Palm Plants to Grow Indoors

 9 Types of Palm Plants

Because of their association with tropical environments, indoor palm plants create feelings of peace and relaxation that no other houseplant can. Palms are good indoor plants if you can provide them with the right conditions, so indoor palm plant identification is key to knowing what each species needs.

Many types of indoor palm trees, including areca palm and parlor palm, tolerate most home environments well. There are a few important factors you should keep in mind when choosing and caring for indoor palm plants.

Indoor palm plant care tips

Indoor palm plant care is similar to that of other tropical houseplants. Most types of indoor palm trees prefer the same conditions: warm temperatures, average humidity, and moderate light. Some indoor palms can even tolerate low light, although this usually results in poor growth. Palms are generally slow growing and require only minimal pruning to clean up dead or broken leaves. Use quality palm fertilizer to maintain lush growth. Watch for common houseplant pests like spider mites and scales.

Here are nine palms that are easy to grow indoors and add a breezy, tropical feel to your home.

1. Chinese Fan Palm 

The star-shaped leaves of the Chinese fan palm (Livistona sinensis) distinguish it from other palms with feathery leaves. Despite its slow growth, its mature height can reach 15 feet or higher. If you plan to grow this palm indoors, go for the subglobosa dwarf variety.

Chinese fan palms do well in bright light, but younger plants will tolerate shady locations. Choose a pot large enough to accommodate the plant's long taproot. Water when the topsoil feels dry, and feed this palm once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.

2. Areca Palm 

Also known as the bamboo palm, the areca palm (Tipsis lutscens) is one of the easiest palms to grow indoors due to its low light tolerance. It produces large, feathery green leaves with a gentle curve.

The areca palm prefers moderate amounts of water. Plant yours in rich soil and fertilize monthly to maintain a lush appearance.

3. Majesty Palm 

The majestic palm (Ravenea rivularis) has two outstanding qualities that make it an ideal indoor palm: it is very shade tolerant and slow growing. However, this palm has two drawbacks. It needs constant moisture and humidity, and it will eventually outgrow an indoor space.

If you can keep your majestic palm in a reasonably humid area like the kitchen or bathroom, you can look forward to growing a beautiful stand of dark green leaves that will add life to an empty corner of your home.

4. Cascade Palm 

Unlike palm trees, which have a central trunk, the Chamatoria Cataract is a complete palm that can eventually reach six feet in height. You can divide mature specimens into clumps and propagate them as new plants.

In its native habitat, layer palm thrives in streams and wet lowlands, so it needs constant watering when growing indoors. Fortunately for houseplant lovers, cascading palms are understory plants that can tolerate low light.

5. Parlor Palm 

As the name suggests, the parlor palm (Chamatoria elegans) is one of the easiest palms to grow indoors. It thrives in average indoor light (or artificial light) and typical home temperatures.

Additionally, no pruning is required other than the occasional trimming of dead branches. Parlor palms thrive in above-average humidity. Be aware that they can attract spider mites if conditions are too dry.

6. Ponytail Palm 

Identifying an indoor palm plant is easy with the horsetail palm (Beaucornia regurvata), with its short, sturdy stem and gracefully curved leaves. This plant is not a true palm - it is actually a succulent.

The swollen stem of the ponytail palm is not only decorative; It acts as a water reservoir for the plant, making it very drought tolerant. Give your plant a sunny spot for optimal plant health. Ponytail palms handle potting. In fact, it can keep the development of a tablet model manageable.

7. Sago Palm 

If the sago palm is your first introduction to the world of indoor palm plants, you're in for a treat. The short, flat stems resemble pineapples and the tough leaves are min grow from This plant - which is not a true palm but more closely related to conifers - grows very slowly.

Choose an indoor location that receives four to six hours of filtered sun per day. The sago palm needs regular and consistent moisture, but make sure the soil surface is nearly dry before each watering.

8. Yucca Palm 

Indoor palm plant identification is very important when it comes to yucca palms. Yucca allofolia, also known as Spanish plant  has razor-sharp leaves and is outdoors. Yucca elephant palm is a spineless yucca palm. While its leaves have a pointed tip, the plant is not as likely to draw blood as its spiny cousin.

You may also see the indoor yucca palm sold under the name "stick yucca." Tough, strappy green leaves emerge from an attractive, tough trunk. The plants are very drought tolerant and thrive in light levels ranging from full sun to partial shade.

9. Kentia Palm 

Kentia palm (Howea forsteriana) thrives in moderate heat and humidity. It is highly adaptable to a variety of conditions, making this species an excellent indoor palm plant. Be careful to get your Kentia Palm right in relation to the light source in your space.

Too little light can cause slow growth, but exposure to direct sunlight can burn the leaves, especially on specimens under five years old. Water this plant regularly once the top inch or so of soil dries out. Waterlogging can cause brown tips on the plant's long, curved green leaves, while overwatering can cause the leaves to turn yellow and die.