Where should I situate the palm plant? Right now it's placed in front of a west facing window and because it's early spring, the sky is cloudy so I have the window completely open. I think when it gets sunnier, I'll close the blinds. I have white honeycomb blinds that let soft light in. I'm just hoping it's enough light to keep the palm happy. Do you think I should move the plant back 8 feet from the window and just keep the window open?

Hi Bouldergrower, I have several Parlor Palms in my house. I'm not sure what Zone you're in, but here in central Fl., they will grow outside, under some shade. They do very well as an indoor palm too. In their native regions of south america/Mexico, they grow as a solitary palm. You should try to single a couple out. they look good in a pot by themselves. I love this palm because it is quite easy to grow, and deal with neglect well. They can get about 6 or 7 foot tall.

You mean thin them, and no way , can they stand nearly that amount of crowding. Even were they several inches apart it might be a stretch to keep them in a three or four inch pot, and three spaced a few inches apart in the same pot would work, but most likely not with stems touching. Trimming involves removing only dead fronds and not entire stems , but if its " thinning" you might cut the ones not wanted completely off so the others can survive. Trying to pull out the extras with the very tangled and congested roots, would most likely damage the roots on the ones you wish to keep and some folks remove the lot, and then replant just the ones they wish to keep after separating the roots on those . Those growers may think that very thick lush growth provided by overcrowding too many seeds in one pot may "sell", but it's totally ridiculous to think the plants can survive such crowded conditions, and getting used to a much less dense appearance is required, if they're not overcrowded.

HELP MY PARLOR PALM Three weeks ago I bought two palms that I believe to be Chamaedorea Elegans, commonly known as a parlour palms. They are living but not thriving and thus I seek advice from those familiar with this plant. Container Each plant still rests in a plastic store planter that is 8" in height and 10" in diameter with four 1 "side drainage holes. Plant Size One plant has three large stems that directly abut each other at the base. The largest of the stems has 5 offshoots that bear leaves, the next largest stem also has 5 offshoots, and the smallest has four. This plant measures 4 feet at its highest point and 3 feet in leaf spread at its widest point. The second plant is somewhat larger with two large stems and one small stem that directly abut each other at the base. The largest of the stems has 6 offshoots that bear leaves, the next largest stem also has 6 offshoots, and the smallest has three. This plant measures 4 feet at its highest point and 4 feet in leaf spread at its widest point. Light I have placed each plant at opposite ends of a large picture window with curtains partially drawn where it receives direct morning light and indirect light thereafter in a city (Syracuse, NY) not renowned for sunny days. I have rotated the plants weekly. Water With the plants I purchased a "Rapitest" digital moisture meter from Lusterleaf. Its watering chart refers only to a "palm" without regard to type or size and with a meter wilt point of 3-4, below which you water and above which you do not water. When I asked for more detailed plant directions, Lusterleaf said they have none. I have therefore tried to maintain the watering level at around 4 with about 1 and one half cup of weekly water for each plant. I also have sprayed the leaves of each plant with water once a week. Condition of Plants Last week the tips of many leaves were brown. I trimmed these brown tips. This week I noticed that the ends of many leaves were beginning to droop as opposed to displaying the rigidity that I believe defines healthy leaves. Some of the leaves also were developing long yellow streaks and losing the solid, dark green color that I believe defines healthy leaves. Infestation I shake the leaves weekly while placing white paper below them to detect mites. I have not detected any mites. Fertilizer or Plant Food I have not added fertilizer or plant food to the potting soil in which the palms were planted at the time of purchase. Requested Advice I would be deeply grateful for advice on improving the condition and care of my plants and particularly for recommended readings of the Rapitest meter (Lusterleaf was of utterly no assistance) or of alternate watering measures.