There are not only different types of indoor palms, which are divided into the two categories feather palm and fan palm, but also so-called palm-like plants or plants. The yucca, which is incorrectly referred to as a palm tree, also belongs in this category.

The yucca palm is also referred to as an indoor palm

How do I distinguish the different types of indoor palms?

An important criterion for dividing and determining indoor palms is the leaf shape. A distinction is made between fan palms and feather palms based on the leaves. In fan palms, the leaf blade, with which the leaf grows on the trunk, merges into several segments. These are sometimes subdivided themselves. The feather palm, on the other hand, has a leaf stalk and many leaf branches (feathers).

A selection of feather palms

The honey palm originally comes from Chile. It needs a lot of light and has a medium maintenance requirement. As a hardy palm tree, it is also well suited for the balcony or terrace. Their fruits are even edible. However, it does not flower until the age of about 60 years.

The easy-care mountain palm is only suitable as a houseplant, because it is absolutely not hardy. But it also gets by with a little less light than many other palm trees. The rather dainty palm tree grows to a maximum of 1.30 m indoors and flowers at around two or three years old.

The Canary Date Palm is also very easy to care for, but needs a lot of light. After slowly getting used to it, she is welcome to spend the summer in the garden or on the balcony. However, it is not hardy and needs a bright, frost-free winter quarters.

The most famous feather palms:

  • coconut tree
  • date palm
  • honey palm
  • mountain palm

A small selection of fan palms

The hardy hemp palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) comes from China. In the wild it grows up to 12 meters high, but as an indoor palm "only" about 2.5 m. So it needs a lot of space. If it is in the garden, it should be protected from extreme frost. The hemp palm is very easy to care for and therefore well suited for beginners.

The petticoat palm, also known as the priest palm, is also very easy to care for. It needs a lot of light and winter quarters from around - 8 °C if it is used as a garden or balcony plant.

The most popular fan palms:

  • Priest Palm or Petticoat Palm (Washingtonia)
  • hemp palm

Palm-like plants

The yucca plant, also known as the yucca palm, does not belong in any of these categories. It is an agave plant, as its growth actually shows. That is why they are also known as palm-like plants.

This group includes plants that are not botanically palm trees but are commonly referred to as palm trees. The banana tree or the dragon tree also belong to this group, as does the elephant tree. These plants have very different characteristics and needs, many of them are also suitable as indoor plants.

tips

The selection of indoor palms is very large and varied. Choose a palm tree that you can provide optimal conditions for. Then you can enjoy it for a long time.

Category:

Indoor plants