Indoor palm plants add a touch of exotic tropical charm to any room. But they have specific care requirements that differ from one plant to another, so be sure to research your particular species before buying.
Most palms like lots of sunshine, but some thrive in lower light conditions indoors. Make sure the room is well ventilated to prevent overexposure to too much sunlight, which can burn palm fronds and damage their leaves.
Watering
Watering your palm plant is an essential part of its care. It will thrive and grow well only if the soil is moist, so don’t forget to water it regularly.
If you’re not sure how much water your plant needs, you can use a finger-test to check the soil. You can also invest in an electronic soil moisture meter.
Deep watering is another good technique. It’s a little more time-consuming, but it helps the water get to the roots of your palm and keeps them healthy.
To perform a deep watering, slowly drip two gallons of water over an hour or so. This method allows the water to reach all the crevices in the soil around your plant’s roots.
Depending on the season and your climate, you may need to water several times a week. If you water regularly, your plant will be happier and healthier.
Fertilizing
Aside from proper watering, a palm plant needs fertilization to grow and thrive. Fertilizers can enhance a palm’s growth and make it look its best, but they can also be damaging if not applied correctly.
The best fertilizers for palm trees are ones that have a slow release formula and contain the right nutrients for your plants. This will help prevent overfeeding and burning, as well as preventing nutrient deficiencies that can lead to yellowing or curled leaves.
Another good fertilizer is Miracle-Gro Palm Tree Formula with NPK of 8-4-8, which has a slow release formula and contains added magnesium, iron and manganese to help prevent fronds from yellowing or curling.
Apply these products four times a year, equally spaced throughout the growing season, which can begin as early as March and end in October, based on where you live. You should also use a nutrient enrichment product to help retain moisture in the soil and improve its quality.
Light
Palm plants are among the most popular indoor houseplants because of their tropical, exotic appearance. However, they do require a few key conditions to thrive.
Light is a vital ingredient in any plant care plan. Palms do best in a spot of indirect or medium-bright light – but avoid direct sunlight, as this can scorch their leaves.
Water regularly but not excessively – overwatering can suffocate palm roots. Use a pot with drainage holes and fast-draining potting mix to prevent soggy soil.
Humidity is another important factor in plant health. A dry indoor environment can wreak havoc on a plant’s growth, and palms are particularly susceptible to low humidity.
Palms are slow-growing indoor plants, so repot them every few years to keep them looking fresh and healthy. Be gentle when you repot, and treat them carefully for a few weeks after the repotting to help them get used to their new home. Give them a steady, low-sodium diet of slow-release palm-specific fertilizer once a month in spring and summer to keep them growing strong and healthy.
Temperature
Most palm plants like a pretty warm climate, with temperatures no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and no lower than 60 degrees at night. However, some types of palms can thrive in colder areas if they are placed in an area with ample humidity and warmth.
Most indoor palm species prefer a temperature range between 65 and 75 degrees F. These temperatures are ideal for a variety of different palm plant care needs.
When it comes to watering, palms need evenly moist soil. If the soil is too dry, it can cause root rot.
Areca palms thrive in conditions that mimic their native tropical forest. These plants need an ambient temperature of 65 to 75 degrees F with high humidity.