Palm trees have long been a popular choice for indoor plant enthusiasts, dating back to Victorian times. Known for their low-maintenance needs, these tropical plants bring a touch of color, style, and glamour to any room.
When selecting a palm for indoor use, consider its placement carefully. Most palms thrive in bright, indirect light. Without adequate light, they can become leggy and unattractive. If your home lacks bright, east, west, or south-facing windows, an LED grow light can be a suitable alternative.
Palms are typically large floor plants, so ensure you have enough space for them. Additionally, these plants grow slowly, so the size you purchase will be the size you maintain for many years.
Avoid overwatering your palms. While many varieties prefer slightly moist soil, they do not tolerate soggy conditions. Test the soil moisture with your finger before watering. Regular fertilization can also help keep your palm healthy.
Pet owners should be aware that some palms, such as the Sago and Ponytail palms, are toxic to pets if ingested. It’s best to keep these plants away from curious animals. If your pet likes to nibble on plants, choose pet-safe options instead.
Here are our top indoor palm plant recommendations for every room in the house:
1. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
The Parlor Palm is ideal for beginners. Its slender stems and lush fronds add a tropical feel to any space. It’s also one of the safest palms for pets. This slow-growing palm can reach up to 6 feet in height.
Light: Bright, indirect; tolerates moderate light levels.
Water: Keep soil slightly moist, but avoid overwatering.
2. Cat Palm (Chamaedorea cataractarum)
Cat Palms are easy to care for with their loose, wispy fronds. They are well-suited for bright corners and can grow up to 8 feet tall.
Light: Bright, indirect light.
Water: Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry.
3. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
The Areca Palm features arching, feathery fronds that suit both formal and informal settings. It tolerates lower light conditions fairly well.
Light: Bright, indirect; tolerates moderate light levels.
Water: Keep soil slightly moist.
4. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
The Ponytail Palm, with its bulbous base and unique shape, is perfect for tabletops. It stores water in its base, making it forgiving for forgetful waterers. While it can grow up to 20 feet outdoors, it remains a slow grower indoors, reaching about a foot in height over many years.
Light: Bright, indirect.
Water: Water when the top few inches of soil feel dry.
5. Majesty Palm (Ravenea rivularis)
The Majesty Palm adds an elegant touch to most rooms with its upright form. It requires more humidity compared to other palms, so group it with other plants or use a small humidifier.
Light: Bright, indirect.
Water: Keep soil slightly moist.
6. Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana)
The Kentia Palm is more tolerant of lower light conditions but still needs at least moderate light to thrive. It also prefers higher humidity levels, so group it with other houseplants or use a humidifier.
Light: Bright, indirect.
Water: Keep soil slightly moist.
7. Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
Though not a true palm, the Sago Palm’s palm-like appearance makes it a popular choice. It features stiff fronds and a pineapple-like shape, growing slowly to about 3 feet tall.
Light: Bright, indirect.
Water: Keep soil slightly moist.
8. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
The Bamboo Palm is one of the easiest palms to grow and is ideal for first-time plant owners. Its stems resemble bamboo as the plant matures, and it can reach 7 feet in height indoors.
Light: Bright, indirect.
Water: Keep soil slightly moist.
9. Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
The Lady Palm has upright fronds with lance-shaped segments and can tolerate lower light conditions better than many other palms. It typically reaches about 6 feet tall indoors.
Light: Moderate to bright, indirect.
Water: Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry.
10. Chinese Fan Palm (Livistona chinensis)
The Chinese Fan Palm’s fan-like fronds make it a striking addition to brightly-lit rooms. It can grow up to 10 feet tall but is a slow grower.
Light: Bright, indirect.
Water: Water when the top of the soil feels dry.
These indoor palms each bring their unique charm and benefits to your home, making them a stylish and practical addition to your plant collection.