As a houseplant, the palm is the number one symbol of the tropics. When you have a palm, you are bringing something special into your home. They look stunning anywhere in a home. Not only do palms have air-purifying properties, they are incredibly decorative! For example, you can create a lovely green partition for a natural and tropical look in your house. A palm can also be put out on the patio in the summer.
Familiar types of palms
There are approximately 5,000 different types of palms. Not every palm is a suitable as a houseplant. The best-known indoor palm is the Howea forsteriana, or Kentia palm. This palm comes from Australia originally and is recognisable by its full fan leaves. The plant adds a tropical feeling to your living room. Another well-known indoor palm from the Araceae family is the Areca palm (Dypsis lutenscens). Its leaves grow a bit wilder than the Kentia palm, but it looks fantastic in your home. Despite the fact that the palms come from the same family, the Areca palm originates from Southeast Asia. And what do you think of the Cycas? This spiny palm can handle all kinds of circumstances so it is ideal indoors and outdoors. This spiny palm can deal with many circumstances. This palm prefers plenty of sun. You can find many more indoor palms in our palm range.
Palm care
The palm is 'easy care'. Every palm requires a different approach because all plants grow differently, have different leaf thicknesses and structures, and originate from different areas. Indoor palms love moist places. The bathroom or kitchen are good places, for instance. A light rain shower is a great way to freshen up palms in the spring and summer months. You can spray the leaves every few weeks during the other months. You should make sure the potting soil is always moist. Give the plant some plant food every four weeks to keep it healthy and attractive. In general, the palm likes to be in a moderately light to light spot but away from bright sunlight. So, place it in a spot with indirect sunlight. The exception is the Cycas, which can potentially be kept outdoors in the summer sun, once it has become gradually used to it.
A palm's leaves will help you to care for it. Are the leaves completely brown? Then the plant is getting enough water, or it might be getting too much. If it gets too much water, its roots will seal up so it can't absorb enough water. Are the plant's leaves turning yellow? Then the plant is probably getting too much light. Move the plant to a place with less direct light. Brown edges on the leaves means the leaves are getting old and dying. You can trim the parts of the leaves that are starting to look less attractive. With palms, new leaves always grow from the top of its centre. Trim the old leaves as close as possible to the stem.
Interesting to know
- Palms have air-purifying properties. Air-purifying plants convert harmful particles in the air into oxygen and humidify the air. They improve your indoor climate.
- Palms like Kentia and Areca palms only flower when they reach a certain age and height. You'll hardly ever come across blooming indoor palms.
- Most palms are not toxic to pets.
- Cuttings cannot be taken from palms. They reproduce through seeds.
