can palm trees grow indoors

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What palms will grow indoors?

For more on this topic, read my article on Safely Bringing Plants Indoors For The Winter.Ponytail palm, (beaucarnea recurvata) ... majesty palm, (ravenea rivularis) ... Cascade palm, (Chamaedorea cataractarum) ... areca palm, (dypsis lutescens) ... parlor palm, (CHAMAEDOREA elegans) ... sago palm, (cycas revolutas)More items...•

Do palm trees make good indoor plants?

Palms make excellent houseplants because they are very tolerant of neglect, but they will grow their best when given the proper indoor palm plant care. These easy care indoor plants are perfect for most homeowners because they don't like a lot of light, and will easily adapt to growing indoors.

How long do palm plants live indoors?

Areca Palm Houseplant Info of growth per year until they reach a mature height of 6 or 7 feet (1.8 or 2.1 m.). Areca palm is one of the few palms that can tolerate trimming without serious harm, making it possible to keep mature plants indoors for their full lifespan of up to 10 years.

What is the easiest palm to grow indoors?

Parlor PalmParlor Palm It's perhaps the most popular indoor palm and has been cultivated as a houseplant for 50 years. Slow growing and generally easy to grow, the Parlor palm can reach up to 10 to 12 feet in height in its natural habitat, but it tends to stick to 2 to 6 feet tall indoors.

How often do you water indoor palm tree?

2-3 times per weekA new indoor Palm Tree should be watered every day in its first week. Next, move to every other day in its second week. Then settle for 3 times a week on the third. Once your indoor Palm Tree is completely settled, water it 2-3 times per week, or when the top 1-2 inches of the soil is completely dry.

Do palm trees need a lot of sun?

Palms vary in the amount of sunlight they require to grow well. Palms that naturally grow in the understory beneath taller trees do very well in lower light conditions in homes. Palms with high light requirements need very sunny windows or supplemental lights when grown in pots indoors.

How do you keep a palm tree alive indoors?

Most palms will do well indoors if you can provide them with bright, indirect light and keep the soil in their containers moist most of the time. Ensure there is some humidity in the air, and keep the palm away from cold drafts and blasts of dry, conditioned air.

Where should palm trees be placed indoors?

As per Vastu Shastra, always plant your garden, trees etc., in the east or north direction. To increase the benefit, you can also install a small water fountain and a level up from the ground. Also, don't overdo with palm trees. Try to mix them with other types of plants, preferably flower or fruit-bearing ones.

Should I cut off Brown palm leaves?

Cut leaves that are entirely brown or yellow at the base – near the stem or at the soil. Be sure not to tug the leaves, as this can damage healthy parts of the plant. If only part of the leaf is brown or yellow, remove only the affected area.

Why is my indoor palm tree dying?

The reason for a dying indoor palm tree is usually because of low humidity, dry soil and high temperatures which cause the leaves to turn brown with a drooping, dying appearance. Indoor palm trees are tropical plants that need humid conditions, evenly moist soil and temperatures between 65ºF and 75ºF to stay alive.

Do palms like small pots?

In general, palms prefer deep pots to shallow ones. One would start a seedling in a small pot and repot it over the seasons in progressively larger containers until it is of sufficient size to plant in the garden.

How fast do indoor palm trees grow?

This interesting palm grows 6 to 10 feet tall indoors and arches 3 to 6 feet wide. This palm grows 6 to 8 inches a year. Fishtail palms do best in bright indirect sunlight. Plants need a minimum temperature of 60 °F.

How do you grow palm trees indoors?

How to Grow Palms IndoorsChoose a palm variety that grows well indoors.Place palms in bright, indirect light.Plant them in Miracle-Gro® Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix.Water palms when the top inch of soil is dry.After a month, feed them Miracle-Gro® Shake 'n Feed® Palm Plant Food.More items...

Can palms survive in low light?

Some indoor palm plants can even tolerate low light, though this usually will result in weaker growth. Palms are generally slow-growing and need minimal pruning to clean up dead and broken fronds. They'll require a quality palm fertilizer to help maintain lush growth.

How do you look after indoor palm plants?

Water and feeding Allow the surface of the compost to slightly dry out before watering in winter. In summer, water so that the compost never dries out, but do not allow the plant to stand in excess water. Newly potted palms should not be fed for six to eight weeks after potting.

Can palm trees grow in pots?

While most palm trees thrive in the landscape, there are also quite a few species that are suitable to container gardening. Generally speaking, if you want to grow a palm in a container, select species that are either slow-growing or low-growing which should be able to remain in the same container for 2-4 years.

What is the best palm tree for indoors?

There are hundreds and hundreds of different palm trees out there, with some better suited to an indoor environment than others. Some of the most popular palm trees for indoor growth include: 1 Chinese Fan Palm (Livistona chinensis): This palm tree boasts distinctive star-shaped leaves and a slow-growing habit. Though mature Chinese fan palms can reach heights of 15 feet or more, most Chinese fan palms used in regular households (not offices or industrial buildings) are of the dwarf variety. 2 Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens): Also known as bamboo palm, areca palm trees have soft fronts and a tolerance for low light. 3 Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans): Parlor palms have a reputation as some of the easiest indoor palm trees to care for—they need just average light and temperature, and require no special care beyond the occasional trim.

Where do palm trees come from?

There are about 2,600 species of palm trees spread over 181 genera within the Arecaceae family of plants. Most are tropical or subtropical in origin, native to spots like South America, Asia, and the Caribbean. Most palms can be distinguished by their large, compound, evergreen leaves (known as fronds) that are arranged at the top ...

Why are palms so common?

One of the reasons palm plants are such common houseplants is that they can easily adapt to low-light conditions indoors. Most palms are tolerant of (or prefer) shade and may fail to thrive if they receive too much direct sunlight. Low-light palm species prefer bright indirect light but also can tolerate less light, especially during the winter months.

What are the bugs on my palm tree?

Like other houseplants, spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects can be a problem, especially if your palm trees are kept close to other houseplants that may be infected. Keep an eye out for telltale signs of infestation and treat the plant promptly using insecticidal soap or horticultural oil such as neem oil .

Why are my palm trees turning brown?

But if the tips of all leaves turn brown, it is often due to excessive fertilizing. Like other houseplants, spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects can be a problem, especially if your palm trees are kept closeby to other houseplants that may be infected.

How many palm trees are there in the world?

There are about 2,600 species of palm trees spread over 181 genera within the Arecaceae family of plants.

Can palm trees drown?

However, there are also desert varieties that will drown from too much water and still other varieties ...

How To Grow a Palm Tree Indoors

Palm trees aren’t the hardest houseplants to grow and care for indoors. That said, they do have a few unyielding points about them to be aware of.

Types of Indoor Palm Trees

There are at least two dozen common palm trees that folks keep inside their homes all year round.

Indoor Palm Tree Care Tips

Growing palm trees indoors is easy and breezy once you know what to do. Below, we offer some of the best care tips for growing healthy and happy indoor palms:

Problems To Watch For

A few of the most common problems you may encounter while growing indoor palms are:

Related Questions

To keep your palm tree alive during the winter, pot it up, take it inside, and keep a close eye on it. Water it twice per week, give it plenty of light, and possibly add some nutrients to the soil.

A Final Word About Growing a Palm Tree Indoors

Palm trees are a relatively simple houseplant to grow and care for that you can enjoy with little fuss. Just remember to keep them well lit, moist, and misted (or humid), and they will remain happy and healthy.

Why are palm trees so hard to grow?

Palms have traditionally been seen as a difficult plant to keep indoors because, as well as warmth, they often like humidity . That’s not always the case though, and an increased variety of species on the market means you can find one that will adapt to the drier conditions inside your home.

Where do palms come from?

Subtropical species are a good start, so look at palms that originate from the Mediterranean, Central America, China or Japan; these will adapt far better than true tropical varieties. Consider size, too.

How high can a pygmy palm grow?

Look for smaller species – there are plenty that will reach about fifteen feet, which are ideal for great rooms or hallways, and others that top out at below ten feet. There are even pygmy palms that don’t go beyond a couple of feet high; the Pygmy Date Palm is a popular species that usually reaches about eight feet, and it’s also one of the easiest to grow indoors. It can cope with partial shade, is resistant to insects and doesn’t grow too quickly, so you won’t be constantly replanting it as it outgrows its container.

What is the appeal of palm trees?

Who doesn’t love palm trees? Their elegant and exotic shape calls up images of sunny destinations and sparkling white beaches. They make a distinctive backdrop for other tropical plants, and their feathery fronds add a unique charm to any setting. Palms are among the most distinctive and easily recognized of all trees, and their appeal to gardeners is obvious.

What temperature should I plant a bonsai palm in winter?

In winter 55° to 60°F is ideal – but don’t let them fall below 45°F if you can help it, as they’ll start to suffer. There’s one more attractive option, and that’s a bonsai palm. Several types are suitable for growing as bonsai including cane, feather and fan palms.

How tall can a fan palm grow?

The European Fan Palm is another good variety for indoor planting; it can reach over fifteen feet high, but ten feet is more common.

Can you grow a palm tree in Montana?

Palms love warm weather, and December in Montana is not where they feel most at home. Don’t give up hope, though; if you’d like to have your own palm tree it’s still perfectly possible. You just have to grow it indoors.

How tall does a parlor palm grow?

Slow growing and generally easy to grow, the Parlor palm can reach up to 10 to 12 feet in height in its natural habitat, but it tends to stick to 2 to 6 feet tall indoors. This palm can tolerate lower light conditions, but will grow at a slower rate.

How tall do Areca palms get?

Many Areca found at big box garden centers are around 5 feet tall, making them a great choice for those looking for an indoor tree-type plant. This stately palm can grow up to 8 feet tall as long as it gets bright, indirect sunlight, but it can tolerate medium-light areas as well. However, it is sensitive to overwatering, so let the soil dry in between waterings.

What is a sago palm?

The Sago palm (Cycas revoluta) is another "non-true" palm that is often grouped with palms. The Sago features stiff fronds that grow from an upright pineapple-looking trunk. Native to southern Japan, the Sago is a slow-growing plant that reaches heights of around 3 feet. They need regular and consistent moisture and bright, indirect sunlight (although they can tolerate some shade).

How tall does a Chinese fan palm grow?

Also known as the Fountain palm, the plant can grow up to 15 feet tall, making a lovely addition for large spaces. There are smaller cultivars, such as the dwarf Chinese Fan palm or Taiwan Fan palm. The Chinese Fan grows best in bright, indirect light, but it can tolerate some shade as well.

Is Kentia palm a cold tolerant plant?

The Kentia palm (Howea forsteriana) tolerates a wide range of conditions. It's shade tolerant, cold tolerant, and won't outgrow most spaces. It's typically sold in clumps of three or more plants to give it a bushy appearance. Once established, it requires very little care making it one of the most low-maintenance and easy-to-grow tropical plants.

Do palm trees need direct sunlight?

Light: Most palms thrive in bright, indirect light, but some tolerate partial shade. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorching.

Is a ponytail palm a houseplant?

This popular houseplant is known for its attractive foliage that sprouts from a bulbous trunk and resembles a perky ponytail. It's technically part of the Asparagaceae family, and not a true palm, but it has a similar look. Its sturdy trunk helps the plant reserve water, making this houseplant very drought tolerant. The Ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) thrives in bright, indirect light and doesn't mind staying pot bound. If you want the look of a palm that doesn't get huge and has the least amount of maintenance, the Ponytail is the perfect fit.

How to care for palms indoors?

First, in arid deserts and second, in lush, green jungles. You can help these plants thrive inside the home by providing the desert palms with a bare room and polished wood floors. This echoes the idea of these plants growing in a barren desert landscape.

How cold can palm trees tolerate?

They can handle a winter rest in cooler conditions, not less than 50 degrees F. (10 C.). They do tolerate central heating. They prefer light, but not strong light and especially when they are young.

What is a palm plant?

A palm is an outstanding plant with well-defined fronts and stark shape. It makes a striking feature well suited to a large, bright, plainly furnished and decorated room. Palms were displayed traditionally on ceramic palm stands. The palm would be planted in an ornamental jardinière balanced on top of a matching pedestal.

What do palms remind us of?

Image by petrenkod. Palms create an air of elegance and splendor, especially when grown indoors. They remind you of exotic lands far away. They make us think of the hot, dry desert. They make us think of palm-fringed beaches. They make us feel as if we are in some wonderful tropical place, without having to ever leave home.

Why did palms go out of fashion?

Palms went out of fashion as simpler styles replaced the clutter and fanciness, and the dim light of Victorian and Edwardian interiors, but they have recently found their way back into our homes in interiors of a different style. A palm is an outstanding plant with well-defined fronts and stark shape.

Can palms be used as a mirror?

Palms tend to lend themselves to creating shadows and reflections. You can stand a palm in an alcove that is lined with a mirror and create stunning effects. If you put one on each side of a fireplace, it’s even doubly stunning. The shadows cast by the palm’s fronds can pattern a plain wall.

Can palms grow in the wild?

Finally, lighting the plant from below can cast shadows onto opposite walls and even the ceiling. Many palms grow to great heights in the wild, but inside your home they are slow-growing plants and can remain at living room height for many years. Impatient gardeners won’t be happy with palms.

Where do parlor palms grow?

Many gardeners think of it as a tabletop palm, making it popular for even small spaces. It’s native to the rainforests of Guatemala and Southern Mexico. Keep the soil slightly dry, and definitely don’t expose it to cold or drafty conditions.

How tall do date palms grow?

Most date palms can reach massive heights in the wild—we're talking more than 75 feet. This dwarf variety native to China, on the other hand, will grow to about 4-6 feet total in a container. In the right conditions, this plant will flower and fruit, producing small dates. It will benefit from a palm-specific fertilizer about twice a year.

How long does it take for a sago palm tree to bloom?

If you have them long enough, they will bloom. However, this can take 10 years or more, so put it in a large pot and keep it going for the long haul.

What does a lady palm look like?

Native to southeastern Asian, the lady palm has dark green fronds all over the plant that look like fans or hands. (Some even call it by the nickname of finger palm.) This palm is unique because it can have both green and variegated leaves. It can tolerate less light overall, so no worries if you don’t have a bright area.

How long does a fountain palm live?

For best results, let this palm dry out between waterings. Once you get it going, it can easily live for more than 30 years.

How tall is a Christmas palm?

Native to the Philippines, the Christmas palm can reach more than 25 feet high when growing outside. Inside as a houseplant, it might reach heights of 4-6 feet. It’s actually a popular plant to grow outdoors in warm climates, and then it will be moved indoors in colder months. Be sure to pick a large pot for this one to give it plenty of room to grow.

Where do Arera palms come from?

Native to Madagascar, the Arera palm loves bright lights and will benefit from some outdoors time during the warm months. Like other palms, they can be sensitive to overwatering, so practice the system of deeply but infrequently. This palm thrives in a smaller pot and will benefit from being repotted every couple of years.

Where do palm trees grow?

Palm trees or palms from the Arecaceae family are native to tropical and subtropical climates. They are perennial flowering plants that have varying growth forms depending on the species. Some palms are tree-like, while others grow as climbers or shrubs. Currently, the palm family has almost 200 known genera with over 2,600 species.

Why do people use palms in their house?

Some consider them as lucky plants, so they use them as houseplants to bring in luck and attract positive energy.

What is a ponytail palm?

Beaucarnea recurvata, or more commonly known as Ponytail Palm, is a popular houseplant known for its stunning facade. It flaunts attractive foliage and a bulbous trunk. The long, hair-like, and curly leaves grow from the trunk’s top, giving off a ponytail-like appearance.

Why are my palms turning brown?

Aside from pests and diseases, indoor palms can also encounter problems caused by poor care practices or growing conditions. These include brown leaves/leaf tips, leaf spots, yellow leaves, and more.

Why are palms important in Victorian times?

Palms were also relevant during Victorian times. The wealthy and well-respected display palms in their homes as a social status symbol.

How big do pygmy date palms get?

Pygmy Date Palms remain reasonably small. The narrow, feathery leaves, which grow about 3 to 5 ft long, can be glossy green, silvery-green, or darker green. They form a lush crown atop a thin trunk. The crown’s base often shows lots of retained leaf bases, giving this palm a distinctive feature.

How tall do date palms grow?

Most date palms grow as tall as 75 ft. However, a particular small type can be grown in pots and ideal as an indoor houseplant, the Pygmy Date Palm ( Phoenix roebelenii ). It is a dwarf palm native to Southern China. It is also called Miniature Date Palm ( because of its size) and Phoenix Palm.

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• One of the reasons palm plants are such common houseplants is that they can easily adapt to low light conditions indoors. Most palms are tolerant or prefer the shade, and will suffer if they get any direct sunlight. Low light palm houseplants prefer bright indirect light but will tolerate less light, especially during the winter. Palms will not sur...

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