Plant comparison
Parlor palm vs Majesty palm
A small, slow, tolerant palm versus a tall, demanding one — both sold side by side.
| Parlor palm | Majesty palm | |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Chamaedorea elegans | Ravenea rivularis |
| Light | Medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) | Bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) |
| Water | When the top 2 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days | Keep soil consistently moist, every 4-7 days |
| Soil | Free-draining potting compost | Rich water-retentive mix with drainage |
| Humidity | 50-60% | 60-70% |
| Temperature | 18-24°C (65-75°F) | 18-27°C (65-80°F) |
| USDA hardiness | 10-12 (indoor-only in most US homes) | 10-11 (indoor in most US homes) |
| RHS hardiness | H1b | H1c |
| Mature size | 1-2 m tall indoors | 2-3 m indoors |
| Growth habit | Multi-stemmed clumping palm | Single-stemmed feather palm |
| Toxicity (cats/dogs) | Pet-safe | Pet-safe |
Which one should you choose?
- Choose Parlor palm — Parlor palm if your spot has less light — it tolerates medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window), where Majesty palm prefers bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window).
- Choose Majesty palm — Majesty palm if you prefer its single-stemmed feather palm habit at 2-3 m indoors indoors.
Either way, the full care brief lives on each plant's own page: Parlor palm care and Majesty palm care. For pet-safety detail see Parlor palm and Majesty palm.
Parlor palm vs Majesty palm — frequently asked questions
Is Parlor palm the same as Majesty palm?
No — Parlor palm is Chamaedorea elegans and Majesty palm is Ravenea rivularis. A small, slow, tolerant palm versus a tall, demanding one — both sold side by side. The look can be similar, but their light, water and toxicity needs are not interchangeable.
Which is easier to care for, parlor palm or majesty palm?
Easier comes down to your conditions. Parlor palm wants medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) and to be watered when the top 2 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days. Majesty palm wants bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) and watering keep soil consistently moist, every 4-7 days. Match the species to the brightest spot you actually have and how often you remember to water — both can be the easier pick for the right home.
Is parlor palm or majesty palm safer for cats and dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Parlor palm is pet-safe and Majesty palm is pet-safe. Either way, place them out of reach of curious chewers if pets share the home.
How big do parlor palm and majesty palm get indoors?
Parlor palm matures to 1-2 m tall indoors, with a multi-stemmed clumping palm habit. Majesty palm reaches 2-3 m indoors, single-stemmed feather palm. Plan for the eventual size, not the size in the nursery pot.
Can parlor palm and majesty palm live in the same room?
Yes — both can share a room as long as you give each one a spot that matches its light requirement. Parlor palm needs medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window); Majesty palm needs bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window). Group them only if their watering and humidity needs are also close, otherwise keep them on different schedules.