoor spaces.

Growth is usually strongest during spring and summer when temperatures are warmer and light levels are higher. Parlour palms grown in brighter indirect light typically grow more steadily than plants kept in dark corners.

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What Affects Parlour Palm Growth?

Several indoor conditions influence how quickly a parlour palm grows and how large it eventually becomes. The biggest factors are light, watering, pot size, temperature and overall plant health.

Growth Factor	Best Condition	Effect on Growth
Light	Bright indirect light	Supports healthier and steadier frond growth.
Watering	Even moisture without soggy soil	Prevents root stress and helps maintain foliage.
Humidity	Average to moderate indoor humidity	Reduces brown tips and foliage stress.
Pot Size	Room for gradual root growth	Helps maintain stable long-term growth.
Fertiliser	NPK 16-4-14 indoor plant fertiliser	Supports greener fronds and healthier growth.

How Often to Water a Parlour Palm

Water a parlour palm when the top layer of potting mix begins to dry. Parlour palms prefer lightly moist soil but do not like sitting in constantly wet conditions. The exact watering frequency depends on indoor temperature, humidity, light and pot size.

In warmer months, watering may be needed more regularly because the plant is actively growing. In cooler months or lower light, the soil stays wet for longer and watering should be reduced.

Check the soil before watering.
Water thoroughly when the top layer begins to dry.
Allow excess water to drain away fully.
Never leave the pot sitting in water.
Reduce watering during winter.
Avoid extreme wet-and-dry cycles.

Can Parlour Palm Grow Outdoors?

Parlour palms can grow outdoors in warm, shaded and protected areas, especially in suitable Australian climates. However, they should be protected from harsh direct sun, frost and cold winds.

Outdoors, parlour palms generally stay healthier in filtered shade or bright protected positions rather than full afternoon sun. If moving an indoor plant outside, introduce it gradually to avoid leaf scorch or stress.

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Support Healthy Parlour Palm Growth

Parlour palms are slow growers, but healthy indoor conditions help maintain greener fronds, steadier development and stronger foliage over time.

To support healthy indoor growth, use CompleteGrow Indoor Plant Food Concentrate, an NPK 16-4-14 indoor plant fertiliser designed for leafy indoor plants.

Apply lightly during active growth in spring and summer, always to moist potting mix. Avoid overfeeding or applying fertiliser to stressed, waterlogged or low-light plants.