Caring for Palms Indoors

Palms make a graceful addition to home décor. Most are relatively easy to care for and retain their fresh, healthy look for years.

When buying a palm for your home, it’s best to purchase it from a store or department that specializes in interior plants, or from a greenhouse or nursery. Look at the leaves and stems carefully to be sure the plant is free from visible pests. Ask the specialists where you make your purchase for specific care instructions.

Care Requirements

Palms like humidity. In dry weather or in heated rooms they benefit from misting with a spray bottle.

Most popular palms need to be protected from strong direct sunshine. They do best in a partially shaded spot.

Proper watering is key to keeping a palm healthy. Be sure the pot has good drainage and never leave palms standing in water. After giving the palm a good watering, empty any overflow that drains into the drip tray beneath. Most palms like to be kept slightly moist in winter and slightly damper in summer.

Over-watering will cause the fronds of most palms to turn yellow; under-watering results in brown tips.

Palms don’t require heavy fertilizing. They should be fertilized only in the growing season. Too much fertilizer can result in spotting on the fronds.

If spider mites appear on palms, wipe the leaves gently with horticultural soap. Showering also helps keep palms free of pests.

Bamboo Palm – Chamaedorea erumpens

These are excellent for shady interior spots since they grow in very low light. They adapt well to bright light, but direct sunlight should be avoided. In low artificial light, water just enough to penetrate the bottom around the stems. In a bright window, soil should be evenly moist. Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings. Fronds of an over-watered bamboo palm will show yellow tips. If over-watering persists, tips may turn black. If this happens, let it dry out completely before watering again. As with most palms, brown tips generally indicate under-watering.

Neanthe Bella Palm – Chamaedorea elegans

This is a dwarf palm related to the bamboo palm. Its dense foliage and compact size make it an attractive choice for homes. Because it is a slow grower it won’t quickly outgrow its space. Like bamboo palms, the Neanthe Bella can thrive in very low light. Its watering requirements are the same as for the bamboo palm.

Kentia Palm – Howeia forsteriana

This stately palm with its large fronds and narrow leaves is a favorite for interior decorating. It can be expensive, but is also tough and relatively resistant to pests. In low light, water around the stems; in bright light, water more liberally. If tips begin to turn yellow from over-watering, let it dry out completely before watering again.

Rhapis Palm or Lady Palm – Rhapis excelsa

These are slow-growing palms with long leaves radiating from the stems like fingers on a hand. They are often large and provide a striking accent in an open interior space. In bright light they drink water quickly, so they should be kept moist. If they dry out, they wilt quickly and tips turn brown and brittle. If plants are over-watered, the lower fronds will begin to appear yellow. Lady Palms like high humidity and benefit from misting. Brown tips can be trimmed with fine pinking shears.

Having a palm in the house is like bringing springtime indoors. Adaptable and responsive to minimal care, they can add interest to almost any décor.