Kentia Palm vs Parlor Palm
Choosing between the Kentia Palm and the Parlor Palm? Both are popular houseplants, but they differ in care effort, light needs, and pet safety. Here is a clear side-by-side comparison to help you decide.
📊Side by side
| Feature | Kentia Palm | Parlor Palm |
|---|---|---|
| Watering | Every 7–12 days | Every 6–10 days |
| Light | Medium, bright indirect | Low light |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Easy |
| Humidity | Average | Average |
| Mature size | 120–300 cm (47–118 in) | 60–180 cm (24–71 in) |
| Growth rate | Slow | Moderate |
| Pet safety | Pet-safe | Pet-safe |
| Care effort | Medium | Medium |
🏆Which one should you choose?
The Parlor Palm is the easier plant: it is rated Easy and wants water only every 10 days, while the Kentia Palm is rated Moderate.
Pet owners can relax with either — the ASPCA lists both as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
The Kentia Palm grows clearly larger (120–300 cm) than the Parlor Palm (60–180 cm) — choose by the space you have.
In a darker room the Parlor Palm wins: it tolerates low light, while the Kentia Palm wants Medium, bright indirect.
Choose the Kentia Palm if…
- Non-toxic to cats and dogs
- Popular air-freshening pick
- Big, room-defining presence
Choose the Parlor Palm if…
- Non-toxic to cats and dogs
- Tolerates low light
- Hard to kill; great for beginners
- Popular air-freshening pick
❓Frequently asked questions
Which is easier to care for: Kentia Palm or Parlor Palm?
The Parlor Palm is the easier plant: it is rated Easy and wants water only every 10 days, while the Kentia Palm is rated Moderate.
Is the Kentia Palm or the Parlor Palm better for homes with pets?
Pet owners can relax with either — the ASPCA lists both as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Can I care for the Kentia Palm and the Parlor Palm the same way?
Not quite — the Kentia Palm wants water about every 12 days in Medium, bright indirect, while the Parlor Palm prefers every 10 days in Low light. Treat them as two routines.