Hi everyone,

 

I recently inherited this palm. I am wondering if it is a Parlor Palm / Chamaedorea elegans or something else.

 

Any tips? Should I look at the root system? Look into the soil and possibly repot?  Thank you in advance.

Yes it’s a Chameadorea elegans. And it’s got a bit of age about it, looks like you have repotted it, but the raised mound of soil is a bit incorrect, it should be level with the top of the roots. 

Hi! I apologize, I didnt mention that was me moving the soil to the middle temporarily so I can wipe down the edges of the pot. 

I think the soil may not be ideal, but im not sure how to check. There is a gap at the bottom of the pot that collects excess water so it doesnt get water logged. 

When I use my moisture meter, about 2 inches says dry, 2 to 5 inches deep says moist, and beyond 5 inches says wet. Im not sure what type of soil it was reported with.

The tips of some of the leaves are brown.  I've attached some photos of the browning leaves. Is this too much or too little water?

 

Also, do you have any recommendations for fertilizer? 

 

Thank you for your help.

On 4/10/2026 at 5:50 AM, Vee said:

Hi! I apologize, I didnt mention that was me moving the soil to the middle temporarily so I can wipe down the edges of the pot. 

I think the soil may not be ideal, but im not sure how to check. There is a gap at the bottom of the pot that collects excess water so it doesnt get water logged. 

When I use my moisture meter, about 2 inches says dry, 2 to 5 inches deep says moist, and beyond 5 inches says wet. Im not sure what type of soil it was reported with.

The tips of some of the leaves are brown.  I've attached some photos of the browning leaves. Is this too much or too little water?

 

Also, do you have any recommendations for fertilizer? 

 

Thank you for your help.

The brown tips are a sign of overwatering, indoors elegans are very tolerant of dry soil. So maybe a bit too much love in the water department. As for fertiliser a slow release osmocote is fine or you could use a liquid seaweed fertiliser next time you water but only fertilise in summer and follow the manufactures recommendations, even go a little under the rate recommended less is best. 

Thank you so much for your help!!