Parlor Palm Vs Areca Palm: Which One Should You Choose?

Oleh Keith Langworth II May 29, 2023 Post a Comment

Indoor plants not only add beauty to your home but also improve the air quality, reduce stress, and boost your mood. However, choosing the right plant can be overwhelming, especially if you don't have much experience with indoor plants.

Two popular indoor plants are the Parlor Palm and the Areca Palm. Both of these plants are easy to care for and can make great additions to any space. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two plants so that you can make an informed decision on which one will work best for you.

Appearance

The Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans) is a small palm tree that typically grows between 2-6 feet tall. It has slender stems that are covered in green fronds and can produce small yellow flowers. The leaves of the Parlor Palm are pinnate, meaning they have feather-like leaflets attached to a central stem.

On the other hand, the Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) is a larger plant that can grow up to 7-8 feet tall. It has arching fronds that are bright green and can produce small yellow flowers. The leaves of the Areca Palm are also pinnate, but they are longer and more slender than those of the Parlor Palm.

Light Requirements

When it comes to light requirements, both the Parlor Palm and the Areca Palm prefer bright, indirect light. However, the Parlor Palm can tolerate lower light levels than the Areca Palm. This makes the Parlor Palm a better choice for rooms with less natural light, such as a bedroom or bathroom.

If you have a room with plenty of natural light, the Areca Palm may be a better option, as it can thrive in brighter conditions. However, it's important to note that direct sunlight can damage the leaves of both plants, so it's best to keep them away from windows that receive direct sunlight.

Watering Needs

Both the Parlor Palm and the Areca Palm prefer to be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal for these plants. It's important to allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering to prevent overwatering.

The Parlor Palm is more forgiving when it comes to watering, as it can tolerate slightly drier conditions than the Areca Palm. However, both plants will benefit from regular misting to increase humidity levels around the plant.

Temperature and Humidity

Both the Parlor Palm and the Areca Palm are tropical plants and prefer warm temperatures and high humidity levels. They can tolerate temperatures between 60-85°F but prefer temperatures between 70-80°F.

To increase humidity levels around your plant, you can place a tray of water near the plant or use a humidifier. It's also important to avoid placing these plants near air conditioning vents or drafty windows, as this can cause them to dry out.

Soil Requirements

Both the Parlor Palm and the Areca Palm prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A good potting mix for these plants should contain peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.

It's also important to choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom of the pot. This can lead to overwatering and root rot.

Toxicity

Both the Parlor Palm and the Areca Palm are non-toxic to pets and humans. This makes them a great choice for pet owners or households with young children.

Propagation

Both the Parlor Palm and the Areca Palm can be propagated through division. To propagate these plants, gently remove them from the pot and separate the individual stems. Plant each stem in its own pot with fresh potting soil and water thoroughly.

It's important to note that propagation can be stressful for plants, so it's best to do this during the spring or summer months when the plant is actively growing.

Maintenance

Both the Parlor Palm and the Areca Palm are relatively low-maintenance plants. However, they will benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season.

A balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 fertilizer, can be used every month during the growing season. It's important to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package to avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage the plant.

Pest and Disease Control

Both the Parlor Palm and the Areca Palm are relatively pest-free. However, they can be susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects.

To prevent pest infestations, it's important to inspect your plants regularly and isolate any infected plants. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat pest infestations.

Cost

The cost of the Parlor Palm and the Areca Palm can vary depending on the size and age of the plant. Generally, the Parlor Palm is less expensive than the Areca Palm due to its smaller size.

However, it's important to consider the long-term costs of caring for these plants, such as the cost of soil, fertilizer, and watering supplies.

Aesthetic Appeal

Both the Parlor Palm and the Areca Palm can add a tropical feel to any space. However, the Parlor Palm has a more classic look, while the Areca Palm has a more modern appeal.

The Parlor Palm is a great choice for traditional or vintage-inspired spaces, while the Areca Palm works well in contemporary or minimalist spaces.

Size Limitations

When choosing between the Parlor Palm and the Areca Palm, it's important to consider the space limitations in your home. The Parlor Palm is a smaller plant that can fit on a tabletop or bookshelf, while the Areca Palm requires more floor space.

If you have limited floor space, the Parlor Palm may be a better option. However, if you have tall ceilings or a large living space, the Areca Palm can make a bold statement.

Maintenance Requirements

Both the Parlor Palm and the Areca Palm require minimal maintenance. However, the Parlor Palm is easier to care for than the Areca Palm.

If you're new to indoor plants or don't have much time to devote to plant care, the Parlor Palm may be a better option. However, if you enjoy caring for plants and have the time to devote to their care, the Areca Palm can be a rewarding choice.

Air Purification

Both the Parlor Palm and the Areca Palm are great air purifiers. They can remove toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene from the air, making them a great choice for homes with poor air quality.

Pet-Friendliness

Both the Parlor Palm and the Areca Palm are non-toxic to pets. This makes them a great choice for pet owners who want to add some greenery to their homes without risking their pet's health.

In conclusion, both the Parlor Palm and the Areca Palm are great indoor plants that can add beauty and improve air quality in your home. When choosing between these two plants, it's important to consider factors such as light requirements, watering needs, temperature and humidity, soil requirements, toxicity, propagation, maintenance, pest and disease control, cost, aesthetic appeal, size limitations, maintenance requirements, air purification, and pet-friendliness.

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision on which plant will work best for your space and lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can the Parlor Palm and Areca Palm be planted together?

A1. Yes, the Parlor Palm and Areca Palm can be planted together in a large pot or planter. However, it's important to ensure that the pot has good drainage and that the plants have similar water and light requirements.

Q2. Can the Parlor Palm and Areca Palm be grown outdoors?

A2. The Parlor Palm and Areca Palm are tropical plants and cannot tolerate cold temperatures. They should be grown indoors or in a greenhouse in areas with colder climates.

Q3. How often should I fertilize my Parlor Palm or Areca Palm?

A3. Both the Parlor Palm and Areca Palm benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 fertilizer, can be used every month during the growing season.

Q4. Can the Parlor Palm and Areca Palm be grown from seed?

A4. Yes, both the Parlor Palm and Areca Palm can be grown from seed. However, this process can be time-consuming and may not produce plants that are identical to the parent plant.

Q5. What is the ideal temperature for the Parlor Palm and Areca Palm?

A5. The Parlor Palm and Areca Palm prefer warm temperatures between 70-80°F. They can tolerate temperatures between 60-85°F but may not grow as well in cooler temperatures.

Q6. Can the Parlor Palm and Areca Palm be pruned?

A6. Yes, the Parlor Palm and Areca Palm can be pruned to remove dead or damaged leaves. This can help promote new growth and keep the plant looking healthy.

Q7. Can the Parlor Palm and Areca Palm be used for landscaping?

A7. While the Parlor Palm and Areca Palm are typically grown as indoor plants, they can be used for outdoor landscaping in tropical climates.

Q8. How often should I water my Parlor Palm or Areca Palm?

A8. Both the Parlor Palm and Areca Palm prefer to be kept moist but not waterlogged. It's important to allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering to prevent overwatering.

Q9. Do the Parlor Palm and Areca Palm require a lot of sunlight?

A9. Both the Parlor Palm and Areca Palm prefer bright, indirect light. However, the Parlor Palm can tolerate lower light levels than the Areca Palm.

Q10. Can the Parlor Palm and Areca Palm be grown from cuttings?

A10. Yes, both the Parlor Palm and Areca Palm can be propagated through division or cuttings. However, this process can be stressful for the plant and may not produce plants that are identical to the parent plant.