Palm trees are exotic plants belonging to warm and temperate environments, but considering that some ranges are cold durable or suitable for use as houseplants, even those people living in cooler areas have the ability to make a house for these spectacular trees.
With over 2,600 types of palm in existence, picking the best palm for you might appear difficult. We’ve narrowed down the most popular kinds of palms into manageable categories to assist you find the finest kind of palm for your house or garden.
Indoor Palm Trees
Palm trees are accustomed to growing in conditions comparable to those discovered in our homes; regularly warm temperatures, typical humidity, and intense to medium light.
This makes palms an ideal houseplant, though it is undoubtedly an enormous palm tree in the middle of your living-room isn’t going to be useful! For this factor, slow-growing palms that need little maintenance are most suited for usage in homes. These include the following.
Areca Palm (Dypsis Lutescens)
This is among the most popular palms for indoor usage due to its easy-going nature, which needs little in the way of care and its capability to stand up to low light. It is belonging to Madagascar and also passes the common name of butterfly palm. It can grow to around 8 feet in height, though generally doesn’t get much bigger than 5 or 6 feet high when grown inside your home.
The feathered leaves of the areca palm give it an appealing tropical look, though it is technically categorized as a bamboo palm because its stalks look like bamboo when fully grown. It can be tough to inform the areca palm apart from the kentia palm as they are very similar in look, though generally, kentia palms have somewhat wider leaves. Areca palms likewise tend to be more economical to buy than kentia palms as they grow more rapidly when young and for that reason take less work for growers to produce and less time for them to reach a commercial size.
Keep your areca palm pleased by setting it in intense however indirect sunlight and maintaining moist however not damp soil. Areca palms grown in direct light will scorch easily, while those grown in extremely low light will have sluggish development. However, if you have a shaded corner of your house that needs brightening up, an areca palm is a great option as long as you do not mind really slow growth.
Areca palms cope well with low light, but it does hinder their ability to grow. If kept in low light, ensure you water much less frequently than if grown in brilliant indirect light. This plant likes to be watered moderately but can hold up against some brief durations of drought.
Kentia Palm (Howea Forsteriana)
This palm has broad leaflets that can mature to a foot in length, requiring area when kept as a houseplant. Thankfully, this plant is really slow-growing, usually only producing one new frons each year. This implies that while the plant might be quite wide, it will take several years for it to reach fantastic heights. Its slow-growing nature also indicates it will not require to be regularly re-potted, making it extra easy to look after.
The kentia palm grows natively in Australia and is likewise commonly referred to as paradise palm. It is a feathered kind of palm, with leaves that have a gentle arch on them. Kentia palms grow well in bright, indirect light, however they likewise endure low light extremely well. While they will not show much brand-new development in low light conditions, they will make it through and preserve a healthy appearance.
Water this plant just as soon as the leading layer of its soil has actually dried and mist it every few days with water to increase humidity and avoid its leaf pointers from turning brown.
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea Elegans)
This palm is native to Mexico and is the most common type of palm to be used as a houseplant. It grows exceptionally slowly, reaching optimum heights of in between 2 and 4 feet, making it an ideal size for development in practically any house. With delicately arching feathered leaves in a mid-bright green color, it’s not difficult to see why this palm is so popular.
Aside from being a compact size and having a pleasing aesthetic, this palm is likewise extremely easy to care for. It enjoys a range of lighting conditions, from intense, indirect light to shade. It also likes to be watered relatively occasionally as it is quickly susceptible to root rot. Overwatering will rapidly kill the plant, so only water once the top couple of inches of soil are dry and constantly be sure to plant it in well-draining soil.
As a really slow-growing plant, you might be waiting on a good couple of years for it to reach its fully grown height, however as long as you are a patient grower, then this has its benefits. The plant will not rapidly outgrow its house on your shelf or table, and it will not require to be re-potted each year. In fact, the parlor palm likes to be rootbound, so just repot the plant when definitely needed.
Sentry Palm (Howea Belmoreana)
The sentry palm is very similar in wants to the kentia palm, though there are a few differentiating functions. The brochures are broad but not as broad as that of the kentia, and its leaves are more arched. The leaves also have a routine to curl somewhat, which is why it also goes by the name of curly palm.
This palm grows even more slowly than the kentia, however it can reach remarkable heights when fully grown of around 10 feet, which is very tall for an indoor plant (though it grows much taller when grown outdoors). Its stature makes it a great focal point in hotel lobbies or in shopping center. To grow this plant indoors, enable it bright, indirect light and mist it frequently.
Pygmy Date Palm (Phoenix Roebelenii)
This palm is belonging to Southeast Asia, growing up to 10 feet outdoors however normally in between 4 and 6 feet when grown as a houseplant. With a chunky wide trunk and narrow brochures, the pygmy date palm has an interesting appearance. It is classified as a feathered kind of palm and grows very gradually.
This plant likes to be kept in a mix of shade and intense, indirect light and for its soil to be kept regularly moist. Water the pygmy date palm once the top of the soil begins to dry out and always beware not to overwater. As a slow-growing plant, do not re-pot this palm frequently. It is sensitive to having its roots disrupted, and chooses to be kept a little rootbound.
Cold Hardy Palms
If you wish to produce a tropical appearance in your garden, then palm trees are absolutely important. However, it isn’t common to see palm trees in cooler environments, and this might be because numerous individuals don’t recognize that a number of cold-hardy ranges of palms exist, presuming instead that they only grow in warm environments.
While it’s true that palm trees do come from warm regions, there are several varieties that adjust well to low temperature levels and make ideal garden plants or trees in not likely areas. These consist of the following.
Chinese Fan Palm (Livistona Chinensis)
Chinese fan palms, likewise called water fountain palms, hail from China and Japan. They have actually ended up being popular throughout the world thanks to their ability to adapt to a large range of conditions. They perform well in both intense light and shade, they are drought-tolerant, and frost sturdy. They are so simple to grow that in some regions have actually even ended up being invasive, such as in the United States state of Florida.
Chinese fan palms can mature to 40 feet tall, however this is uncommon beyond their native habitat. They are easy to recognize, with their large leaves, which grow in a circular shape in the design of an open fan in deep green to blue-green shades. This attractive tree is so sturdy and easy to grow that it is advised for beginner garden enthusiasts in environments where temperatures do not drop listed below 20 ºF.
Needle Palmetto (Rhapidophyllum Hystrix)
The needle palmetto, also referred to as the needle palm, is an ideal choice of palm in cold regions as it is among the hardiest varieties of palm in presence. It will endure temperature levels as low as -5 ºF as soon as mature and can also grow in either full sun or shaded positions.
The tree does need a relatively big amount of space, nevertheless, maturing to 10 feet in height with a similar-sized spread. Its needle-like leaves are sharp and pointed, growing in clumps from the ground upwards, so it may not be the very best option of plant for your home garden if there are little children running around. The needle palm grows at a moderate rate and can tolerate regular watering. However, it does not endure salt spray, so it should be avoided if you live near the ocean.
Pindo Palm (Butia Capitata)
The pindo palm, also understood as the jelly palm, is the hardiest palm of the feathered type. It can grow to heights of 30 feet. though more typically grows to in between 15 and 20 feet tall. The foliage of this tree grows in a gorgeous blue-green shade, which is at its most dynamic when placed completely sun.
With a big chunky pale brown trunk and large spiked fronds, this tree is a real showstopper. The pindo palm is tolerant of low temperature levels and grows well in cool areas. It enjoys in temperatures as low as 5 ºF, however any lower than this and the tree will begin to show signs of disease.
Palmetto Tree (Sabal Palmetto)
This palm is the state tree of Florida and South Carolina and is grown in abundance along the shorelines of both of these states, along with in Georgia. The palmetto tree grows to heights of 30 feet and is the extremely essence of tropical-looking trees, making it a popular option for house gardens. It passes several typical names, consisting of Carolina palmetto, cabbage palmetto, and typical palmetto.
This is an exceptionally strong tree and stands up well against the forces of typhoons and tropical storms. Although the palmetto tree mores than happy in warm climates, it can also tolerate low temperature levels. You can grow this tree, offering your environment does not drop to lower than 5 ºF.
Saw Palmetto (Serenoa Repens)
The saw palmetto is low growing, hardly ever reaching heights of more than 5 to 10 feet. It grows along the ground, usually without a trunk, producing stiff foliage that covers out in a fan shape. It works well when grown underneath the canopy of taller trees and can also be used as a tropical looking ground cover.
The saw palmetto is a common palm discovered in the southern states of the US, however due to its cold hardiness, it is likewise ideal for usage in cooler climates. The plant can endure temperatures as low as 0 ºF.
Container Palms
Growing a palm tree in a container works well for a number of factors. Container grown palms will have restricted growth in terms of height, which is more suitable if you have a smaller sized garden or do not want the tree to take control of a big space. Container palms can likewise be grown in almost any environment, as those which are not cold hardy can simply be moved inside throughout the winter season. Palms which grow well in containers consist of the following.
Fishtail Palm (Caryota Mitis)
This palm belongs to the feathered kinds of palm, though you would not know that from looking at it. The foliage of this tree is really unusual for a palm tree, and you ‘d be forgiven for thinking it wasn’t a real palm at all. The special leaves are shaped like fishtails, appearing in a bi-pinnate pattern.
The tree is native to India, Asia, and the South Pacific, though it now frequently grows in Florida and the Caribbean. In reality, the fishtail palm is now thought about an intrusive species in Florida, where it enjoys the warm climate and abundant soil.
The tree works well in a container, particularly when young at a more workable size. It is not cold sturdy and just tolerates temperatures as low as 32 ° F. If you live beyond USDA durable zones 10 and 11, you will require to bring this tree inside throughout the winter to protect it from the cold.
The fishtail palm can grow to heights of 15 to 20 feet, so when mature, it will be too big and heavy to transport, making it ideal just for growing in environments where it does not need to be portable.
Bottle Palm (Hyophorbe Lagenicaulis)
The bottle palm tree has an unique appearance and is so-called due to its trunk, which bulges out at the bottom to provide the shape of a bottle. This tree is perfect for growing in a container as it keeps a fairly compact size, normally not going beyond in between 12 feet in height when mature. The tree is incredibly slow-growing, so if you grow the bottle palm from a young specimen, then you will have the ability to keep it in the very same pot for rather a long time.
When young, the trunk handles a various appearance, with the bottle shape just taking type as the tree grows. The older the tree gets, the more overemphasized the bottle shape of the trunk will end up being.
The foliage of this tree takes the type of leaflets growing on carefully arching fronds. The tree typically has no more than 6 leaves at any one time. This tree appropriates for growing outdoors in USDA strength zones 10 and 11, with the ability to endure temperature levels to 34 ° F. If kept in cooler environments than this, it will need to be moved indoors throughout winter.
Red Feather Palm (Chambeyronia Macrocarpa)
This brightly colored palm hails from New Caledonia in the South Pacific, where it grows in the rain forest. It is also referred to as the red leaf palm and the flame thrower palm, as a nod to the new leaves the tree produces, which are red when they initially appear.
A brand-new leaf can be anywhere from dark maroon to vibrant red however will transform into brilliant green within about two weeks. The leaves can be huge on fully grown trees and can measure up to 12 feet long. The leaflets can determine in between 3 and 4 feet each, making this an extremely broad tree when totally grown.
You can anticipate a fully grown red feather palm to reach heights in excess of 20 feet, however as a sluggish grower, this can take a while to accomplish. It is preferably matched for life in a container, grown inside as a houseplant, or outside on a balcony or patio area. It is not cold durable and need to only be kept outdoors all year round in USDA growing zones 10 and 11. Otherwise, it must be brought within throughout the colder months.
Lipstick Palm (Cyrtostachys Renda)
The lipstick palm gets its name from the red coloring of its crown shaft, which is the uppermost part of the trunk. It is likewise typically referred to as sealing wax palm, as the red is said to be the very same shade as the wax utilized to seal envelopes in a bygone period.
This tree grows to between 25 and 30 feet high, with leaves covering as much as 5 feet. In its native habitat, it can grow to over 50 feet in height, however this is unlikely in house landscapes. The feathered leaves of this palm appear in different shades, with pale green foliage lower down and deeper darker green leaves on the top of the tree.
The interesting thing about this tree is that it is incredibly thirsty, and unlike most plants and trees, it will prosper in soggy soil. It grows well in containers that are partly immersed in water, such as those in a water feature or in a pond, as this provides the ideal level of wetness for the tree.
You ought to never ever allow the soil of your lipstick palm to dry out. To assist with this, grow the tree in abundant soil, which is good at maintaining moisture. When young, the tree will be finest positioned in partial shade, but it can adjust to full sun when mature.
Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus Wagnerianus)
The windmill palm is native to China and is medium in size, normally growing to 25 feet tall with leaves measuring 3 feet across. Its trunk will generally measure 8 inches around on a mature tree, though it tends to appear much thicker thanks to the loose fibers surrounding it.
This tree is tolerant of a broad variety of growing conditions. Once mature, it is drought-tolerant however can also manage soil that is too wet. It is likewise salt-tolerant and can grow in both full sun or partial shade.
When mature, the tree is remarkably cold durable. It can hold up against snow and temperatures as low as 0 ° F. Younger windmill palms will need some protection from low temperatures, so they are ideal for growing in containers when young is that they can be moved indoors for winter season, then planted outside in the ground once they are old sufficient to deal with freezing temperature levels.
As evidence of their ability to grow in cold climates, the windmill palm has actually been spotted growing in Russia, England, western Canada, and even Alaska. It is an ideal way to include a tropical touch to your garden, even in chillier environments.
Diamond Palm (Johannesteijsmannia Altifrons)
This striking palm has a few of the biggest leaves of any palm around. They seem growing directly out of the ground, although in real reality, the tree does have a trunk, however it is subterranean, and therefore sits totally below ground level.
The leaves themselves are shaped like splayed our fans, similar to those made by children out of folded paper. The concertina pattern is reminiscent of an open accordion, corrugated metal, or a pleated skirt.
These plants are native to rain forests in Thailand and Malaysia, growing in the shade underneath bigger trees. They are therefore best grown in shade, appreciate heavy humidity, and are thirsty drinkers.
