Parlor Palm vs. Cat Palm [Comparison Guide]

The Cat Palm and Parlor Palm are two of the most popular houseplants.

Both plants have similar appearances and care requirements, but there are some subtle differences between them.

And if you are looking for a plant to spruce up your indoor space, you may be wondering which one is right for you.

So, let’s take a closer look at the following Cat Palm vs. Parlor Palm comparison.

Contents:

What Is A Parlor Palm?

The Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans) is a tropical plant native to Mexico and Guatemala.

It is a popular houseplant because it is very easy to care for and can grow in low light conditions.

It has long leaves that can grow up to 6-10 feet long.

The Parlor Palm is a slow-growing plant, so it does not need to be repotted often.

What Is A Cat Palm?

Cat Palm (Chamaedorea cataractarum) is another interesting variety of indoor palm plants.

It is a slow-growing plant that can reach a height of 5-6 feet.

It is native to Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala.

And just like the Parlor Palm, it can grow pretty well with less care and attention.

In the following section, let’s compare the two plants in more detail so that you can decide which one is right for you.

Parlor Palm vs. Cat Palm – The Differences

Here are the key differences between Parlor Palm and Cat Palm –

	Parlor Palm	Cat Palm
Scientific Name	Chamaedorea elegans	Chamaedorea cataractarum
Leaf Color	Light Green	Dark Green
Appearance	Feather-like Leaves Formation	Rosette Pattern
Height	Grows up to 6-10 ft	Grows up to 5-6 ft
Light Requirement	Indirect Light	Bright and Indirect Light
Price	High	Low

Now, let’s look at them in detail –

1. Size

One of the main differences between Parlor Palm and Cat Palm is their size.

The Parlor Palm is a smaller plant, and it can grow up to 5-6 feet long.

On the other hand, Cat Palm is a larger plant, with its height reaching up to 6-10 feet long.

Of course, the Parlor Palm can also grow tall, but you will need to keep it in a larger pot or outdoor space to allow for its growth.

2. Appearance

As mentioned earlier, the Parlor Palm has slender leaves that are arranged in a feather-like pattern.

And its leaves are slightly curved.

In contrast, Cat Palm has wide leaves that are grown in a rosette pattern.

And its leaves are not curved.

Due to this difference in appearance, the Parlor Palm is often used as an ornamental plant, while the Cat Palm is more commonly used as a houseplant.

3. Leaf Color

The leaves of the Parlor Palm are slightly curved and have a light green color.

And if you look at the leaves of Cat Palm, they are relatively straight and have a dark green color.

So, if you want a plant with brightly-colored leaves, the Parlor Palm can be a better option.

4. Growing Conditions

Although there is not much difference between the growing conditions of Parlor Palm and Cat Palm, Parlor Palm is a bit more tolerant of low light conditions.

And that’s why it’s quite popular as a houseplant.

Comparatively, Cat Palm prefers bright, indirect sunlight.

It cannot tolerate low light for long periods.

So, if you want a plant for a bright room, you can consider Cat Palm.

5. Price

Price is another factor to consider when choosing between Parlor Palm and Cat Palm.

Generally speaking, Parlor Palm is more expensive than Cat Palm.

That’s because it gets more preference as an ornamental plant.

So, if you are on a budget, you can go for a Cat Palm.

Parlor Palm vs. Cat Palm – The Similarities

Now that we have seen the key differences between Parlor Palm and Cat Palm, let’s look at the similarities between them –

	Parlor Palm	Cat Palm
Origin	Central and North America	Central and North America
Low Maintenance	Yes	Yes
Growth	Slow	Slow
Air Purifier	Yes	Yes
Indoor and Outdoor Placement	Both	Both

Here are a few more insights on these similarities –

1. Origin

Both plants are native to Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala.

They are also common in the tropical regions of South America and Central America.

2. Easy To Care For

One of the best things about both plants is that they are quite easy to care for.

They are low-maintenance plants, and they do not require much attention.

So, even if you are a beginner, you can easily grow these plants.

They also require very few fertilizers and pesticides.

3. Slow-Growing

Another similarity between Parlor Palm and Cat Palm is that they are both slow-growing plants.

They do not grow too fast, so you don’t have to worry about them getting out of control.

You can have these plants for many years without having to replant them.

That said, you shouldn’t be careless with these plants.

You still need to provide them with the necessary care so that they can grow well.

4. Air Purifiers

Both plants are excellent air purifiers.

They can help to remove toxins and impurities from the air.

So, having these plants in your home is an added benefit.

But if you are specifically looking for air purifying plants, you will need more than one plant.

5. Can Be Grown Indoors or Outdoors

Last but not least, both plants can be grown indoors or outdoors.

So, you can choose the location depending on your preference.

You can keep them in your living room, bedroom, or office if you want.

Or you can grow them in your garden or patio.

In case you are growing them indoors, provide enough light to the plant.

And if you have planted them outdoors, protect them from the cold weather.

That’s the only thing you need to be careful about.

Of course, there are some other similarities between Parlor Palm and Cat Palm, but these are the most notable ones.

You can refer to the above comparison to the table to learn more about it.

Tips To Grow Cat Palm And Parlor Palm At Home

While both plants do not require much attention, there are still some tips you must follow to grow them well.

Here are some tips that you can follow –

Plant them in well-draining soil.
Provide enough light to the plants.
Water them regularly, but do not overwater them.
Give them nutrient-rich soil.
Prune them regularly.
Protect them from extreme weather conditions.
Don’t use chemicals on the leaves.
Keep an eye out for pests and diseases.
Check the soil regularly to see if it needs more nutrients.
Replant them every few years to encourage new growth.

I hope these tips help you successfully grow your Parlor Palm and Cat Palm.

In the next section, I have shared some FAQs related to Parlor Palm and Cat Palm.

You can go through them to know more about these plants.

FAQs

1. How Do You Identify A Parlor Palm?

You can identify this plant by its long leaves.

Its leaves also look like feathers arranged in a pattern.

The plant is also small in size as compared to other palms.

So, you can remember these characteristics to identify a Parlor Palm.

2. Is Cat Palm A Good Indoor Plant?

Yes, Cat Palm can be a good indoor plant.

It thrives in indirect sunlight and can tolerate low light for short periods.

It doesn’t grow fast, so it can stay in the same pot for several years.

3. How Big Can A Parlor Palm Get?

If you keep it in a pot, the Parlor Palm can grow up to 3 to 4 feet.

But if you plant it outdoors, it can reach a height of up to 10 feet.

The height of the plant also depends on the pot size and the growing conditions.

4. Should I Prune A Parlor Palm?

There is no real need to prune this plant.

But if you want to, you can do so in the spring or summer.

In general, palm plants look better when they are not pruned.

5. Should I Mist My Cat Palm?

Misting is not necessary for this plant.

If you keep it in a humid environment, there is no need to mist it.

But if the air is dry, you can mist it once or twice a week.

For cleaning the leaves, you can use a damp cloth.

Over To You

Cat Palm and Parlor Palm are certainly one of the best houseplants you can grow.

But it’s always good to know their similarities and differences before you get one for your home.