Parlor Palm Light Requirements: How Much Light Does a Bella Palm Need?
March 25, 2025
Are you a proud owner of the gorgeous Parlor Palm and unsure about its light needs? Famous for its tropical vibe and air-purifying properties, many plant lovers assume it thrives under the hot sun. Well, not all palm trees like direct sunlight, especially if they are low-water plants, like the Parlor palm. Its delicate fronds can’t handle the extra dry conditions that full-sun exposure can create.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about Parlor palm light requirements. We’ll share helpful tips on how to fix light-related issues and prevent future problems with your beloved exotic tree. Let's dive straight in!
About Parlor Palm (Neanthe Bella Palm)
Source: Plant Net
The Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans), also called Naeanthe Bella Palm, is a popular indoor tree with lush, light-green foliage. It belongs to the Arecaceae family and is a relatively small plant, when grown indoors, reaching up to 1.5 m in height. The Parlor palm often confused for the much-loved and similarly looking Areca palm, features delicate, feathery green fronds and makes the perfect statement plant.
Symbolically, the Parlour Palm is associated with positive energy, vitality, and good fortune but it is also believed to bring tranquility and inner peace in one’s life. In addition, the Parlor Palm is non-toxic to cats and dogs, so it’s safe to have your playful pets around it!
Last but not least, It’s a perfect plant for beginners because, once established in a stable environment, it can thrive for several decades, indoors, without much attention on your part. As long as you maintain warm temperatures of 65-80°F and medium humidity, and you take care not to overwater it, your Parlor Palm will keep on giving, rewarding you with its delicate beauty and elegance.
But what about meeting your Neanthe Bella Palm’s light requirements? Is it as adaptable to a range of light conditions as its 'sister' - the Areca Palm?
Keep reading to find out how much light a Parlor Palm needs! Learn easy tips to perk up an unhappy plant.
Parlor Palm: Light Requirements & Issues
While one of the more easy-going palm trees that thrive in a range of environments, meeting your Parlor Palm light needs is crucial for maintaining its prized light-textured foliage, steady growth, and overall vitality. Proper lighting also keeps your beloved Parlor Palm from becoming leggy and developing sparse leaves, or from getting scorched with brown tips on its foliage. So, figuring out the perfect amount of light for your Parlor Palms to ensure it reaches its full lifespan can be a little tricky!
How Much Light Does a Parlor Palm Need?
Neanthe Bella Palm's light requirements are very similar to other indoor houseplants. About 10 hours of light daily is what your Parlor palm needs to thrive. Furthermore, while bright to medium indirect sunlight keeps it the happiest, it can also tolerate low-light conditions. This makes a north- or east-facing window the best place to keep your Bella palm in your home. Beware not to expose it to direct sunlight, as it can scorch its delicate fronds. Use artificial light if needed in the cooler months to maintain the right balance of darkness and light it receives.
Do Parlour Palms Like Full Sun?
Source: Reddit
Do Parlor Palms like direct sunlight? Although short exposure to bright direct light can be tolerated by Parlor Palms, they will not thrive under full sun. Direct, unfiltered sunlight can easily burn their delicate leaves, which will most likely develop crisp, brown edges. Instead, ensure your Neanthe Bella palm receives soft, filtered light that improves its health, flowering ability, and aesthetics.
Is My Parlor Palm Getting Too Much Light?
The symptoms of your Parlor Palm getting too much sun are visible to the naked eye. Your beloved tree can develop several leaf-related issues due to overexposure to direct light, such as:
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Crisp leaf tips
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Browning fronds
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Scorched leaves
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Pale or bleached leaves (due to chlorophyll breakdown)
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Stunted growth
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Drooping foliage
Parlor Palm Too Much Sun: How Do You Save a Crispy Parlor Palm?
To save a crispy parlor palm from too much sunlight, move it to a location with indirect light. An east or north-facing window would be an ideal spot. Water your Parlor Palm lightly if the soil feels dry. Don’t overdo it; aim for moist, not soggy. Trim off any brown, dead leaves to help the plant recover quickly. Also, give your palm a gentle mist to refresh its fronds. Moreover, keep it away from the harsh sun for a while, and continue to spritz the leaves occasionally to maintain medium humidity.
Do Parlor Palms Do Well in Low Light?
Source: Reddit
Can Parlor Palm live in low light? Yes, Parlor palms can tolerate lower light. This is what separates these tropical trees from other members of the Arecaceae family. These miniature palms are quite adaptable, adjusting well to varying lighting conditions. Your plant won't complain even if you place it in a spot with low natural light. Still, prolonged exposure to darker conditions will eventually affect its health. Let’s see how.
Parlor Palm Low Light: Signs of Underexposure to Sunlight
While low light poses no significant threat to these jungle plants from Southern Mexico and Guatemala, it's vital to ensure that your Parlor palm is not permanently growing in dark conditions or primarily under artificial light. Offices without windows are not great for this vibrant plant. Otherwise, your Neanthe Bella Palm will show the following signs:
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Yellow or pale leaves
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Slow or stunted growth
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General lack of vigor
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Leggy stems
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Loss of vibrancy in the color
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Leaning towards the nearby light source
Parlor Palm Too Little Light: How Do I Revive My Parlor Palm?
To revive your Parlor Palm, let it soak some bright, indirect light for at least 8 hours. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, though, as it can scorch the leaves. Rotate the plant occasionally for even growth. You can also supplement with a grow light if natural light is limited, especially in the colder and darker months of the year. If you own a sunroom, move your Parlor palm in there to a brighter spot. Trim any yellow or dead leaves to encourage healthy new growth.
Parlor Palm Light: FAQs
Q: Can Parlor palms grow without sunlight?
A: Parlor palms won’t thrive without natural sunlight, in a windowless room, for instance. However, it tolerates medium to low-light conditions, making it an ideal choice for rooms with filtered natural light, such as near a window with a sheer curtain. You can also use grow lights temporarily to supplement your Parlor palm light needs.
Q: How often should I water my Parlor palm?
A: Water your Parlor Palm every 1-2 weeks, letting the soil dry completely between waterings. Remember that light affects its watering schedule. Less light means less water is needed and vice versa.
Q: Why are the tips of my Parlor palm turning brown?
A: Brown tips of your Parlor palm usually mean too little water, too much sun, or too dry air. Adjust the light your palm tree receives and rehydrate its roots and foliage. Remove any damaged leaves to rejuvenate your Parlor palm and enhance its appearance.
Q: Where is the best place to put a Parlor palm?
A: Put your Parlor Palm in a spot with bright to medium indirect light, like near a north-facing window or a few feet from a sunnier one. Avoid direct sun to prevent sunburn. An adequately lit living room or office corner works great, as long as it’s not too dark.
Q: Can I put my Parlor palm outside?
A: Yes, you can put your Parlor palm outside in warm weather (above 50°F), but keep it in shade or filtered light. Bring it back inside if it gets cold or windy and in the winter. Your Parlor palm is hardy in zones 10-12, where it can be grown as a happy porch plant.
Q: Can a Parlor Palm grow in shade?
A: Parlor Palms prefer partial shade if potted outdoors in warmer climates! They grow well in relatively low-light spots or under the canopy of bigger plants. Indoors, keep the light your palm receives filtered to prevent leaf issues.
Conclusion
Parlor Palms (Chamaedorea elegans) thrive with the right balance of light. In other words, while bright, indirect light is ideal, too much sun or too little light can impact their well-being and cause visible signs of ill health. Thus, understanding Parlor Palm sun requirements ensures a healthy, vibrant plant. With proper light, water, and care, your Parlor Palm will flourish, adding elegance and a touch of greenery to your indoor space.
You can pair your Parlor palm with other potted plants like Sansevieria, Cast Iron Plant, or Peace Lilies, which share similar care preferences, and create a stunning indoor garden.
