How to choose the right palm tree?
To avoid making a mistake when choosing your indoor palm tree, it is important to take into consideration different criteria in order to find the palm tree that corresponds to the growing conditions that your home can offer. A well-chosen palm tree will allow you to maintain a healthy and therefore aesthetically pleasing plant.
The question of brightness
The first point to take into account when choosing your palm tree, then installing it in the right place, is the brightness. You should know that not all species of palm trees have the same origin:
- Some palm trees, like the areca, the Mekong date palm or the kentia, grow naturally in tropical undergrowth. They are therefore used to growing in the shade and will have difficulty supporting a location that is too bright or sunny.
- Conversely, others, originating from tropical areas, such as archontophoenix or licuala grandiswill prefer a bright location.
Whatever the species, if you install your palm tree behind a bay window or a window, it is important to protect it from direct sunlight which could burn its foliage. This can simply be using a curtain.
When the light is lower, such as in winter, do not hesitate to move your plants closer to the windows. If you have an outdoor space, it is possible to move your palm tree there in fine weather, making sure to do so gradually to allow it to acclimatize.
The question of temperature
For a palm grown indoors, the problem of temperature arises less than when it comes to planting one in your garden, to the extent that the accommodation is heated whatever the season. But, here too, not all species have the same requirements:
- The less demanding palm trees, such as the kentia, can tolerate temperatures around 20°C all year round.
- Others, like the fishtail palm or the coconut palm, need a higher temperature in summer, but this is usually what happens in homes that are not equipped with an air conditioning system.
In any case, most indoor palm trees are not hardy and cannot withstand temperatures below 10°C, which means it can be difficult to grow one in an unheated conservatory. However, there are certain hardy palm trees that can be grown outdoors.
The question of humidity
You can’t talk about tropical weather without thinking about heat and humidity. Your indoor palm tree will therefore need these two vital elements for it. In a home, humidity does not generally prevail. You will therefore have to compensate for this lack by regular watering. But, once again, not all palm trees have the same requirements in terms of humidity:
- Some, like the areca, kentia or fishtail palmcan be satisfied with the humidity provided by watering and spraying water on their foliage.
- Others, like rhapis excelsa or licuala grandis, need higher humidity. If the humidity in your room is not sufficient, their discomfort will manifest itself through drying out of the leaves. To create a more humid environment, it is possible to install the pot on a bed of clay balls. This helps maintain a certain humidity near the plant.
The question of space
Finally, you need to pay attention to the space you have to offer your palm tree. Indeed, some grow quickly and can quickly take on a large size, while others grow more slowly and are smaller in size and will be better suited to a small home:
- Certain palm trees, such as the kentia or the false date palm, can grow in height up to 3 meters and in width too. These are therefore more suitable for large rooms.
- Certain palm trees, such as areca, certainly grow rapidly, but mainly in height. They can therefore be suitable for medium-sized rooms.
- Finally, certain small palm trees, such as the chamaedorea elegans or the dwarf palmare perfect for tight spaces, as they do not exceed 1 to 1.50 meters in height.
Some of the most beautiful indoor palm trees
The palm family has no less than 3,000 species most of which are essentially grown indoors in our climates. This means that you will be spoiled for choice. We have seen that the growing conditions already make it possible to eliminate some of them, but afterwards, your tastes will guide you, because not all of them have the same aesthetic appearance.
We present to you some of them here, among the easiest to find and cultivate in our country.
Kentia
This famous palm is native to Oceania and is commonly grown indoors. It sports large, slender palm fronds erected at the end of sturdy stems. It has a very graphic side and is especially appreciated for its ease of cultivation. It can reach up to 3 m high and is one of the largest indoor palms. It thrives in a bright location and can adapt to partial shade.
The areca
Also known as the Areca palm, this palm is native to Madagascar. Recognizable by its finely cut foliage, it has a very supple appearance. It can reach up to 2 m high for 1.50 m large if grown in conditions that suit it. It should be installed in a bright location, or even in partial shade, and protected from drafts.
The fishtail palm
If your home does not benefit from a lot of light, you can opt for this palm which is distinguished by its bipinnate leaves, divided into leaflets which earn it its nickname of fishtail palm. Very aesthetic, it can reach 1 to 2 meters high when grown in pots.
The chamaedorea
Also called dwarf palm, the chamaedorea comes in different very aesthetic varieties which, all of them, are characterized by a bushier habit and a smaller size, since this type of palm generally does not exceed the 1.50 meters high. It therefore finds its place anywhere as long as it is installed away from drafts and in a bright location.
Berries that may appear after flowering, as they are toxic and can pose a danger to children and animals.
The Mekong date tree
This date palm can be grown outdoors in regions where the climate remains mild throughout the year, otherwise you can opt for growing in a pot indoors. Able to reach up to 2.50 meters highit is characterized by a fibrous trunk from which large, finely pinnate and arched leaves extend.
It needs to be installed in a very bright location, but as it is a plant that does not tolerate change well, it is subsequently recommended not to move it.