Nothing screams "tropical houseplant" quite like Palm Tree. Learn how to care for your indoor Palm Tree (yes, you need to do your best to keep this plant alive because it's pretty pricey).
Palm Tree or Arecaceae is one of the most popular indoor plants if you want to bring a lush, tropical look to your home. Aside from its attractive look, which can complement any decor, it can also grow in low-light spaces, it's low maintenance, and tough to kill. I guess the only con of this plant is some of its types are pretty pricey, so if you're planning to get one, you need to do your best to keep this plant alive.
Fun Fact: Palm Tree has been a popular houseplant since the Victorian era because of its versatility to adapt to indoor conditions.
One of the best indoor Palm Tree types is the Areca palm or also known as bamboo plants, which originated in Madagascar. It can grow from 6-8 feet, and it prefers a warm climate. There are about more than 2,600 species of Palm Trees today, with each variety having different care requirements. However, in general, indoor Palm Tree prefers bright, indirect light, a humid environment, and needs to be watered up to once or twice a week.
| Botanical Name | Arecaceae |
| Common Name | Palm Tree |
| Plant Size | Indoors: 6-8 feet, Natural Habitat: 80-100 feet |
| Types of Palm Plants | Areca Palm, Bamboo Palm, Canary Island Date Palm, Cascade Palm, Chinese Fan Palm, European Fan Palm, Fishtail Palm, Kentia Palm, Lady Palm, Majesty Palm, Parlor Palm, Ponytail Palm, Pygmy Date Palm, Sago Palm, and Yucca Palm |
| Sunlight | Palm Tree prefers bright filtered light, but it can also thrive in low light areas. |
| Water | A new indoor Palm Tree should be watered every day in its first week. Next, move to every other day in its second week. Then settle for 3 times a week on the third. Once your indoor Palm Tree is completely settled, water it 2-3 times per week, or when the top 1-2 inches of the soil is completely dry. |
| Humidity | Your indoor Palm Tree will thrive in average household humidity, but it's best if you mist it often, place it near a humidifier, or use a pebble tray. |
| Temperature | It prefers average room temperatures between 60–80°F. |
| Toxicity | Some Palm Tree types are toxic to humans and pets. |
| Food | Feed your indoor Palm Tree regularly during the growing season with a water-soluble fertilizer. |
| Pests and Problems | Indoor Palm Trees are prone to common bugs like mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. To eliminate these insects, use an insecticidal soap with warm water. Also, your indoor Palm Tree is prone to potassium deficiency. Treat it with a controlled-release potassium supplement. |
| Omysa Plant Care Tip | Mist your indoor Palm Tree a few times a week to promote growth and prevent pest infestations. |
Indoor Palm Plant Care Tips
To keep your indoor Palm Tree alive and healthy, you need to do proper research because each type requires different care. Some plants prefer shade and a more humid, darker environment. Some plants may need fertilizer. Also, it's best to place your indoor Palm Tree in a spot where there's not too much traffic brushing against or pulling on the fronds because this will weaken the plant. Keep in mind that you can never top-trim a Palm Tree because it will die.
Here's everything else you need to know on how to care for your indoor Palm Tree, from sunlight requirement to common problems and its solutions.
Sunlight
First, on our list on how to care for your indoor Palm Tree is to place it in a spot where it can receive bright, indirect light. However, it can also tolerate low-light conditions, especially during the winter. Do not place your indoor Palm Tree under direct sunlight because too much direct light can kill your plant.
Common Problem: If the leaves on your indoor Palm Tree are turning yellow, this means it’s not receiving the right amount of light.
Solution: Yes, your indoor Palm Tree can tolerate less light, but if the area is too dark, it will stop growing, and leaves will start to turn yellow since there's not enough light to support photosynthesis. It's best if you can put it in an area where it can get medium to bright, indirect light.
Water
Next on our list on how to care for your indoor Palm Tree is to water it when the top 1-2 inches of the soil is completely dry. Usually, this could be 2-3 times per week. Also, keep in mind that good drainage is important for your indoor Palm Tree. Never let your plant's root ball sit in water since this could lead to its death.
Common Problem: If the leaves on your indoor Palm Tree are turning brown or yellow, this means inconsistent watering or unfiltered tap water.
Solution: Inconsistent watering can create stress for your indoor Palm Tree, especially if the soil is bone dry. It's best if you can create a watering schedule. Also, check if the soil feels dry. If it is, then water your plant accordingly.
Another cause could be the quality of the water you're using. Tap water is not suitable for plants because it contains salts, chlorine, minerals, and fluoride, which causes the tips of the leaves to burn, curl up, and turn brown. Filter the water by either using a water filtration system or by leaving the water in an open container overnight.
Humidity & Temperature
Adding to our list on how to care for your indoor Palm Tree is to place it in a spot with normal room temperatures between 60–80°F. Your indoor Palm Tree can thrive amazingly well in average humidity, but it's recommended to mist it often, place it near a humidifier, or use a pebble tray to prevent insect infestations.
Common Problem: If the leaves on your indoor Palm Tree are turning yellow, this means that the area has low humidity, and the plant's soil is completely dry.
Solution: If possible, get a humidifier for your plant. This is the best solution and also recommended by experts. Regular misting a few times a week will also do the job. Avoid cold drafts, air conditioning vents, doors, and sudden temperature changes to keep your indoor Palm Tree happy and healthy.
Toxicity
Some Palm Tree types are toxic to humans and pets.
Food
Another on our list on how to care for your indoor Palm Tree is to feed it with a water-soluble fertilizer regularly during the growing season. Also, give your plant extra potassium and manganese since Palm plants are prone to potassium deficiency. The main sign that your plant has this disease when its fronds are turning brown or yellow.
Common Problem: When the leaves are turning brown, this could be due to excessive fertilizing.
Solution: Fertilizer burn or plant burn is the result of applying too much fertilizer to your indoor Palm Tree. Fertilizer contains salts, which draw moisture out of plants. Remember, anything too much is bad for your plant. To avoid plant burn, it’s best to follow the recommended amount of fertilizer and schedule.
Pests & Other Problems
Your indoor Palm Tree is prone to common bugs like mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. To eliminate these insects, use an insecticidal soap.
That's a wrap on how to care for your indoor Palm Tree. Again, each type requires different care, so it's important to check the plant's label. However, in general, if you have a Palm plant in your home, this guide could give you an idea regarding how to keep it alive and healthy.
Grow your plant knowledge. Check out our Plant Care blog to learn more about different houseplants and tips on how to keep your plants alive and healthy.
