The Neanthe Bella Palm, also known as the Parlor Palm, is a popular houseplant renowned for its graceful arching fronds that add a tropical vibe to any indoor space. But exactly how big do these palms get when grown as houseplants? Let’s take a detailed look at the growth rate and size potential of the Neanthe Bella to help you best care for and showcase this elegant plant.
An Overview of Neanthe Bella Palm Size
In general, the Neanthe Bella Palm is a relatively compact variety of palm, reaching a maximum height of around 4 feet indoors. Its spread or width can reach around 3 feet at maturity. Growth is on the slower side for this palm variety. You can expect it to gain around 6 to 12 inches in height per year when provided with ideal care.
The Neanthe Bella is classified as a slow growing palm variety overall It may take around 3 to 4 years for a young specimen to reach its maximum indoor height potential if grown in ideal conditions.
This makes the Neanthe Bella a great size for most home office or indoor settings, It provides an elegant palm look without overwhelming a space or needing frequent pruning to maintain more compact growth
Typical Height & Spread Range
- Minimum height: 24 inches
- Maximum height: 48 inches (4 feet)
- Minimum spread: 24 inches
- Maximum spread: 36 inches (3 feet)
As you can see, the Neanthe Bella tops out at a quite modest size for a palm at just 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide at most when grown as a houseplant. It stays naturally compact and full without aggressive pruning. This helps it thrive as an indoor specimen.
Factors Affecting Growth Rate & Maximum Size
While a maximum height of around 4 feet is typical for the Neanthe Bella palm indoors, a few key factors can affect its growth rate and ultimate size potential:
-
Container Size: Like any houseplant, the Neanthe Bella will tend to grow larger in a more spacious container. Re-potting into larger containers as needed allows the palm to grow thicker stems and reach its full height and spread potential indoors.
-
Light Levels: This palm thrives in medium to bright, indirect light indoors. More light can boost growth rate to some degree and support taller height. Lower light may result in a more compact, slower growing specimen.
-
Humidity & Moisture: The Neanthe Bella prefers consistent moisture and appreciates humidity. Meeting these needs can encourage faster growth over drier conditions. Use a room humidifier and water thoroughly to nourish this tropical plant.
-
Pruning Regimen: Occasional pruning of older fronds can help contain size somewhat and direct energy to new growth. But avoid over-pruning, as this palm doesn’t require much trimming when grown as a houseplant.
-
Fertilizer Application: Applying a balanced liquid fertilizer at regular intervals during the growing season can provide a growth boost over unfertilized specimens.
Growth Habit & Form
In addition to its relatively compact size, the Neanthe Bella Palm has a signature growth habit and form that make it so prized:
-
It has an upright, straight growing form, with multiple stems arising from the soil over time. The stems are topped with elegant sprays of arching green fronds.
-
As a young plant, the palm may start out single-stemmed. But it will gradually develop new stems from the base to create a shapely, multi-stemmed silhouette.
-
The fronds emerge with a bit of a droop and arch downward, giving the plant a graceful, bending profile. The leaves fan out in a loose, open display rather than a tight, rigid shape.
-
The palm keeps its lower foliage for a long period rather than dropping lower leaves readily. This helps it maintain a bushy, full appearance even as a mature plant.
While pruning is not required, occasional removal of yellowed or damaged fronds can help the plant retain its tidy, sculptural look.
Ideal Conditions for Maximum Growth
To reach its full size potential of around 4 feet tall/3 feet wide indoors, provide the following care for your Neanthe Bella:
- Well-draining potting mix
- Bright, indirect light – A spot near an east or west window is ideal. Some direct morning sun is tolerated.
- Warm temperatures – 65-80°F is preferred. Avoid drafty spots.
- Moderate humidity – 40-50% humidity will help growth. Use a pebble tray or humidifier to increase moisture in dry air.
- Even moisture – Water when the top few inches of soil become dry. Don’t let the plant wilt heavily between waterings.
- Fertilizer – Feed every 2-4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
- Re-potting – Move the palm to a slightly larger container each spring as needed to accommodate root growth.
Size Factors for Non-Indoor Settings
If you are growing the Neanthe Bella Palm outdoors in suitable warm climates (Zone 10 or higher), it can reach slightly larger dimensions of up to 6 feet tall by 5 feet wide under ideal conditions. Outdoor palms have the advantage of ample space, sunlight, humidity, moisture, and heat to support maximum growth potential.
In its native habitat of tropical areas and rainforests, the Neanthe Bella may grow up to 10-15 feet tall when conditions are optimal and plants are many years old. But such gigantic sizes are extremely rare when grown as a typical houseplant. Indoors, most specimens top out at a much more compact and manageable 4 foot height.
Controlling Growth Through Container Selection
Choosing a container that is only slightly larger than the current root ball is a smart technique for restricting the ultimate size of a Neanthe Bella Palm when indoor space is quite limited. This will help limit root development and in turn curb access to moisture, nutrients, and space needed for the palm to grow to its maximum dimensions. Slowed growth results in a more compact, petite plant over time.
Terra cotta pots are also an excellent choice for housing the Neanthe Bella and other palms you wish to keep compact as houseplants. The porous nature of terra cotta allows excess moisture to evaporate from the soil surface. This creates the moderately drier conditions preferred by palms, and prevents excessive growth with too much moisture.
Pruning to Control Size
The Neanthe Bella Palm has a naturally compact growth habit and rarely needs aggressive pruning when grown as a houseplant. But very occasional trimming of fronds can help direct energy to new growth and limit overall palm size somewhat.
Focus any trimming on removing yellowed, dying or damaged fronds by cutting them off at their base. Pruning the tallest fronds can also curb upward growth to some degree. Avoid cutting off healthy green fronds, and never remove more than 15% of the overall frond mass at one time.
For best results, limit pruning to just once or twice per year for light maintenance rather than heavy re-shaping. Setting the palm outdoors in partial shade during the summer can also help restrict growth versus warmer indoor conditions year-round.
Best Uses Based on Mature Size
When situated in a spot that can accommodate its 4 foot tall, 3 foot wide maximum indoor dimensions, the Neanthe Bella Palm makes a striking yet easy-care houseplant with many uses:
- Accent or focal point for living rooms, offices, and common areas
- Sophisticated tabletop or desktop plant for added height
- Stunning centerpiece or floor plant to offset simpler décor
- Addition to small-scale indoor palm gardens or containers
- Counterbalance to vining plants, smaller specimens, or lower greenery
- Vibrant plantings at entrances, patios, sunrooms and poolside areas
- Layering with other palms and tropicals for an indoor oasis effect
The Neanthe Bella is ideal for most indoor settings given its gracefully compact size. But be sure to allow it sufficient space to showcase its beautiful arched fronds and evergreen bushy habit as it reaches maturity. With the right care and conditions, this elegant tropical palm will enhance any indoor space with its distinctive palm flair for years to come.
Neanthe Bella Palm: Care Guide
Neanthe Bella Palm care is easy and rewarding. This large plant can grow both indoors and outdoors in warmer climates. Here are some top tips for proper Neanthe Bella Palm indoor care:
Knowing how to care for a Parlor Palm includes determining how much water it needs. Neanthe Bella Palms prefer interchanging periods of moist and dry soil conditions. Water your palm well, and then let the water drain. Then, wait for the soil to dry thoroughly before watering again.
Your Neanthe Bella Palm plant will appreciate some additional humidity that you can provide by misting it occasionally or placing your palm’s pot on a pebble tray.
One of the Chamaedorea Elegans benefits is that this palm is very flexible, growing well even in low light. You can meet your Parlor Palm light requirements with medium indirect light and protection from direct sun rays. Keep it in partial shade if you’re growing it as a porch plant,
The Palm Neanthe Bella thrives in warmer temperatures between 68℉ and 80℉. Please protect it from cold drafts, which can stunt its growth, and bring your palm indoors when night temperatures drop below 50°F.
For the best Chamaedorea elegans care, use well-draining, nutrient-rich soil mixed with some perlite for enhanced drainage. Feed your Neanthe Bella Palm with a slow-release fertilizer during spring and summer. Stop fertilizing in winter when your plant is in its dormant phase.
Parlor Palms prefer to be slightly rootbound, so don’t repot immediately. Please wait until you see roots growing from the pot’s drainage holes, then repot it in a 2-inch larger container.
You can propagate a large Neanthe Bella Palm via division. Slowly and carefully tease the root clump apart until you get several separate sections. Each new plant should have several stalks with healthy leaves attached and a healthy root system. Transplant your new palm trees into pots filled with well-draining soil and water well, misting occasionally to keep the humidity high.
Depending on the size of your Neanthe Bella, you may need to trim some fronds to keep it looking neat and compact. You mostly only need to prune dry or damaged leaves. Clean the dust off your palm’s leaves by placing them in a sink or bathtub and giving them a shower.
Some Parlor Palm problems to watch out for are browning leaf tips due to underwatering or low humidity, overwatering (signaled by yellowing leaves and an unpleasant smell from the soil), and pests, like mealybugs, spider mites, or scale insects.
Neanthe Bella Palm Care Guide & Presentation
-
LightMedium
Prefers medium levels of indirect light.
-
WaterLow
Water well and then allow the soil to dry out between each watering.
-
HumidityMedium
Enjoys humidity. Spritz occasionally.
-
Temperature 68 to 80
Keep this plant on the warmer side and avoid cold drafts below 50°F or it could slow their growth.
-
Hardiness Zones10|11|12
Outside: Keep them in full shade on a patio out of direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn where nights are above 50°F.
-
FertilizingMonthly
Apply a slow release fertilizer to the soil surface and as you water, the nutrients will release. Replenish as needed. Follow this fertilizing in the spring and summer months and slow down during the fall and winter time.
-
Re-potting2 Years
When receiving the Neanthe Bella Palm, do not repot immediately but wait at least 6-12 months or if the roots are beginning to get crowded and growing through the drainage holes. Repot in the spring, using a 2 inches bigger pot to give the roots room to spread. Place a piece of screening at the bottom of the container over the drainage hole to secure the soil and allow to drain. Use a rich, well-draining indoor potting mix amended with 25% compost and to help with fertility. Water your plant in the old pot before transferring over and let sit an hour. Add well-draining potting soil amended with perlite and rooting hormone to the bottom to elevate the root ball. Lift the plant and release the roots against the existing planter. Use a clean knife or garden trowel to wedge between the pot and the soil to loosen. Inspect the root ball. Notice if there are any dead or rotting roots and trim off with sterile pruners. If the plant is rootbound, cut through the roots to alleviate continued encircling. Ensure the plant is sitting about 1 inch below the edge of the pot to avoid water spillage. Add more soil and backfill around the sides by tamping down. Fill up to the soil line but not over. Water thoroughly, and if settling occurs, add more soil. Water well to dampen the soil and let drain.
-
CleaningMonthly
When watering your palm, it is an excellent time to trim off any browning, yellowing, or discolored leaves. If tips of the leaves are browning, trim the ends off to help the plant regain strength. Remove any debris from the soil and replenish if needed. To clean debris and dust off the leaves: Place the palm in a shower or tub. Fill a watering can with a shower spout with filtered, bottled, or water free of chlorine and fluoride. Shower the leaves, so each one is clear of dust and dirt. Let the water drain and replace your palm in the decorative container.
-
PropagationDivision
To propagate your Neanthe Bella Palm: Water your plant the night before dividing. Inspect your plant for overcrowding. If it is root-bound in the pot, loosen the dirt around the root clump and brush away the soil. Begin to tease and pull apart the mass of roots. Ensure you have several healthy stalks and leaves attached to the clumps. Divide each clump into its pot, measuring 2 inches wider than the root mass and deep enough for its roots to grow. Plant in well draining potting mix amended with rooting hormone. Place the plant at the same level as the previous pot adding soil at the bottom. Water the soil and add more if settling occurs. Set it in medium, indirect sunlight. Check the moisture and humidity each day and add misting to keep the soil moist while the roots establish. After 6-8 weeks, roots will begin to develop. You can tug onto the stem to ensure the roots are anchoring well. Keep the air humid around it with a pebble tray and misting. Some die off of stems may occur from transplant shock. If this happens, cut the branches away and continue to hydrate, and keep the humidity level at a medium level while it recovers. Adding a rooting hormone during planting will help diminish the symptoms of transplant shock.
PARLOUR PALM CARE | Chameadorea Elegans Tips & Tricks
FAQ
How fast does Neanthe Bella Palm grow?
Parlor Palm grows slowly and steadily reaching two feet tall within a few years, and can ultimately reach up to six feet tall and three feet wide. When it grows several new leaves at a time, it will lose one or two leaves from the bottom.
What are the benefits of the Bella Palm?
As an air-purifying plant, it helps cleanse the air by removing toxins and impurities, promoting a healthier and more refreshing atmosphere. Caring for the Bella Palm is a breeze. It thrives in bright, indirect light but can adapt to lower light conditions, making it an excellent choice for various indoor settings.
Where to put Neanthe Bella Palm?
Neanthe Bella Palm Care
Prefers bright indirect light of a north or east-facing window. Avoid overwatering; soil should dry out slightly between waterings. Enjoys low to medium humidity levels.
What are the disadvantages of parlor palms?
However, as with many other indoor plants, parlor palm houseplants will occasionally become vulnerable to pests, diseases and other problems. Spider mites, scale and mealybugs can often be an issue. Cultural problems may crop up, too, such as an overwatered parlor palm that results in disease.
How big do neanthe bella palms get?
Fully mature neanthe bella palms reach 4 feet (1.2 meters) high and 3 feet (.9 meters) wide, making them a great choice for large, empty areas in your home. With proper care, they produce numerous attractive green leaves with multiple narrow leaflets on each side.
Do neanthe bella palms need light?
Neanthe Bella Palms prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions. Avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves. How big does a Neanthe Bella Palm grow? In indoor conditions, Neanthe Bella Palms typically grow to a height of 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters). How often should I fertilize my Neanthe Bella Palm?
How long does a neanthe bella palm live?
The Neanthe Bella Palm is a perennial plant with a relatively slow growth rate. In its natural habitat, it can live for several decades. As an indoor plant, with proper care, it can thrive for many years.
What is a neanthe bella palm?
Mary is also a member of The Spruce Gardening and Plant Care Review Board. Due to its popularity as a houseplant, the Neanthe Bella palm (Chamaedorea elegans), thrives in indoor conditions. Reaching between two and six feet, the stems are upright and have a bamboo-like appearance, and the pinnately compound leaves spread and droop slightly.
Can neanthe bella palm grow indoors?
Neanthe Bella Palm prospers in various indoor lighting settings, but an area with medium to bright light and a north or west-facing window is best. Neanthe Bella Palm grows dark green leaves in low light and can be preserved very well with lighting you’ll get in nearly all offices or houses.
How long does it take neanthe bella palms to grow?
It takes neanthe bella palms about six months to a year before their root system reaches maximum size, so you need to make sure that the soil is deep enough for them if they are not planted in an area with good drainage or there will be problems later on. It also needs plenty of room to grow.