Maintenance Landscaping Design

Indoor palm trees is a beautiful addition to any home. They are easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of environments. Palm trees are also known to be low maintenance, which makes them a great choice for those who do not have a lot of time to spend on plant care.

Also called

• Areca palm
  
• Bamboo palm
  
• Betel nut palm
  
• Bottle palm
  
• Carpentaria palm
  

Things to Know

• Indoor palm trees are a popular choice for homes and office settings because of their ability to purify the air and add a touch of nature indoors.
  
• Palm trees can vary in size, from small tabletop varieties to large floor plants.
  
• Most palm trees prefer bright, indirect sunlight and warm temperatures.
  
• Palm trees need to be watered regularly, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
  
• Feed indoor palm trees with a general purpose fertilizer every few months.
  
• Many palm trees can be susceptible to pests and diseases, so inspect them regularly for signs of problems.
  
• Prune indoor palm trees as needed to remove dead leaves and encourage new growth.
  
• Most palm trees can be transplanted outdoors if they outgrow their indoor space.
  
• Some palm trees, such as the sago palm, are poisonous if ingested, so keep them out of reach of children and pets.
  
• When choosing an indoor palm tree, consider the plant's ultimate size and growth potential to make sure it will fit in the desired space.

Related plant:
Indoor Bonsai Tree

Growing Steps

1. For indoor palm trees, first step is to start with the planting of the tree.
   
2. The tree should be placed in an area that receives plenty of indirect sunlight. If the tree is placed in an area that receives too much direct sunlight, the leaves will scorch and turn brown.
   
3. The tree will also need to be watered regularly. The soil should be kept moist, but not soggy.
   
4. Indoor palm trees will also need to be fertilized on a regular basis.
   
5. In order to help the tree to grow, the temperature around the tree should be kept warm.
   
6. The tree will also need to be pruned on a regular basis.
   
7. After the tree has been pruned, it will need to be repotted.
   
8. The tree will also need to be groomed on a regular basis.
   
9. If the tree starts to produce brown leaves, they should be removed.
   
10. Lastly, the tree will need to be protected from pests and diseases.

Related plant:
Indoor Palm Plants

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, indoor palm trees like a well-drained sandy soil that is high in organic matter. The soil should be moist, but not soggy wet. You should never let your indoor palm tree sit in water. If the pot doesn't have good drainage, repot the palm in a pot with drainage holes.

Light requirement

Not too different with other houseplants, indoor palm trees need sunlight to grow. The amount of sun required depends on the species of palm tree. Some palms, like the Areca palm, can tolerate low light conditions, while others, like the Sago palm, need bright light to thrive. If you're not sure how much sun your palm tree needs, check the label or ask your local nursery.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition inside a house or office can vary greatly depending on the heating and cooling system. Some indoor palm trees are tropical and need warm temperatures to survive, while others come from temperate regions and can tolerate lower temperatures. Some common indoor palm trees that can tolerate lower temperatures include the Areca, Bismarck, and Christmas palm trees. When choosing an indoor palm tree, be sure to research the temperature needs of the specific species to ensure it will be comfortable in your home or office.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%, with a minimum of 40%. If the humidity level drops below 40%, the leaves may start to brown and the plant will become stressed. If the humidity level is consistently below 40%, it is best to raise the humidity by using a humidifier or by placing the plant on a pebble tray.

Fertilizing

Mentioning fertilizer, usually the plant will need more nutrients when it is first transplanted and then tapers off. For indoor palm trees, Osmocote or a similar slow-release fertilizer is best because it lasts several months. You can also use a regular water-soluble fertilizer, such as Miracle-Gro, every two weeks or so in half the recommended amount. Just be sure to flush the fertilizer out of the pot every few months to prevent a harmful buildup of chemicals.

Light requirement

Pruning indoor palm trees is a necessary part of their care. Palm trees produce a lot of leaves, and if they are not pruned, the leaves will become too heavy for the tree to support. When pruning, it is important to remove all of the dead leaves and any leaves that are significantly damaged. You should also remove any leaves that are growing inwards, as this can damage the tree.

The Propagation

Propagation is usually done by planting the offsets that arise from the base of the plant, or by seed. Sow seed in moist, well-drained seed-starting mix in a container. Keep the mix moist until germination, which can take several months. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate rather slowly. However, there are a few species that can grow relatively quickly if given the proper conditions. The Dwarf Palmetto, for example, can grow up to two feet per year. If you are looking for a fast-growing indoor palm tree, be sure to do your research before making a purchase.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are: overwatering, underwatering, malnutrition, and pests. Overwatering is the most common problem for indoor palm trees. The leaves will start to yellow and drop off, and the tree will become less vigorous. The best way to avoid overwatering is to let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again. Underwatering is also a common problem for indoor palm trees. The leaves will start to turn brown and curl up, and the tree will become less vigorous. The best way to avoid underwatering is to water the tree deeply, but not too often. Malnutrition is another common problem for indoor palm trees. The leaves will start to turn yellow or brown, and the tree will become less vigorous. The best way to avoid malnutrition is to fertilize the tree regularly with a palm tree fertilizer. Pests are also a common problem for indoor palm trees. The leaves will start to turn yellow or brown, and the tree will become less vigorous. The best way to avoid pests is to keep the tree clean and free of debris.

Basics of Growing

• Remember to water your palm tree regularly. Indoor palm trees are susceptible to drought and will quickly show signs of stress if they do not receive enough water.
  
• fertilize your palm tree every few months to encourage healthy growth.
  
• Place your palm tree in an area where it will receive bright, indirect sunlight.
  
• Keep the soil around your palm tree moist, but not soggy.
  
• When repotting your palm tree, be sure to use a well-draining potting mix.
  
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners on your palm tree.
  
• Prune your palm tree regularly to remove dead or dying leaves.
  
• Protect your palm tree from extreme temperatures.
  
• Inspect your palm tree regularly for pests and diseases.
  
• Have patience! It can take several years for an indoor palm tree to reach its full potential.

Related Plants

• Dendrocalamus is giant woody perennial grass.
  
• Dracaena is genus of about 120 species of flowering plants.
  
• Dieffenbachia is genus of tropical flowering plants in the family Araceae.
  
• Davallia is genus of tropical ferns in the family Dicksoniaceae.
  
• Dryopteris is genus of about 240 species of ferns in the family Dryopteridaceae.
  
• Dioscorea is genus of about 600 species in the family Dioscoreaceae.
  
• Drimys is genus of flowering plants in the family Winteraceae.
  
• Duranta is genus of flowering plants in the family Verbenaceae.
  
• Dypsis is genus of palms, native to Madagascar, Comoros, the Seychelles, and other Indian Ocean islands.
  
• Cinnamomum is genus of about 250 species of

Source:
Palms - Plant Pathology - University of Florida, Institute of Food …
1351 – Palms – PlantTalk Colorado
Growing Indoor Plants with Success | UGA Cooperative Extension