Palm trees can be found on almost every continent in the world. While some hardier versions can survive colder weather, most thrive in tropical or subtropical climates. If you want to grow palm trees indoors as houseplants, you'll need to replicate a tropical environment as much as possible for them to thrive. While it might seem intimidating, there are plenty of palms you can grow as houseplants. Here are some of the top suggestions:
Areca Palm
Areca palms are also called bamboo palms because they grow in tight clumps of slender stems. Areca palms are extremely popular as houseplants because they are tolerant of lower light indoor environments. To keep an areca palm happy and healthy, keep the soil moist but not soggy. While these palms can grow up to 8 feet tall, they are slow growers and are often widely available as small, tabletop trees.
Parlor Palm
Parlor palms will flourish in average indoor light. They are even forgiving of different humidity levels, but prefer evenly-moist soil and consistent temperatures. When grown as a houseplant, parlor palms can reach heights of up to 6 feet with a 2-3 foot spread. Though slow growers, parlor palms can live for decades with the right care, making them an excellent addition to your indoor landscape.
Yucca Palm
The spineless yucca palm is a popular indoor plant with long leaves clustered at the top of the stick-like trunk. It's common to find them labeled as "stick yucca" due to their appearance as young trees: often a single mostly bare trunk with a few leaves on top. These palms make beautiful houseplants and are much more drought tolerant than some of the other options. Yuccas want to dry out completely between waterings but will grow in a variety of lighting environments from full sun to partial shade.
These are only a few types of palms you can grow as houseplants. Think carefully about where to place your palm at home so it can live in the best possible indoor environment.
About the Author
Diana Hellman
Diana Hellman's passion for Larchmont inspires her more than 20 year real estate practice. As a certified buyer's representative, "The development of a solid and trusting relationship with my buyers and sellers is what I strive for." This success, primarily built on client referrals and repeat business, comes from her knowledge of what makes Larchmont unique: it's school system, recreational facilities, services and the special qualities that pervade this village's atmosphere. A former educator with a background in psychology, Diana knows that people don't want a sales pitch, but rather reliable, timely information. She and her husband have been residents of Larchmont for over 40 years. Her 3 children have attended the Mamaroneck Public Schools. She can give you expert advice with the sale or purchase of your home. Awards/Distinctions Multi-million dollar club- Westchester Board of Realtors International Diamond Society (8 million plus in sales), 5-Star agent in 2024. Gold Award- WBR (5-8 million dollars in sales) Silver Award – WBR (3-5 million dollars in sales) Memberships National Association of Realtors New York State Association of Realtors Westchester Board of Realtors Westchester Multiple Listing Service Community Former executive board member of the Central School Former selection school delegate for election of school board candidates Former executive board member of the Friends of the Emelin Theatre Former executive board member of the League of Women Voters