Parlor palms, or Chamaedorea elegans, and the Kentia palms, or Howea forsteriana, are indoor palms that belong to the Arecaceae family. While they are similar, some aesthetic differences make them different plants with different needs.
Both palms are easy to care for and are low maintenance. The parlor palm is native to Mexico and Central America. However, the Kentia palm is native to the tropical forests in Australia. Their main differences are in size and appearance, as they have different leaf shapes, colors, and heights.
Before making a purchase, knowing the differences and similarities between each palm is essential, as one may fit better than the other in your home.
The Parlor Palm

The parlor palm is popular as a houseplant and is commonly referred to as the table palm. The tropical palm is usually purchased as a young, small plant so it can be decorative and fit in any space.
The low-maintenance plant can handle neglect at times and do great in any light in your home, whether it is low or bright light. It is a slow-growing plant that can grow up to 6 to 9 feet tall indoors. The foliage can even reach up to 6 feet long.
The parlor palm is known for its household qualities of filtering air and benefitting people with allergies. It effectively removes harmful toxins in the air and is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
The Kentia Palm

The Kentia palm is a tropical palm native to the rainforests on Lord Howe Island in Australia. It is typically grown as an indoor tropical palm like the parlor palm. The palm is a low-maintenance palm that is easy to care for. The Kentia palm, which is also a slow grower, can reach up to 10 feet tall indoors.
Similar to the parlor palm, it is a great air purifier and is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Parlor Palm | Kentia Palm | |
Native Environment | Central America | Lord Howe Island in Australia |
Plant Family | Arecaceae | Arecaceae |
Leaf Color | Light Green | Dark Green |
Foliage | Wispy, feathery foliage | Wide but wispy foliage |
Height | Grows up to 6 to 9 feet indoors | Grows up to 10 feet indoors |
Light Requirement | Low and Bright Light | Low and Bright Light |
Low-Maintenance? | Yes | Yes |
Toxicity to Pets | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
Purify Air? | Yes | Yes |
Where to Grow? | Indoors and Outdoors | Indoors and Outdoors |
Parlor Palm and Kentia Palm: How Are They Different?
The parlor palm and the Kentia palm are both tropical plants that belong to the same family of palms. They are quite similar, and while their differences are subtle, they are still noticeable. Knowing about each palm can help you pick which one will be best in your home.
Plant Size
Both plants can grow quite tall indoors. They grow slowly but can reach great heights over time. However, the parlor palm is shorter than the Kentia palm.
The parlor palm can reach up to 6 to 9 feet indoors in optimal conditions. The Kentia palm can reach almost 10 feet indoors, making it a much taller plant.
Leaf Size
The parlor palm’s leaves are wispy, and their foliage is slender. The foliage grows upright and straight. Like the parlor palm, the Kentia palm’s leaves grow straight up. While Kentia palm leaves grow similarly to the parlor palm, its leaves are shorter and wider than the parlor palm.
The Kentia palm foliage fans out from a short length and is usually about 2.5 feet long. The leaf stem can be up to 7 feet. The parlor palm’s foliage can grow up to 6 feet.
Leaf Color
The Kentia palm’s foliage can reach a deep dark green. Meanwhile, the parlor palm’s foliage is a lighter green color. This aesthetic difference may be important when it comes to matching the style and look of your home.
If you want a deep green, the Kentia palm should be your go-to choice. However, if you want something lighter, the parlor palm will be the better buy for your home.
Native Countries
Both palms are native to tropical environments and rainforest habitats. However, The Kentia palm is found on the Australian island Lord Howe Island. The parlor palm is native to Mexico and Central America.
Both environments are tropical, however, and the palms are simply found in different places of the world.
Repotting Needs
The Kentia palm is known as a low-maintenance palm. But when you perform maintenance on it, like repotting, it may get a little upset. The Kentia palm’s roots are very sensitive and should not be touched or repotted unless it is completely root-bound to its pot.
The parlor palm, however, is less sensitive to repotting but will not need to be repotted for quite some time after you purchase it. They are slow growers, so this may not be necessary for a couple of years after owning the plant.
Cost
The parlor palm and the Kentia palm used to both be regarded as Victorian and luxurious plants. However, the parlor palm may be slightly more affordable than the Kentia palm.
The Kentia palm is common but may be more difficult to come by than the parlor palm. Because of this, the Kentia palm price is slightly higher than the parlor palm. While there is a price difference, they are both affordable plants for your home.
Parlor Palm and Kentia Palm: How Are They Similar?
The parlor palm and the Kentia palm are similar despite their differences. They share many characteristics since they are from the same family of palms.
Low-Maintenance and Easy to Care For
The parlor palm and the Kentia palm are easy-to-care-for plants. Since they are low-maintenance, they are sought after by homeowners who want a plant that doesn’t need much attention.
They are also great beginner plants for plant owners who are just getting started raising houseplants. The palms usually only need to be watered once or twice a week when their soil is dry. If you forget to water them, they will easily survive until you water them. They normally do not need to be repotted as they are slow growers. They do not need any fertilizers or pesticides.
Slow Growers
Both palms are slow-growing plants. You will not need to repot them as often as most houseplants. They do well in their original pots, only needing to be repotted after years of growth.
Great Air Purifiers
Another reason why indoor palms are sought after is that they are great air purifiers. A NASA study found that the parlor palm effectively removes toxins in the air, such as ammonia and formaldehyde. The Kentia palm can easily remove the same kind and amount of toxins.
Because they filter out the air, parlor palms and Kentia palms benefit allergy sufferers. The palms can effectively remove harmful particles that may cause irritation and allergies.
Safe for Pets
The ASPCA has noted that the parlor and Kentia palms are non-toxic to dogs and cats. If you have furry friends in your home that sometimes get into your plants, there is no need to fret, as the parlor palm and the Kentia palm are completely harmless.
Both Are Great Indoor and Outdoor Plants
Both palms are native to the tropical outdoors, making them thrive in bright outdoor conditions. Neither palm is restricted to being an indoor plant. If you decide to move it to an outdoor space you have, you can easily do so without harming the plant. If you feel your Kentia or parlor palm should go to your backyard or front yard, they can easily adapt to becoming outdoor plants.
Related: Parlor Palm vs. Areca Palm, Parlor Palm vs. Cat Palm, Majesty Palm vs. Parlor Palm