Indoor palm trees: types, characteristics and care

The trend of decorating the house with plants is a great decision; not only because of their natural character but also because they add color, freshness, elegance, and height to spaces. We often associate palm trees with the sea or the beach, but there is a great variety that includes indoor palm trees.

This is a very popular option. But if you want to have this plant in your home, first it is necessary that you know the different types, because its location, its care, and development will depend on this.

Types of indoor palm trees?

The characteristics of palm trees are unique and distinguish them from any other species of shrubs. Therefore, it is not difficult to recognize them. Depending on its properties, you will know which one will adapt to the conditions of your house. Take note!

Archontophoenix

This kind of palm tree can reach 20 or 30 meters in height, but it is also possible to plant it in pots since the thickness of the trunk is not greater than 30 centimeters. It is native to Australia and bears reddish fruits. It requires plenty of water during the summer season, but only requires one or two irrigations in the winter.

Palmera de interiores

There are different varieties of palm trees that adapt to pots, so you can choose according to the environment you want to decorate.

Dypsis lutescens

The Dypsis lutescens is recognized as palm bamboo and its peculiarity is that it has several trunks. So, if you decide on this specimen, you will see how new stems appear as it grows.

Most are between 1.5 and 3 meters, although they could reach 6 meters. Among the requirements, the following stand out:

• A lighted room.
• Distance of air gusts.
• Two or three weekly irrigations in the hottest season.

Chamaedorea

Chamaedorea stands out among the most sought-after indoor palm trees. Its size makes it attractive to decorate the internal areas of the house. Usually, it does not exceed 3 meters.

It highlights its ability to develop almost without light and within a very dry land. It is preferable to have it in the shade, but in bright places, and offer moderate watering.

The parlor palm ( C. Elegans) is the most famous of this family. Added to this are the bamboo palm ( C. seifrizii ) and C. Metallica, distinguished by its forked palms and a beautiful blue-green or gray hue. These examples are found in any nursery.

Adonidia merrillii

In the scientific field it is called Veitchia merrillii , but it is known as the Christmas palm tree since it generates red fruits in December. In general, it reaches between 5 and 6 meters high and the trunk is usually 25 centimeters thick. Its growth in containers is very slow, so it becomes a great alternative for interiors.

As for the irrigated ones, they must be recurrent in the summer, but more widely spaced in the rest of the seasons. Also, it is very important that it is not exposed to direct sunlight because the leaves will burn in the blink of an eye.

Howea forsteriana

Although it can stretch up to 15 meters, its development is slow and the width of its trunk will not be a problem either (it does not exceed 15 centimeters), so it can be sown in pots. The kentia (another name attributed to it) requires partial or total shade if it is located in the garden, otherwise, the rays of the sun will scorch its large leaves.

On the other hand, in parts of the interior, it needs enough light to preserve its color. Another aspect is that it resists in dry environments. When it comes to watering, do it twice a week during the summer.

Phoenix roebelenii

Elegant is a good adjective to describe the dwarf palm that, in general, extends only 2 meters, of the 5 that it can measure. It requires abundant natural light, which is why it should be planted in patios or internal rooms that have glass windows.

Licuala Grandis

It is also called totuma , licuala grande or simply licuala . It is a late-growing indoor palm tree that can be barely 3 meters long with a trunk just 6 centimeters wide.

It looks great in spacious and well-lit rooms. Ask for a lot of water throughout the year, except in winter, when the contribution must be reduced.

Raphis excelsa

It is valid to call it rapis or even Chinese palm. It is another variety that reaches 5 meters high and with multiple trunks. It represents a good option for interiors, as it stands out for its imposing palmate leaves.

Regarding irrigation, you should know that it is enough to give it once or twice water every 10 days or 2 weeks, except in summer. In hot weather, it implies more frequency.

Areca

Stylized and tropical are two of the qualities of the Areca. This species of the palm tree is particular because, from its base, each stem is born independently, giving rise to its thin and long palms.

It is typical of tropical areas, however, it adapts very well to interiors. It should receive sunlight but without direct exposure to the sun. On a regular basis, it is advantageous to add water to it.

Caryota mitis

It is called a fishtail palm because its leaves resemble that shape. This class, native to Southeast Asia, does not exceed 2 meters and must be in a humid environment, receiving the sun’s rays directly. It will give an exotic air to your house.

Cocos nucifera

The typical coconut tree is a classic. It cannot be missed if you want to achieve a tropical style environment. This palm tree deserves to be in a place that receives natural light.

The best thing is that you don’t have to worry much about watering. Once a week is enough, setting aside the summer season that implies doing it more often.

Indoor palm tree care tips

The infinity of indoor palm trees gives us a range of possibilities when it comes to embellishing spaces. But it is not enough to choose the most beautiful or showy one; It is essential to know clearly the care and maintenance that they deserve to remain radiant. Follow these tips!

1. Choose a suitable substrate

When it comes to planting palm trees directly on the ground, you just have to make sure you have mineral soil. As for indoor palms planted in pots, the ideal is to opt for airy, loose substrates, enriched with coconut fiber or peat.

Another way is to acquire a universal type combined with pearls. As you will realize, the demands of this type of plant are not very great in this sense.

2. Avoid puddles

In the sowing process, it is suggested to place a layer of clay and then the substrate. This will ensure better drainage and avoid waterlogging that could kill the palm tree.

Too much water is something that will not forgive you! Remember that watering should be less frequent indoors. Wait until the soil is dry to water again.

3. Keep them lit

Never forget that prolonged direct sun exposure affects the vitality of most indoor palms. However, like all plants, they require natural light.

For this reason, it is advisable to locate them near a window, glass door, or terrace. It should be noted that very cold rooms, proximity to an air conditioner, heating, or areas that are too dry are not favorable.

4. If they lose color, take them outside!

Observation is very important when it comes to plants. Therefore, it is essential that you take a good look at the signals that your indoor palm trees send you. If you notice that the leaves lose freshness, color, or leafiness, it is best to take them outside while they recover.

5. Prune the leaves

Pruning the leaves of your palm tree helps to keep them healthy and achieve proper growth. It is key to consider the condition they are in and the season. To achieve this task, according to the thickness of the petiole, use gardening shears, a handsaw, or a chainsaw.

The right time to cut them will be when the leaves turn yellow in some areas, at any time of the year, except in winter. Never let your palm tree turn all yellow! After pruning, add compost to the soil around the trunk.

6. Transplant them when necessary

Despite the fact that indoor palms grow slowly if you see any disproportion (for example, that the leaves and stems become too big for the pot) the way to go is to transplant into a larger container, which is not limiting. for their normal development.