🌡 What Temperature Should My Parlour Palm Be Kept At?

Chamaedorea elegans

By Kiersten Rankel

Jun 08, 20246 min read

Parlour palm
  1. 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C) is the sweet spot for Parlour Palms.
  2. Watch for wilting or discoloration as signs of temperature stress.
  3. Prevent stress with consistent temps, away from drafts and heat sources.

Ideal Temperature Range

Navigating the sweet spot for your Parlour Palm's temperature is less about green thumbs and more about common sense. These palms bask in the warmth of a range between 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C)—think of it as their personal slice of tropical paradise.

🔑 Consistency is Key

Consistency isn't just a virtue in character; it's crucial for your palm's well-being. Fluctuations in temperature can turn your palm from perky to pitiful, as they mimic the less-than-ideal conditions outside its natural habitat.

Avoid the Extremes

While your Parlour Palm won't throw a tantrum in slightly cooler or warmer temps, pushing the boundaries can lead to a plant protest. Below 65°F? You're in the danger zone of sluggish growth. Above 80°F? You're flirting with dehydration and sunburned fronds.

Real Talk

Let's cut to the chase: if you're comfortable in a t-shirt indoors, your Parlour Palm probably is too. Just remember, no palm enjoys a drafty dinner by the window or a sauna session next to the heater. Keep it simple, and your palm will thank you with its lush, green fronds.

Healthy parlour palm in ceramic pot with lush green fronds and visible potting soil, well-framed on wooden surface.

Signs of Temperature Stress

Parlour Palms, like any plant, have a non-verbal way of telling you they're not okay. When the temperature isn't to their liking, they can throw a real visual tantrum. Leaf discoloration is their first line of protest, with leaves turning a sullen yellow or brown. If the leaves start wilting or the growth seems to have hit the brakes, it's a clear sign that your palm is in a temperature-induced sulk.

🚨 Visual Cues of Distress

Keep an eye out for leaf tip necrosis, where the tips go from green to a dead brown or yellow-orange. This is your Parlour Palm waving a little flag that says, "I'm not happy with the temperature here!" Unopened leaf spears refusing to unfurl are another telltale sign that your palm feels like it's in the wrong climate zone.

🌡️ Temperature Fluctuations: The Silent Killer

Extreme temperature swings are like a shock to the plant's system. Imagine being thrown into a sauna and then immediately into a freezer – that's what your Parlour Palm feels with sudden temperature changes. This kind of stress can lead to a weakened plant that's more susceptible to pests, diseases, and other health issues. Consistency is key; think of your Parlour Palm as a creature of habit that thrives on routine.

Healthy parlour palm plant with lush green leaves in a decorative planter, sitting on a wooden surface in a room.

Impact of Temperature Stress

Prolonged exposure to inappropriate temperatures can wreak havoc on your Parlour Palm. Consistent warmth is key; deviations can lead to a slew of health issues for the plant.

🌡️ Visual Symptoms of Stress

Leaf discoloration—a telltale sign of temperature stress—can manifest as brownish-red patches. This isn't just an aesthetic problem; it's a cry for help. Wilting leaves are another red flag, indicating your palm is more than just uncomfortable—it's struggling to survive.

🕰️ Long-Term Consequences

Let's not sugarcoat it: neglecting temperature stress can shorten your Parlour Palm's lifespan. The plant's vitality is at stake, and without intervention, you could be looking at irreversible damage. It's not just about keeping your plant alive; it's about maintaining its well-being.

🚨 Immediate Action Required

If you spot these distress signals, it's time to act—fast. Adjust the temperature to bring your palm back to its comfort zone. Ignoring these signs can lead to a point of no return, where even the most tender love and care won't revive your once-thriving plant.

Healthy parlour palm with lush green fronds in a white pot, placed on a patterned mat in purple lighting.

Factors Causing Temperature Stress

In the delicate world of indoor plant care, temperature stress is a silent saboteur. Parlour Palms, like many indoor plants, are susceptible to the whims of our climate-controlled environments.

🌬️ Exposure to Drafts and Direct Heat

Drafts are the nemesis of stable temperatures. A chill from an open window or a blast of hot air from a heating vent can send your Parlour Palm into a state of shock. These gusts and gales are more than just a breeze—they're potential plant-killers.

🌡️ Temperature Fluctuations

The Parlour Palm craves consistency. Fluctuations that might seem minor to us can be drastic for these tropical natives. Overheating and cold snaps are particularly treacherous, leading to a plant's version of a cold sweat or hypothermia.

🔥 Proximity to Heat Sources

A Parlour Palm basking in the sun might evoke a beachside fantasy, but too close to a heat source, and it's more of a desert mirage. Radiators, space heaters, and even electronics can turn a cozy corner into a no-go zone for your green buddy.

❄️ Cold Drafts

Similarly, that refreshing air conditioning in summer or the icy draft sneaking in during winter can cause the Parlour Palm to shiver and shrink. Cold drafts are the uninvited guests at the party, leaving a trail of brown, crisped leaves in their wake.

🌦️ Seasonal Changes

As the seasons change, so should your vigilance. The Parlour Palm doesn't have the luxury of migrating south for the winter or shedding layers in the summer. It relies on you to buffer the seasonal shifts in temperature.

🚚 Relocation Woes

Lastly, remember that moving your Parlour Palm from its happy place can trigger a cascade of silent screams. New spots in your home can mean new challenges with temperature, so choose its location like you're picking its forever home—because to your Parlour Palm, that's exactly what it is.

Maintaining the Ideal Temperature Range

To keep your Parlour Palm thriving, temperature control is key. Here's how to nail it:

🌡️ Use of Thermostats and Insulation

Thermostats are your best friends for maintaining that sweet spot between 65°F and 80°F. They're like the bouncers of your plant's personal club, ensuring no unwanted temperature swings get past the velvet rope. Insulation, on the other hand, is like the club's VIP lounge—keeping the chill out and the cozy in.

🧭 Proper Placement

Place your Parlour Palm away from the fickleness of drafts and the scorching betrayal of direct heat sources. Think of it as setting up a plant's personal zen zone—no drama from temperature swings allowed.

🌬️ Seasonal Adjustments

As seasons change, so should your approach to plant care. In the winter, give your palm a break from the cold by moving it away from windows that feel like an icebox. During the summer, ensure it's not baking next to a window that's turned into a makeshift sauna.

💨 Air Circulation

Good air flow is like a breath of fresh air for your Parlour Palm—it prevents the stale, stagnant conditions that no plant, or human for that matter, enjoys. Just avoid putting your plant in the path of an air conditioner or heater, as this can lead to the dreaded temperature stress.

Remember, keeping your Parlour Palm comfortable isn't just about being a good plant parent—it's about avoiding the silent treatment from a plant that's had enough of your temperature shenanigans.

Ensure your Parlour Palm never shivers or sweats by following Greg's custom care plan 🌴, which includes seasonal tips to keep your green friend in its happy temperature range.