Palms give a wonderful tropical feeling to the indoor garden.  They are slow growing, and always provide accent, mood and are consistently popular as houseplants.

Types of Indoor Palms

Neanthe Bella

Also known as parlor or dwarf palms tolerate lower light levels well.  It is a small palm, eventually growing to a height of 6 feet, possibly taking 15 years or more to reach that height.

Bamboo Palm

Bears clusters of drooping fronds, that are smooth, slender and dark green.  This palm has a narrow growth habit that is appropriate for most homes.  It is also tolerate of lower light levels, and to bright light levels.  Bamboo palms are also listed as being a “clean air” plant – (air purifier).

Areca Palms

This very popular palm grows 6 to 7 feet tall indoors, also slow growing.  The fronds are long, feather-shaped, and arching with narrow leaflets.  Arecas grow 6 to 10 inches a year, and often out grow their allotted space.  Areca palms do best in very bright light to filtered sunlight.

Cataractarum or Cat Palms

Are very similar to the Areca Palms.  Though are darker green, also slow growing, light locations are the same.

Sago Palm (Cycas Revoluta or King Sago)

Although Sago Palms resembles a palm tree, it is more closely related to modern conifers.  The leaves are shiny and extremely stiff.  Their growth comes out from the center like other palms, usually once a year.  Growth is very slow; the plant forms a trunk, but only after many years growth.  The lower and older fronds usually yellow and die off as the plant ages, and usually a new frond is replacing the old one.

Sago Palms do best in high light, which is some direct sun, or up to 4 hours of curtain filtered sunlight.  Always water thoroughly, but allow the soil to dry a good third of the top and always discard drainage.

General Care for Palms

Palms grow best with warmth, though night temperatures can go down to 55 to 60 degrees and up to 70 and 80 degrees during the day.  Regularly rinse the foliage, top and underneath to clean the leaves.  Fertilize all year, less often in winter, or use it only half strength.  Excess fertilizer can be harmful to palms.

Palms do best when their roots are confined, and may only need repotting every 2 to 3 years, if roots fill the pot.  Repot when needed in spring or early summer.  When repotting, palms prefer to be set at the same level as they were used to – not have excess soil on the top of the ground level.  Do not use any of the leaf shining products on palms as they can severely injure the foliage.