Indoor Palm Plants

Palm trees are one of the most popular houseplants for over a century now. Factually, any live plant lives best in the outdoors, but there are a few plants that can also thrive in the conditions which are 'somewhat ideal' to their proper growth. Indoor palm plants are tropical plants that can adjust with a variety of atmospheric conditions, which makes them useful as compared to their counterparts. Due to this usefulness, these plants are seen everywhere from houses to hotels, resorts, malls and offices as well. Still, growing indoor palm tree plants is a challenge for the people who reside in cooler atmospheric conditions. However, there are several types of palm trees which can be added into a particular setting to enhance its beauty. Here is some information about the types of indoor palm trees and how you should care for them.

Areca Palm
The areca palm is scientifically known as Chrysalidocarpus Lutescens. It is a bushy and attractive low light indoor plant, that requires constant attention. It thrives well with partial to medium light, while total sunlight must strictly be avoided. Weekly watering is needed or even twice a week, if the plant is drying out. This type of indoor palm plant, must be provided with liquid feed sometime between April to September.

Fishtail Palm
The fish tail palm is scientifically known as Caryota Mitis. As the name suggests, this plant bears attractive fishtail shaped leaves. It thrives great in partial to full sunlight, but requires soil with good drainage capacity. Weekly watering is necessary for the fishtail palms. Sometimes it bears red colored fruits which are poisonous. On the accounts of precaution, they are a safe option for office plants and not home.

Kentia Palm
The kentia palm is scientifically known as Howea forsteriana. It is one of the most popular indoor palm plants. The kentia palm requires least amount of maintenance. At times, it can reach up to 2.4m height. It thrives best in partial to medium sunlight, but it's good if sunlight is avoided. Watering them once a week is advised, which must be reduced during winter. This type of plant must be provided with liquid feed sometime between April to September.

Sago Palm
The sago palm is scientifically known as Cycas Revoluta. It is a slow growing plant which is an attractive indoor palm tree. Plants of sago palm have hard and bushy leaves, that can reach to a height of 1.5m. Soil with good drainage capacity is important for this plant, while watering is needed once in every two weeks. Try not to touch the leaves as they are too sensitive and get spotted easily wherever touched.

Date Palm
The date palm is scientifically known as Phoenix Canariensis. Date palm is extremely tolerant to sunlight and low overnight temperatures. It has long leaves with sharp tips, which need plenty of space to grow. It is important to keep them wet during summer and dry during winter. Always use a sharp knife for removing the dead foliage. This type of plant must be provided with liquid feed sometime between April to August.

Rhapis Palm
The rhapis palm is also called bamboo palm, due to its bamboo like appearance. They just look like bamboo but do not shed leaves like them. They are one of the best low light indoor plants; but they are needed to be misted to maintain the required humidity levels. Good drainage soil and watering once in every two weeks is very essential for rhapis palms. This type of plant must be provided with liquid feed sometime between April to August.

Pygmy Date Palm
The pygmy date palm is scientifically known as Phoenix Roebelenii. The pygmy date palms can thrive great in full to partial sun. They are suitable for extreme climatic changes like hot day temperatures and colder overnight temperatures. The pygmy plants are always in constant danger of getting affected by spider mites. It is important to keep them wet during summer and dry during winter. Always use a sharp knife for removing the dead foliage. This type of plant must be provided with liquid feed sometime between April to August.

Indoor palm plants need around 70% of humidity levels, with no abrupt changes in climates. You can use soil which is a mixture of peat moss, pearlite, charcoal and wood chips and coarse sand. Never put a heavy coat of top soil for any of the indoor tropical plants. Place the plant in a container which has good drainage capacity and you should avoid platters and trays which hold water for long. Zinc, iron, magnesium manganese, boron, etc. are some useful feeds for palm trees. You can also make your own homemade palm tree fertilizer for better results. Always mist the plants with pure water, the best source of water for them is the rainwater (if any)!

As you can imagine, they are pretty low maintenance plants with high decorative value. So, what are you waiting for? Bring home some indoor palm plants and nurture them with your TLC!