Parlor Palm

Tolerates low light (more than 8 feet from a window, or a north-facing room. A grow light 10-12 inches away works great if your windows are not cutting it) better than almost any other palm, but grows best in bright indirect light (3-6 feet from a south or west window, or right next to an east window. Under a grow light, 6-10 inches away works well). Avoid direct sun (right in the window where sun actually hits the leaves. A strong grow light 4-6 inches away can substitute), which scorches the fronds. One of the best choices for north-facing rooms or offices with limited natural light.

Appreciates moderate to high humidity (60-80%. Group your plants together, set them on a pebble tray with water, or run a humidifier nearby) but adapts to average household levels. Brown leaf tips usually mean the air is too dry. A pebble tray or occasional misting (note: misting does not actually raise humidity meaningfully. A pebble tray or humidifier is more effective) helps.

Well-draining, loose potting mix. Avoid compacted or heavy soils that hold water around the roots.

Spider mites are the most common pest, especially in dry indoor air. Scale and mealybugs also appear occasionally. Yellow fronds typically indicate overwatering; brown tips point to low humidity or fluoride sensitivity. Use filtered or distilled water if tap water is heavily chlorinated or fluoridated.