Question
Hi

My Mother passed away about 4 years ago now, and I am endevouring to retain the parlour palm which she so dearly loved. However, it always seems to be leaning over, is their a special trick where I can train it to grow in a more or less vertical position. The plant is about 60cm tall from the top of the soil with some 20 stems, whilst the pot is about 30 cm deep and about the same in diameter  

With many thanks

Terry

Answer
Hi Terry,

As with most Palms, Parlor Palm stems have a single growing tip and grow ever taller without ever branching out. Although they do well in relatively low indoor light, the stems are not as thick so they do tend to get top heavy and lean as they grow taller. Generally they lean toward the primary light source so it is important to rotate the plant regularly so that all sides get equal light exposure over time.

You have  enough stems that you can consider cutting back the tallest, most top heavy stems. However, once cut back those stems will not grow back.

Otherwise, all you can do is push the leaning stems back in the opposite direction that they are leaning and then tamp the soil down firmly at the stem base to hold them in place vertically. Sometimes it is necessary to pull the entire rootball up a bit, tip it slightly and reposition it in the pot so that all of the stems are vertical. A stake may also help keep badly leaning stems in place.

Eventually, all Parlor Palms grow so tall and lanky that there is really nothing you can do to keep them looking attractive.

I have written an article on Palm care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com