PARLOUR PALM Chamaedorea elegans collinia
This palm is able to live in low-light conditions! The parlor palm is one of the most heavily sold houseplant palms in the world.
It is often cultivated in temperate regions as a houseplant and in gardens in Southeastern United States, where it grows to 2 m (6 ft 7 in) tall with slow growth. It is most-often planted and sold in batches of 5-30 seedlings. It tolerates low levels of humidity and light. Chamaedorea elegans is intolerant of frost and must be kept indoors in winter in non-tropical climates.
In winter, it is preferable that the temperature of the room it's housed in does not drop below 12-14°C. The plant was successful in the Victorian era because it survived in the dark, unheated British apartments and greenhouses which were used to grow and cultivate exotic plants, a practice fashionable at the time.
Height: 2 m (6'7")
Hardiness zones: 10-12
Seeds per pack: 5
Germination: Plant the seed in a small pot with seed-start mix. Be sure the seed is covered with the potting mix so it doesn’t dry out. Place the pot in a warm area, as parlor palm seeds germinate best between 85 and 95 F (29-32 C.). A heat mat is the best way to maintain the proper heat. In their natural environment, palms grow under forest canopies, so protect them from direct full sunlight. Water as needed to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. If necessary, cover the pot loosely with plastic. Parlor palm seed germination may require several months.
