When you think of palm trees, you automatically think of being on the beach somewhere where the weather is warm and the sun is high. Imagine having that at home. Peaceful, right? They not only give you that beachy vibe, but they also give your home a fresh, vivacious look.
There are many types of palms that you can plant at home, whether indoors or outdoors. They grow slowly, which makes them ideal for indoor use.
The best part about palm plants? Maintaining them and planting them in your garden is pretty easy! Even if you’re not a professional gardener, this is the plant for you, since it’s so easy to take care of.
Want to find your best fit and learn about it? This guide will walk you through 5 types of palm plants with pictures, so you can pick your perfect palm.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Ravenea Rivularis | • Use palms to break up a section of blank wall • Height at shipping is approximately 30-inches tall • Grows best near an East or West window | |
 | Dypsis Lutescens | • Do not recommend shipping to states currently experiencing extreme cold weather/temperatures. • Place me on your patio to create a topical paradise! I love regular watering's, keep me damp, but not muddy | |
 | Chamaedorea Elegans | • This is a great plant for the beginner or the seasoned houseplant collector • Measures from 10-12" tall from the bottom of the plastic containers to the top of the leaves • Houseplants can make your home more beautiful | |
 | Beaucarnea Recurvata | • Arrives in 6" container measuring 16-18" Inches • Houseplants make your home more beautiful • Perfect for travelers | |
 | Rhapis Excelsa | • Adds an elegant and graceful tropical effect to any home. • Slow growing, bamboo-like clustering trunk pattern. • Wonderful in large pots and containers. |
What Are Palm Plants?
Palm plants, or Arecaceae, mostly grow in tropical and subtropical climates. There are over 2,000 species of palm trees. They all have no branches; they’re just long stems with leaves.
Perhaps the most memorable thing about these plants is their leaves. They have large, evergreen fronds that can be up to 100 feet long.
Planting palm plants is popular because of their tropical look. They live a long life and are relatively slow to grow, which makes them ideal as indoor plants when they’re young.
To ensure the life of your palm, you need to keep its soil moist at all times. Be careful though, you should neither overwater nor let it dry.
Palm Plant Care Tips
While there are general gardening tips, you need to make sure you can provide your palm with the care that it needs.
Light
Most palm plants need bright yet indirect sunlight. If they’re exposed to harsh sunlight, their leaves will be damaged. In winter, however, it’s better to move them closer to the windows.
There are several palms that do well in the shade, such as Chamaedorea and Rhapis; they are therefore ideal for indoors.
So depending on the type of palm you want, choose your location wisely.
Humidity
Due to their tropical nature, maintaining your palm’s moisture is of utmost importance. Especially if they’re in a high-temperature place.
It’s better for your plant if you mist it, use a humidifier or a humidifying tray. This way, you ensure it has the moisture it needs so it won’t dry out.
Temperature
The minimum temperature for palm plants is around 45°F; it won’t survive in colder temperatures.
It’s not advisable to keep your palm in a temperature above 65°F either, as it would likely kill it.
The optimum temperature for palm plants is around 55°F to 60°F.
Water
You need to be careful with the amount of water you use to water your palm. You should only water it if the top of the soil has started to dry out. That being said, beware of overwatering. Palms die if the soil is drenched with unneeded water.
At the same time, you shouldn’t withhold water, or your palm will dry out. Your palm needs to remain moist at all times.
Fertilizer
If you’ve just planted your palm in its pot, then you should refrain from feeding it for around 6 to 8 weeks. Afterward, you should feed it once every two weeks during the growing season, which is from April to mid-September.
5 Types of Palm Plants With Pictures
Many palm plants are indoors-favorites! There are 5 types in particular that are popular.
Ravenea Rivularis
- Commonly known as the Majestic Palm
- Can grow up to 80 feet high
- Can be moved outdoors when it grows
- Survives well in the shade
Dypsis Lutescens
- Commonly known as Areca Palm and Butterfly Palm
- Can reach up to 26 feet high and 13 feet wide
- Purifies the air from formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene
- Requires indirect yet bright sunlight
Chamaedorea Elegans
- Commonly known as Parlor Plant
- Can grow up to 8 feet high and 5 feet wide
- It’s also an amazing air purifier
- Can survive in the shade
Beaucarnea Recurvata
- Commonly known as Ponytail Palm
- Can reach up to 8 feet high and 3 feet wide
- Uniquely beautiful leaves
- Can survive in both shade and sunlight
Rhapis Excelsa
- Commonly known as Lady Palm
- Can reach up to 13 feet in length and width
- Unique leaves that look like hands
- Requires partial shade
Where to Buy Palm Plants
Palm plants are quite popular; you should face no trouble finding them at local plant shops. Home Depot and Lowe’s also know what they’re doing; you ought to find your perfect palm there.
Need to buy groceries too? Just head to the nearest Costco or Walmart, they’ve got it all!
It’s okay to admit a lot of us are addicted to online shopping. You can order just about anything online these days, even a plant. Walmart offers online shopping, so that’s still an option.
The words online and shopping automatically bring Amazon to mind. You know it, it has palm plants. You know who else? Etsy. Now that’s a surprise, right? Whether they’re planted already or just seeds, you can find your palm there.
Frequently Asked Questions About Palm Plants
Is Palm an indoor plant?
It depends on which palm you’re talking about.
While most palm trees are known for their impressive size and height, there are many “dwarf” palms. Some could even be grown in pots.
There are several types of palm trees that are not only small enough for indoors but even require the shade provided by being inside your house in order to survive.
How long does a palm tree live?
Some of the larger palms can live for up to 100 years, such as date palm. Smaller ones, however, tend to have shorter life spans. Areca palm, for instance, can live for up to around 40 years.
Can I put my palm plant outside?
If it’s summertime and you can find a shaded spot for your palm, sure go ahead. However, you need to make sure the weather is ideal first so it won’t harm your plant. If done right, this could even revitalize your palm a little.
How do I know if my palm tree is dying?
Don’t panic if your palm’s fronds (leaves) are wilted or even brown. If they’re old, it’s normal. Your guide should be the young fronds; if they’re green then you’re good. However, if they’re also wilting or changing color then your plant is in trouble.
If that’s the case, you need to make sure your palm is getting the amount of water it needs.
You can tell how bad your palm is by checking its crown for signs of turning brown. If it is, then it’s in bad shape.
Conclusion
Palm plants are a favorite to many people. Whether it’s their unique fronds or tropical look, they make every room and garden prettier.
Anyone can care for a palm plant. It doesn’t require any special care, which makes it convenient to have. It’s also versatile since some palms don’t even require much sunlight.
A plus to palms is that several types serve a natural, environmentally friendly air purifier. When you invest in one you not only get to decorate your space, but you help the environment as well!