That is why it is essential to know which palm you have. It is necessary to be able to make Indoor palm plant identification – recognize indoor palm. Despite the great variety, there are more than 2,000 subspecies of palms, and it is relatively easy to identify the type of palm you have in your space.

All this information is crucial so you know how to grow your palm tree.

Palm tree varieties

Palm identification criteria include leaf shape, height, and trunk appearance. The recognizable form usually identifies the palm leaf species (that is, the leaves). In general, palm leaves are either pinnate (feather-like leaves) or palmate (fan-like leaves).

Another way to recognize the type of palm tree is the shape of the trunk. Some tallest types of palms have long, slender single boxes, and dwarf varieties tend to have short and plump bins. Some smaller palm species may have clustered trunks with 3 or 4 short trunks growing together from a joint base. There are also dwarf palms that have bushy pinnate leaves that grow out of the ground and no trunk at all.

You can also recognize the types of palm trees by the appearance of the trunk. Some tall palms have smooth, slender trunks. Depending on the species, these trees can have a ringed or gnarled appearance and a gray-brown color. Some species have boxes covered with fibers or scales that make the trunk appear hairy or prickly.

Small species of palm trees

Most people who want to grow palm trees in the backyard look for small or miniature species. Usually, tiny palm species are defined by a height of less than 3.6 m. Within the category of small or dwarf palms, there are two sub-categories: bush palm and small palm.

Here are some of the most common small, dwarf, and bushy palms.

Pygmy Palm

The pygmy palm is a type of small palm with a spiny trunk. As the name suggests, the pygmy date palm is small, and this species does not grow taller than 3 meters. You can recognize a small palm tree by its single stem with long bushy leaves about 1 m long.

This species of palm is the perfect ornamental tree in subtropical landscaped gardens. The curled and drooping leaves of the pygmy date are large and translucent, almost hiding the spiky stem. These palms also do well in pots.

Although pygmy palms produce dates, the fruit is generally not as tasty as the dates that grow on larger (sub)species.

Palm Pindo

The Pindo palm is classified as a slow-growing, cold-resistant, and small variety of palm. It is perfect for urban environments.

Although mature palms can grow up to 6 meters tall, they are a slow-growing type of palm, which means they are suitable for gardens where small palm trees fit best.

These short palms thrive in full sun or shade and grow successfully in various soil types. The fruit of the palm is light orange to brown and is used to make jelly – hence the name “jelly palm.” It is desirable when it blooms with red, yellow, or white flowers.

The Triangle Palm

The Triangle Palm has pinnate leaves that grow from a single trunk, and this palm belongs to the category of small and medium-sized palms. The Triangle palm is recognized by its long, pinnate leaves growing up to 2.5 m in length. An interesting fact about the fins is that they are set at an angle of 120°, giving the leaves a triangular shape in cross-section.

Mediterranean Dwarf Palm

The Mediterranean dwarf palm has a small trunk and is low enough to suit many gardens.

It is also called Mediterranean palm. This species has several clumped trunks that create the illusion of a bush. In a warm climate, this small type of palm grows between 2 and 5 m in height.

Palm leaves are light green to silver-green and grow in the shape of a fan. The Mediterranean Dwarf Palm is prized for its ornamental value and ability to withstand temperatures as low as -12° C. The elegant palm can give gardens a tropical look, even if you live in a temperate climate zone.

Mazari Palm

The Mazari palm can withstand low temperatures and is more like a bush than a tree. Palma Mazari. It is native to southwest Asia and has fan-like leaves. They grow on groups of stems, and the fan-shaped leaves can be 30 to 120 cm long.

Apart from the striking appearance of the leaves, another attractive characteristic of the palm tree is its color. The leaves are silver-green or silver-blue, with a pointed appearance.

Like other temperature-tolerant palms, Mazari palms need hot summers to grow well. However, this species also tolerates low temperatures up to -12°C.

Magnificent Dwarf Palm

The magnificent dwarf palm is common indoors and outdoors due to its miniature size.

One of the most popular short palms for gardens is the Majestic Dwarf Palm. That is a palm tree with a single trunk and dark green pinnate leaves. The box is slender and only 3 to 7 cm thick, while the height rarely exceeds 2.4 m.

The sizeable broad arching leaves look magnificent as the centerpiece of any subtropical ornamental garden. The light green leaves can grow up to 100 cm and have up to 100 leaflets along the stem. The contrast between the thin tree and the broad crown of leaves beautifies every garden. You can also grow this palm tree in pots.

Christmas Palm Tree

The Christmas palm is the perfect choice if you are looking for a miniature type of palm for the yard. This ornamental palm is short compared to other tall coconut or date palms. Some findings show that the Christmas palm tree is one of the planet’s most popular ornamental palm species.

This species does not grow higher than 7.6 m. However, some shorter varieties only grow up to 4.5 m. The palm’s large pinnate leaves curl from the top of the stem.

Palm in a bottle

A small ornamental palm tree with a short thick trunk. It got its name from the shape of the tree. The distinguishing characteristic of this type of palm tree is the enlarged trunk, which appears to be thickened at the base. That helps distinguish this type of palm from the spindly palm that swells amid a fat box.

There are 3 or 4 substantial palm leaves at the top of the 3-meter-high trunk. At maturity, those pinnate leaves can grow up to 3.6 m.

Common indoor house plant

If you decide to grow plants at home but do not know which species to start with, we will try to help you choose a green friend for you.

First, determine where in the room you can place the plant. Do you have a board on the window? How well-lit is the space? Where are the windows oriented (south, north, west, or east)? That is, think about the conditions in which your plant – the palm tree – will grow.

Suppose you are interested in a particular species. In that case, you must be able to provide conditions in which this plant will grow well.

But before you decide, think about the following: do you like how they look? Do you want a green or a blooming palm tree? If you have made the final decision, you can start preparing the place for the plant and choosing the pot in which you will plant it.

Source: freepik.com

Miniature palm tree

As with other plants and trees, palm trees can also be in the “bonsai” format – that is, miniature. On this occasion, we will present to you some of the most popular ones:

Miniature Chusan Palm Tree

The miniature chusan palm is a low palm native to the Himalayas. Due to its unique appearance, it is a unique species. The tree is overgrown with threads, but the leaves are very stiff, small, basically undivided, green-blue in color, with whitish lines around the edge that give it a “frozen” appearance. Due to its compact shape, it is highly resistant to wind and even strong impacts.

After 3-4 years, it starts to form a tree, it grows 30-40 cm per year, so in 10 years, you can already have a palm tree of maximum size. It is resistant to low temperatures (up to -18°C), and suitable for sunny and shady places.

Robellini Palm

The exotic palm belongs to one of my favorite indoor plants, and it is known by the names rebelling palm, miniature date palm, and dwarf date palm. This palm tree can be an exciting decoration for any home interior and, in warmer regions, the home’s exterior.

Phoenix robellini is the most miniature palm of the Phoenix palm family. It originates from Asia, southern China, Laos, and Vietnam, growing in wetter places and often along riverbeds.

In its natural habitat, the robellini palm grows in a bushy form. Several trees grow from the roots, usually 3 to 4. It can reach a height of up to 10 m, and when it is grown as an indoor plant, it is usually no more than 3 meters.

The trunk of the robellini palm is thin and slender. The leaves are delicate, flexible, dark green in color, up to 1.2 m long, and have spines. The flowers of the robellini palm are small, yellowish, and collected in an inflorescence. The fruit is edible, resembling tiny, thin, fleshy dates.

1. Cat Palm Tree

The cat palm is a beautiful, fluffy little palm that you can grow as an ornamental, backdrop, or low hedge. The cat palm resembles the areca palm, except that the leaf stems (petioles) are green, while the areca is golden yellow.

This smaller palm works in places where areca would be too big. The cat palm isn’t a tree at all… it’s a stunted palm tree without any trunk, just a thick mass of stems covered in feathery leaves.

This palm grows only from 2 to 3 meters and has a rounded shape. It grows slowly and is resistant to intense sun. It tolerates shady places, which are recommended for growing this type of palm tree.

Source: freepik.com

House plant identification by leaf shape

To identify a plant, you must recognize characteristics such as size, shape, leaf shape, flower color, or scent. You can then associate those characteristics with a name. Accurate identification means you can understand how the plant grows and its care.

Since plants bear flowers for only part of the year, identifying the leaves is often more helpful. Other plant identification tips should be mentioned on how to recognize leaves. Look at the shape of the leaf when identifying flowers by leaves. The shape of the leaf can be round, oval or oblong, spear-shaped, or elliptical.

The vein pattern on a leaf can also help you figure out the type of plant you’re dealing with. Are the veins parallel? Do they look more like a web? Are the veins prominent?

Leaf thickness is another way to identify plants. Is the leaf tender or leathery? Another important clue can be the smell of leaves. When you crush or stroke a leaf, what does it smell like?

If you take the time to find these leaf characteristics, you’ll be well to identify the plant you’re looking at. The more information you have about the leaf, the more likely you will correctly identify it.

However, like all other plants, if provided with adequate care, palm trees can be grown in a pot on the terrace, living room, office, or wherever you want. The Chinese palm, mountain palm, and rapili are just some species ideal for growing at home.

Palm growing temperature

Most palm trees require a temperature that must not be lower than 7 degrees Celsius throughout the year to grow outdoors. Considering that temperatures can drop as low as 20 degrees below zero in some areas, growing a palm tree outdoors can be pretty tricky. However, it is not impossible. With adequate care, these plants can be grown in a pot, on the terrace, or indoors.

Choosing a place

First of all, potted palms should be placed in a well-lit place. Most types of palm tolerate sunlight well, but on the condition that it is not direct. That applies to both outdoor and indoor plants. If you take the pot with the palm outside, choose places sheltered from the wind.

In closed spaces, palm trees like daytime temperatures of 21 to 26 degrees and at night no lower than 15 degrees Celsius. That is why she should be given such a place.

Watering the palm tree

Water the plant when there is a little water on the surface of 5 cm and completely dry below. For palm trees indoors, it is essential to check the humidity once or twice a week. For outdoor plants, moisture should be checked daily. Pour the water until it accumulates in the container for collecting water under the pot. After half an hour, pour it out.

Transplanting a palm tree

Repot palms into larger containers every 2 to 3 years and use pots with drainage holes in the bottom. It is preferable to get the same type of potting soil that you used in the old pot.

Source: freepik.com

Majesty palm care indoor

The Majesty Palm is a large tropical palm with gorgeous, feathery leaves. This type of palm originates from Madagascar, and it can usually be found along the banks of rivers. The leaves of the Majesty’s palm grow upright from the trunk, then curl at the ends to form a large crown. Although relatively new to houseplants, this palm tree is the perfect decoration for any home with proper care.

It does best in solid indirect light but also performs well in medium-strong indirect light.

The average room temperature is entirely suitable for this palm tree, so anything that is comfortable for you will also be perfectly OK for the plant.

When choosing a pot, choose one that provides good drainage. Mix in perlite or lava rock to increase soil aeration, if needed. A well-cared-for Majesty Palm can grow up to six meters in height!

Watering majesty palm

Water once every 10 to 15 days, allowing the soil to dry halfway between waterings. If the palm is exposed to stronger light, it needs more frequent watering and vice versa – if it is in the shade, don’t water as often. It is recommended to always check the soil moisture level before watering.

As for the air humidity in the room, it should be slightly higher, so it would be good to place a humidifier in the house near the tree.

Majesty palm soil

The best soil mix for Majesty palms is “rich” soil capable of draining water well and draining soil that will retain adequate moisture. In addition, the soil must have the appropriate acidity, in this case relatively high – the pH should be as high as 5.0.

A mixture of two parts sand, two parts peat moss, and one part loam is a good start. Cactus soil with a few peat mosses can also be a good choice.

Together with the room lighting, temperature, and air humidity, the quality of the soil is key to the health and survival of the plant. In addition to anchoring the plant to the substrate, soil provides nutrients, oxygen, and water necessary for the proper growth and development of the plant. Here’s how soil affects plant health:

• Soil contains the necessary nutrients. The roots absorb minerals such as calcium, copper, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorus, and others.
• Soil is loose soil, full of pores. They contain water and deliver it to the plant’s roots, which, together with nutrients, are distributed throughout the entire plant. This process is significant for facilitating photosynthesis and regulating the plant’s temperature by allowing water to evaporate through the leaves.
• Soil pores contain air. It is necessary for plants to transform sugar into energy but also to release oxygen into the environment.
• The earth insulates the roots of plants, protecting them from temperature changes and other external factors.

Soil is a mixture of mineral particles and organic matter, known as biomass. The soil type depends on the texture and particle size of the minerals.

• Sand: The largest particles are sand. Sandy soil does not tend to retain moisture or nutrients but allows rapid aeration of plant roots.
• Clay: The smallest known particles are the clay. Clay soil drains and retains water and nutrients very slowly. But it doesn’t hold much air.
• Silt: Silt particles are between sand and clay particles in size. Water and nutrient retention, drainage rate, and aeration levels are also in the middle.

A good combination of sand, clay, and silt mixture is crucial for every plant, including palm trees. A balanced number of particles makes the soil “loamy.” Other types of dirt that are often used are “peat,” which contains a lot of biomasses (offers drainage, moisture retention, and aeration, and tends towards acidity). So-called “chalky” soil has a lot of calcium carbonate, which makes it alkaline. Chalky soil tends to drain quickly but does not retain nutrients as desired. From all of the above, it is vital to choose the right mixture so that the plant is healthy and overgrows.

Majesty palm fertilizer

Majesty palms grown indoors are best fed with a houseplant fertilizer with slightly higher nitrogen content. It is recommended that it be an NPK ratio of 3-1-3. A liquid, water-soluble, or slow-release fertilizer can be added to Majesty palms outdoors in the same ratio. Feeding during the winter months, when the plant is in a state of hibernation, is not recommended.

Source: freepik.com

Sago palm indoor care

The Sago Palm or Japanese Sago Palm is an attractive tropical houseplant. It is characterized by longevity, relatively low growth, and simplicity of cultivation. If the care is correct, this indoor plant becomes a unique tropical detail in any space.

For proper growth and development, the cycad palm tree needs a lot of light, but not direct light. The color and size of the leaves will depend on the exposure to sunlight. The leaves are darker green and can be up to two meters long if they are not constantly exposed to direct sunlight, and if they are in a dark place, they get longer. However, the plant does not get new leaves if it is not sufficiently exposed to the sun.

Source: freepik.com

Areca palm indoor

Areca Palm is also known as one of the most common house palms. The Areca Palm is characterized by narrow, upright leaves that bend at the top and resemble bamboo leaves.

They can be grown outdoors but also indoors as indoor plants. It is best to plant them now, in the springtime. If you grow it as a houseplant, it needs a pot with good drainage. When it comes to regular maintenance, water it when the soil starts to dry. These plants like bright, filtered sunlight but can also tolerate full sun. Indoors, areca palms do best with exposure to bright light from a south- or west-facing window.

Source: freepik.com

Pygmy Date Palm indoor

As it ages, the Dwarf Palm may take on the appearance and shape of a pineapple-like trunk. Suppose the remnants of old leaves are eliminated. In that case, the upper part looks bumpy, which gives this ornamental plant a lovely and unusual shape.

Pygmy Date Palm is ideal for placement in the following areas:

• Great for spaces with higher ceilings
• Great for space with room for a grouping of plants
• Great for spaces with bright indirect light
• Great for spaces with shelving or with an upward climbing trellis

Source: freepik.com

Ponytail palm indoor care

Ponytail palm is an exotic that enchants! Since Elephant’s Foot is a succulent, it does best in semi-arid conditions. When this plant is grown as a houseplant, it is necessary to allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings.

Since dry soil is needed to care for nolina, it is best to use soil like a cactus. When transplanting, the pot must be only a centimeter or two more comprehensive than the previous one. When watering, the plant may receive more water than it needs if it is transplanted into a larger pot, which can damage the plant’s health and growth.

The most popular indoor palm plants are majestic palms, salon palms, areca palms, cat palms, and kentia palms. People love these well-known indoor palm plants because they don’t take up much space and look magnificent. Common types of palm trees beautify any corner or living space with elegant leaves and an exotic look.

How to take care of indoor palm plants?

Place the palm plant in a bright place, so the sunlight does not directly shine on the plant. The plant’s container must have good drainage so that excess moisture does not accumulate and damage the root system.

House palms thrive when the soil is moist – never too wet but never too dry. Water the indoor plant when the upper part of the soil surface is dry. Add fertilizer occasionally, and maintain a high level of humidity in the room and a constant room temperature.

Brown leaves are the most common indoor palm plant care problem. To avoid the tips of the leaves turning brown due to drought, do not over-fertilize the plant, keep the soil moist and increase the humidity in the room. It would simulate the natural conditions in which these plants grow and develop. Some experts advise trimming the dried tips of palm leaves; however, it can cause dieback of the entire leaf surface. Therefore, you should remove the whole leaf – if it has dried or changed color.

Baby palm tree

When you decide to purchase indoor pal plants, make an effort to buy seedlings from authorized nurseries that deal with this business professionally. Not only will you be able to buy the highest quality seedlings in such places, but you will also receive all the necessary advice on care, species selection, and other essential information.

Do not forget one crucial thing: not all indoor palm plants are suitable for cultivation in all climatic and geographical conditions. So take into account what can be maintained and grown in your space.

Bamboo palm indoor

The bamboo palm is a beautiful indoor plant. Minimal effort is required for successful cultivation. The plant likes a bright place with no direct sunlight and doesn’t like to be moved from one place to another. It is not a demanding plant and is watered when the soil is 2/3 dry.

The height of the plant is about 30 cm, so it fits into literally any space, making it fresh, exciting, and extremely pleasant. You can combine these plants in several pots and specimens to create a mini garden in your apartment or business space.

Pygmy date palm indoor

Pygmy palm, or pygmy date as it is also called, is a dwarf palm of the subtropical region, but it is small enough to be grown in a pot. That allows residents of colder areas to enjoy all its charms, as it is quickly grown indoors (and warm).

The delicate texture of the leaves and the idyllic shape have made it one of the most popular palm varieties. Although they can grow up to 7 or 8 meters in ideal conditions, pygmy dates (palms) usually reach heights in the 3 to 4-foot range. Their height is even smaller if you grow them in a houseplant pot, and let’s say, quite adequate for growing indoors.

Best indoor palm

Lucky palm, hill palm, or salon palm has been used as one of the favorite indoor plants for decades. This lovely plant with deep green leaves was first discovered in Central America, from where it spread worldwide.

Salon palm grows in attractive groupings with lightly textured leaves covered by thin and thick texture. It is also one of the easiest palms to grow indoors and requires virtually no maintenance.

Sometimes it is possible to find specimens with a single stem, but most often, palms are grown in small groups. Hence, they resemble palm-like bushes in attractive pots. The leaves are popular in floral arrangements, decorations, and wreaths because they can survive up to 40 days after being cut from the plant. The mountain palm grows slowly and can take years to reach its full height (60 to 180 cm indoors and 180 cm to 5 meters outdoors).

Ponytail palm indoor

Due to the size and shape of the tree next to the ground, this palm tree received the nicknames elephant’s leg and ponytail palm (due to the shape and position of the leaves). It originates from Mexico, and the aesthetics and compact dimensions have made this palm extremely popular in home gardens and rooms.

Several plants are often combined to create a natural little sedum garden. Still, the most exciting detail about this plant is that it does not belong to the palm family! The age of this plant is very long, and currently, the oldest specimen is growing in Mexico. It is estimated to be 350 years old.

Majesty palm

The majestic palm usually grows up to 3 or 4 meters, while it can reach 15 meters in nature. Plants in pots suitable for home use are far more compact and captivate with a luxurious crown and beautiful leaves. However, they should be kept in rooms of greater height or on the staircase, where they show all their splendor.

Sago palm indoor

That is a favorite palm tree for interior decoration. The sago palm is suitable for planting in planters and looks very effective planted in tall pots in a representative place. This particular type gives a luxurious touch to any space. It is characterized by slow growth and longevity.

During leafing, the pot with the cycad palm should be rotated a quarter of a circle daily so that all new leaves receive the same amount of light. The pot should be turned until the leaves are completely hardened.

The optimum temperature at which the cycad palm grows is 7 to 18 degrees. In summer, the older plant can be taken outside. In winter, it does not tolerate prolonged exposure to sub-zero temperatures. Still, it can tolerate frost if it is kept dry. The ideal temperature in winter is 12 to 15 degrees.

Areca palm care indoor

The areca palm tree is one of the palm trees most often used to decorate bright interiors. This elegant plant has feathery, arching leaves, each with up to 100 tiny leaflets. Due to its original appearance, this tropical plant attracts extraordinary attention.

House area is expensive, so they are usually bought as small table plants. It grows 15 to 25 cm annually until it reaches a height of 1.8 to 2.1 m. The areca palm is one of the few palms that can tolerate pruning without severe damage, allowing mature plants to be kept indoors for their entire life span of up to 10 years.

Indoor kentia palm

The origin of this type of palm tree in Australia. Known as the Kentia palm, straw palm, or patio palm, that species is an exceptional decoration for any hallway, foyer, and living room. It was worth it because of the beautiful hanging leaves. This palm has a lush upright growth with minimal care requirements, making it one of the species experts will most often recommend for indoor growing.

Chinese fan palm indoor

A plant originating from subtropical Asia, it enchants the leaves’ elegance, shape, and size. Southern Japan is where this palm originated, and from there, it spread across the planet.

In a natural environment, it can grow between 9 and 15 meters and is suitable for growing in gardens. Still, if planted in a pot, the dimensions are much smaller and ideal for growing indoors.

Narrow and long leaves bent towards the ground make this palm a beautiful plant.