Depending on the region in which they originally grow, the light needs of palm trees differ greatly. Many prefer locations in full sun. However, there are also palm species that require little light and develop better in light or even full shade.
The Rhapis palm can also cope with shady locations
Palm trees for partially shaded locations
Strains that prefer these conditions tend to come from sparse forests, where they thrive in the shade of the foliage of larger trees. They should also be as bright as possible in the room or garden, but not placed in the sun. A south- or west-facing window or an appropriately oriented balcony is ideal. Outdoors, you can place these palms well under trees, as this absolutely corresponds to their location preferences.
Varieties for the penumbra are for example:
- Hemp palm: It is relatively easy to care for and very frost-resistant.
- Date palm: It should definitely be in a bright spot, but it tolerates light shade well.
- Serdang umbrella palm: It is also easy to care for, but not hardy.
- Fire Palm: Requires less space than many other palm species and high humidity.
Palm trees that thrive even in the shade
The original habitat of these species are mostly the dense rainforests, where they form the undergrowth. Its leaves are fine and soft and do not tolerate direct sunlight well. They must therefore be shaded. A north-facing window or north-facing balcony or a fully shaded terrace is ideal. In bright rooms, they can easily be placed a few meters away from the window and are therefore ideal for modern living space design with green plants.
Varieties for the shade:
- Mountain palm: Relatively easy to care for and very attractive palm that can even withstand occasional waterlogging.
- Stick palm (Rhapis): Forms underground rhizomes, which make the plant look like a small group of palm trees.
- Kentia palm: Despite the fact that most people read that this palm needs an extremely high amount of light, the robust Kentia does well even with little light.
There is also a type of palm tree that is absolutely frugal, which is actually not one at all: the yucca palm. It does well in both light and full shade.
tips
Palm trees don't like to be moved around. Therefore, pay attention to the light requirements of the plant when you buy it. The plant label almost always states whether the selected variety prefers full sun, partial shade or shade.