New England Aster vs Parlor Palm Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
New England Aster
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
The New England Aster is a robust, clump-forming perennial wildflower, typically reaching heights of 3-7 feet. It's characterized by its lance-shaped, clasping leaves and vibrant daisy-like flowers that bloom in late summer and fall. The flowers are typically purple or violet, with a yellow center disk. This plant is primarily an outdoor species, valued for its late-season color and its ability to attract pollinators like butterflies and bees. It's rarely grown indoors due to its high light requirements and size.
Parlor Palm
Chamaedorea elegans
The Parlor Palm is a small, slow-growing palm native to the rainforests of Southern Mexico and Guatemala. It's a popular houseplant due to its tolerance of low light conditions and relatively easy care. It features delicate, arching fronds that create a lush, tropical feel. It is naturally an understory plant, which contributes to its indoor suitability. People grow it for its air-purifying qualities, aesthetic appeal, and pet-friendliness (though it's always best to keep pets from nibbling on plants).
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | New England Aster | Parlor Palm |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily) | Bright indirect light to low light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. |
| Watering | Every 7-10 days outdoors, depending on rainfall and temperature. Container plants may need more frequent watering. | Every 1-2 weeks, depending on environmental conditions |
| Humidity | 30-50% | 40-60% |
| Temperature | 10-27°C | 18-24°C |
| Care Level | Expert | Easy |
| Growth Rate | Fast | Slow |
| Max Height | Rarely grown indoors, but if attempted, expect 1-2 feet in a large container. | 0.6 - 1.2 meters (2-4 feet) indoors |
| Pet Safety | ✅ Safe | ✅ Safe |
| Soil | Well-drained soil, loamy or sandy soil is ideal. Tolerates a range of soil types. | Well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. |
| Beginner Friendly | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Weekly Maintenance | 15 minutes weekly outdoors during growing season for watering and deadheading. | 5 minutes weekly |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
New England Aster
| Scientific Name | Symphyotrichum novae-angliae |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Native To | North America |
| Also Known As | New England Aster, Michaelmas Daisy |
| Leaves | Lance-shaped, clasping leaves that are typically 3-6 inches long and arranged alternately along the stems. The leaves are slightly rough to the touch and have a slightly hairy texture. |
| Flowers | Rarely flowers indoors. Outdoors, it produces daisy-like flowers with purple or violet petals and a yellow central disk. Flowers are typically 1-2 inches in diameter and bloom in clusters at the ends of the stems. |
Parlor Palm
| Scientific Name | Chamaedorea elegans |
|---|---|
| Family | Arecaceae |
| Native To | Southern Mexico and Guatemala |
| Also Known As | Parlor Palm, Neanthe Bella Palm, Dwarf Palm |
| Leaves | The leaves are pinnate, meaning they are feather-like, with numerous leaflets arranged along a central stem. The leaflets are lance-shaped, glossy green, and have a slightly drooping appearance. The overall texture is soft and delicate. |
| Flowers | Parlor Palms rarely flower indoors. When they do, they produce small, yellow flowers on a slender inflorescence. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
New England Aster
Parlor Palm
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
New England Aster
Methods: Seed, Division, Stem cuttings
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Divide clumps in spring or fall. Take stem cuttings in late spring or early summer. Sow seeds in fall or early spring.
Parlor Palm
Methods: Seed, Division (though division can be difficult and stressful for the plant)
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Division is best done in spring. Carefully separate the root ball, ensuring each division has healthy roots and foliage. Replant in fresh potting mix and keep consistently moist.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
New England Aster
The New England Aster is known for its vibrant purple or violet flowers that bloom in late summer and fall, providing a crucial food source for pollinators when other flowers are fading. Its ability to thrive in a variety of soil conditions and its deer resistance make it a valuable addition to many gardens.
- ✓ Attracts pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- ✓ Provides late-season color, extending the garden's beauty.
- ✓ Deer resistance reduces garden damage.
- ✓ Relatively low maintenance once established.
- ✓ Adds a natural, wild aesthetic to the garden.
- 🐾 Pet Safe
Parlor Palm
The Parlor Palm is known for its ability to thrive in low-light conditions, making it a popular choice for indoor spaces. It is also a relatively small palm, making it suitable for smaller homes and apartments. Its air-purifying qualities add to its appeal as a houseplant.
- ✓ Air purification, removing common household toxins
- ✓ Adds a touch of greenery and tropical ambiance to any room
- ✓ Relatively low-maintenance, making it easy to care for
- ✓ Pet-friendly, creating a safe environment for animals
- ✓ Can improve indoor humidity levels
- 🌬️ NASA-verified air purifier
- 🐾 Pet Safe
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
New England Aster
Parlor Palm
🌞 Light Requirements
New England Aster
Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily)
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Parlor Palm
Bright indirect light to low light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Low light tolerant: ✅ Yes
💧 Watering Needs
New England Aster
Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. In containers, ensure proper drainage. Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves, while overwatering can cause yellowing and mushy stems.
Parlor Palm
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Allow excess water to drain away. Overwatering can lead to root rot, indicated by yellowing or browning leaves and a musty smell. Underwatering can cause the fronds to droop and brown at the tips.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
New England Aster
Temperature: 10-27°C
Humidity: 30-50%
Parlor Palm
Temperature: 18-24°C
Humidity: 40-60%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
New England Aster
Symphyotrichum novae-angliaeGardeners looking for late-season color and pollinator-attracting plants in their outdoor gardens.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want to attract butterflies and bees to your garden.
- You need a plant that provides late-season color.
- You have a sunny garden spot with well-drained soil.
- You want a relatively low-maintenance perennial.
- You want a deer-resistant plant.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You don't have a sunny outdoor location.
- You are looking for an easy indoor plant.
- You live in a very humid climate where powdery mildew is prevalent.
Parlor Palm
Chamaedorea elegansBeginners looking for a low-maintenance, air-purifying houseplant.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a low-maintenance plant that tolerates low light.
- You have pets and need a non-toxic option.
- You want to add a touch of the tropics to your home.
- You are a beginner plant owner.
- You want a plant that helps purify the air.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You tend to overwater your plants.
- You need a plant that thrives in direct sunlight.
- You want a fast-growing plant.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
New England Aster is rated Expert care level, while Parlor Palm is Easy.
New England Aster has fast growth, while Parlor Palm grows slow.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
New England Aster Care Tips
New England Asters are primarily outdoor plants and are challenging to grow indoors due to their high light requirements and tendency to spread. They need full sun and well-drained soil. Indoor attempts require supplemental lighting and careful monitoring of watering to prevent root rot. Expect limited flowering indoors.
- Provide full sun for optimal flowering.
- Ensure well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
- Pinch back stems in late spring to promote bushier growth.
- Divide clumps every few years to prevent overcrowding.
- Monitor for powdery mildew and treat promptly.
Parlor Palm Care Tips
Parlor Palms are relatively easy to care for, making them a great choice for beginners. They tolerate low light and don't require frequent watering. The main challenge is avoiding overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Occasional cleaning of the fronds will keep them looking their best.
- Avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch.
- Water thoroughly but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Wipe the leaves regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust and improve photosynthesis.
- Fertilize sparingly during the growing season to avoid over-fertilization.
- Monitor for pests like spider mites and treat promptly if detected.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
New England Aster
Parlor Palm
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
New England Aster
What are the light requirements for New England Aster?
New England Aster demands ample sunlight to produce its profuse blooms. Ideally, provide at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. A south-facing location is generally best, although east- or west-facing exposures can also work if they receive sufficient sunlight. Insufficient light can result in leggy growth, reduced flowering, and increased susceptibility to diseases. If growing indoors, supplement natural light with grow lights, especially during the shorter days of fall and winter. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even light exposure. If the leaves start to turn pale or yellow, it may indicate that the plant is receiving too little light.
How do I care for New England Aster?
New England Aster thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. Pinch back stems in late spring or early summer to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Deadhead spent blooms to prolong the flowering season. Divide established clumps every few years to prevent overcrowding and maintain vigor. Provide support, such as staking, if the plants become too tall or leggy. Monitor for pests and diseases, and treat promptly if necessary. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
How do I propagate New England Aster?
New England Asters can be easily propagated through division, stem cuttings, or seeds. For division, carefully dig up an established clump in early spring or fall and separate it into smaller sections, each with healthy roots and shoots. Replant the divisions in well-prepared soil. For stem cuttings, take 4-6 inch cuttings from new growth in spring or early summer. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in moist potting mix and keep them humid until roots develop. Seeds can be sown in early spring indoors or directly in the garden after the last frost. Ensure proper spacing for optimal growth.
Parlor Palm
What are the light requirements for Parlor Palm?
Parlor Palms thrive in bright, indirect light. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as this can scorch their delicate fronds. An east-facing window is often ideal, providing gentle morning light. North-facing windows can also work, although growth may be slower. If placing near a south or west-facing window, use sheer curtains to filter the light.
How do I care for Parlor Palm?
Parlor Palms are relatively easy to care for, making them ideal for beginners. Provide bright, indirect light, avoiding direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot. Maintain moderate humidity levels, especially during dry winter months, by misting the plant regularly or using a humidifier.
How do I propagate Parlor Palm?
Parlor Palms can be propagated by seeds or division of clumping types. Seed propagation is a slow process, requiring patience and consistent care. Soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide warm temperatures. Germination can take several weeks or months.
Last updated: May 15, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.