Kentia Palm vs Parlor Palm
Both take low light and both are pet-safe. The parlor palm is cheap and tabletop-sized; the kentia is a slow, expensive floor palm that lasts decades.
Kentia Palm wants low watering (2/5) - water when the top 3-5 cm of soil has dried out. Parlor Palm needs moderate watering (3/5): water when the top 2-3 cm is dry, roughly weekly. Parlor Palm rates 3/5 for humidity - normal household humidity works. Kentia Palm rates 2/5, so ordinary room air is fine.
What they share: both are pet-safe, both are rated easy and both want low to medium light.
Choose
Kentia Palm if…
- ✓you forget to water - it prefers to dry out between drinks
- ✓your home runs dry in winter and you will not add a humidifier
- ✓you want a floor-filling plant (90-180+ cm (3-6+ ft))
Choose
Parlor Palm if…
- ✓you like a plant that asks for attention on a schedule
- ✓it will live in a bathroom, kitchen or a humidified room
- ✓shelf space is what you have (30-90 cm (1-3 ft))
Kentia Palm vs Parlor Palm: side by side
| Attribute |
Kentia Palm
|
Parlor Palm
|
|---|---|---|
| Plant type | Palm | Palm |
| Difficulty | easy | easy |
| Light | ●●○○○ 2/5 Low to medium light |
●●○○○ 2/5 Low to medium light |
| Water | ●●○○○ 2/5 Low |
●●●○○ 3/5 Moderate |
| Humidity | ●●○○○ 2/5 Low |
●●●○○ 3/5 Average |
| Pet safe | Safe | Safe |
| Mature size | Large 90-180+ cm (3-6+ ft) |
Medium 30-90 cm (1-3 ft) |
| Growth rate | Slow | Slow |
| Air purifying | Yes | Yes |
| Native to | Lord Howe Island | Mexico |
Key differences between Kentia Palm and Parlor Palm
Parlor Palm drinks more
Kentia Palm wants low watering (2/5) - water when the top 3-5 cm of soil has dried out. Parlor Palm needs moderate watering (3/5): water when the top 2-3 cm is dry, roughly weekly.
Parlor Palm needs damper air
Parlor Palm rates 3/5 for humidity - normal household humidity works. Kentia Palm rates 2/5, so ordinary room air is fine.
Kentia Palm is the bigger plant
Kentia Palm reaches 90-180+ cm (3-6+ ft) and belongs on the floor. Parlor Palm tops out around 30-90 cm (1-3 ft), so it suits a side table or plant stand.
They come from different habitats
Kentia Palm originates in Lord Howe Island; Parlor Palm in Mexico. Matching the original habitat is the quickest way to guess what each one wants indoors.
How to tell Kentia Palm and Parlor Palm apart
Same low-light tolerance, very different scale and price. The parlor palm is cheap, tabletop-sized and a little short-lived indoors. The kentia is an expensive, slow-growing floor palm that will still look good in ten years. Both are pet-safe.
Care at a glance
Kentia Palm
Howea Forsteriana, Paradise Palm
Graceful arching fronds. Very tolerant of indoor conditions.
Care in one line: Low to medium light, water when dry, very forgiving.
Full Kentia Palm care guide →
Parlor Palm
Chamaedorea Elegans, Neanthe Bella Palm
Elegant palm perfect for low light. Pet safe and air purifying.
Care in one line: Low to medium light, keep evenly moist, mist occasionally.
Full Parlor Palm care guide →Kentia Palm vs Parlor Palm: common questions
What is the difference between Kentia Palm and Parlor Palm? +
Same low-light tolerance, very different scale and price. The parlor palm is cheap, tabletop-sized and a little short-lived indoors. The kentia is an expensive, slow-growing floor palm that will still look good in ten years. Both are pet-safe. On care, kentia Palm wants low watering (2/5) - water when the top 3-5 cm of soil has dried out. Parlor Palm needs moderate watering (3/5): water when the top 2-3 cm is dry, roughly weekly.
Which is easier to care for, Kentia Palm or Parlor Palm? +
Neither - both are rated easy. The practical difference is parlor palm drinks more.
Is Kentia Palm or Parlor Palm safe for cats and dogs? +
Both are safe. Kentia Palm and Parlor Palm are each non-toxic to cats and dogs, so either works in a home with animals.
Which needs less light, Kentia Palm or Parlor Palm? +
They are the same. Both score 2/5 for light, meaning fine a few metres back from a window.
Which needs more water, Kentia Palm or Parlor Palm? +
Parlor Palm, at 3/5 - water when the top 2-3 cm is dry, roughly weekly. Kentia Palm scores 2/5: water when the top 3-5 cm of soil has dried out.
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