There is no such thing as an indoor palm tree, rather there are different types of palm trees and palm-like plants, all of which have different needs. Therefore, there is no general care instruction and the perfect location for all indoor palms.

Most indoor palms need a lot of water

Plant and repot indoor palms

It is best to repot a freshly bought house palm immediately, because the pots in stores are usually too small and the roots do not have enough space in them. Later it is sufficient to repot this houseplant about every three to four years.

Always choose the size of the new pot so that the roots have enough space to grow. The smaller the pot, the slower or less your indoor palm will grow. Press down the new soil well and water your palm extensively.

Water and fertilize indoor palms

Most indoor palms are quite thirsty and need water regularly. Many of them are tropical or subtropical plants and prefer high humidity. If the air is too dry, such as the heating air in winter, then your indoor palm becomes susceptible to diseases or pests.

Water your indoor palm at the latest when the top layer of soil has dried slightly. However, be sure to avoid waterlogging, as this could cause the roots of your indoor palm to rot. Over time you will get a feel for the right amount of water. It only needs fertilizer during the growth phase. For most species, a normal slow-release fertilizer is sufficient.

Cut indoor palms

You should not cut any of the indoor palms. If you damage the vegetation point, which is in the middle of the crown, your palm tree will stop growing and may even die.

Only remove dead brown leaves, but only when they are completely dry. An exception are yucca trees, their trunks may be pruned and divided for propagation.

Indoor palms in winter

Some types of indoor palm are more or less frost hardy, others hardly tolerate temperatures below 10 °C to 12 °C. Hardy indoor palms can spend the summer on the balcony or in the garden, but they should slowly move back indoors in the fall. Always get used to palm trees slowly, they do not tolerate abrupt changes in location or temperature.

The essentials in brief:

  • usually relatively easy to care for
  • many varieties are very thirsty
  • high humidity
  • cutting is not necessary, possibly even harmful
  • Location: mostly light to slightly shady, mostly rather warm
  • not all varieties are hardy
  • usually slow growing

tips

Before you buy your indoor palm, find out exactly what care this indoor plant needs. There are palms that are good for beginners and those that are a bit more complicated in their requirements.

Category:

Indoor plants