diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 3d733b1..a58cc06 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -22,10 +22,15 @@ Maximal upload size.
 Maximum amount of memory that a script is allowed to allocate.
 
 ## PHP_MAX_EXECUTION_TIME
-- default 30
+- default: 30
 
 Execution time limit for php scripts in seconds.
 
+## PHP_MAX_CHILDREN
+- default: 5
+
+Value of `pm.max_children`.
+
 ## PHP_ADMIN_VALUES
 Comma seperated list of php admin values.
 
diff --git a/rootfs/etc/confd/templates/www.conf.tmpl b/rootfs/etc/confd/templates/www.conf.tmpl
index 5d16082..376f5b5 100644
--- a/rootfs/etc/confd/templates/www.conf.tmpl
+++ b/rootfs/etc/confd/templates/www.conf.tmpl
@@ -113,7 +113,7 @@ pm = dynamic
 ; forget to tweak pm.* to fit your needs.
 ; Note: Used when pm is set to 'static', 'dynamic' or 'ondemand'
 ; Note: This value is mandatory.
-pm.max_children = 5
+pm.max_children = {{ getenv "PHP_MAX_CHILDREN" "5"}}
 
 ; The number of child processes created on startup.
 ; Note: Used only when pm is set to 'dynamic'