Palm trees are a great way to add some tropical vibes to your home and its surrounding landscape. Having plants around your home spruces up the aesthetic and adds some much-needed life to the space. Indoor plants are also great air purifiers, adding a fresh feeling that everyone will appreciate.
Considering how many types of palm trees there are, it may seem daunting to find the best one for your indoor landscape. But don't worry - for your convenience, we took the time to compile a list of 21 of the best indoor palm trees. Continue reading to find out more about these incredible plants and to help make an informed decision of picking the right one for you. Without further ado, let's get to it!
1. Chinese Fan Palm
This palm has broad, fan-shaped fronds that are yellowish-green in color. When planted in a container indoors, it can reach between 6 and 7 feet in height. It grows slowly in a container, but its canopy can eventually spread 5 feet.
Its botanical name is Livistona chinensis.
It performs best when it receives bright, indirect light. The plant will start to grow in the direction of the sunlight, so rotate it where it can receive an even amount of light. Give it 16 ounces of water each week; keep the soil moist but not soggy.
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2. Pygmy Date Palm
The Pygmy Date Palm features feather-like leaflets that arch gracefully. In an indoor container, it grows at an extremely slow rate, reaching between 4 and 6 feet. Eventually, its canopy will spread about 4 feet. It's known for being an excellent air filtering plant.
Its botanical name is Phoenix roebelenii.
Place this palm in an area that receives bright, filtered light. Frequently water the palm during spring and summer months when the topsoil begins to dry out. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Fertilize once in the spring and then summer with a time-released fertilizer.
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3. Rhapis Palm
Commonly known as the Lady Palm, this small fan palm reaches around 6 feet in height. The palm grows from separate stems, each one sprouting upright fronds. The fronds look like fan-like segments. Its crown stays pretty upright, so it won't take up much room.
Its botanical name is Rhapis excelsa.
It performs best in filtered light during the summer and light shade in the winter. Water it frequently during the summer months, but decrease the frequency in the winter. Pay attention to the drainage - don't let the soil get soggy. Fertilize the palm with slow-release pellets before its growing season.
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4. Areca Palm
If you have a bright space in your home, the Areca Palm will thrive there and make the space look lovely. This type of indoor palm has long feathery, arching fronds, each with up to 100 leaflets. At maturity, they'll reach between 6 and 7 feet. The palm grows 6 to 7 inches each year.
Its botanical name is Chrysalidocarpus lutescens.
The main thing this palm needs to ensure growing success is having enough bright yet indirect light. Water the plant enough to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Winter months require less water. Use a time-release fertilizer at the beginning of spring.
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5. Sunset Palm
The Sunset Palm became known by its common name due to the red-leaved fronds that grow from the plant. Each new leaf is deep cherry red and transitions to the dark green color over time. It's a medium-sized solitary palm that originated in New Guinea. It grows at a medium rate and can reach up to 10 feet in height. With that in mind, make sure you have enough space for it indoors.
Its botanical name is Calyptrocalyx albertisianus.
The tree performs best in well-draining soil that's kept moist. Filtered light helps it thrive; don't allow it to receive full sun.
6. Majesty Palm
The Majesty Palm is a favorite amongst indoor plants. Its fronds are long and regal-looking (much likes its name suggests). When grown inside, this palm grows between 5 and 6 feet tall.
Its botanical name is Ravenea rivularis.
The best spot for a Majesty Palm is right next to a window because they love the bright sun. It will need 6 to 8 hours of bright light each day. Keep the soil nice and moist. Humid air is essential for the health of the Majesty Palm. Underwatering this plant can lead to browning leaves.
Read more: The Majesty Palm Care Guide
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7. Manila Palm
Another common name for this palm is "Christmas Palm" because it has small green fruits that ripen into a bright red color in December. The palm features a crown of arched pinnate leaves. When grown in a pot, these palms reach between 10 and 15 feet in height. So, make sure you have space!
Its botanic name is Veitchia merrillii.
As long as the Manila Palm receives sufficient light, it will grow well throughout the year. Water the palm regularly and make sure its pot has drainage holes in it to prevent it from getting soggy.
8. Lipstick Palm
The Lipstick Palm features a vibrant red crown shaft (the leaf base of the palm). The leaves of the palm are long, feather-like, and dark green. Its look is exotic and beautiful. It's a slow-growing palm, eventually reaching up to 20 feet. If you purchase it when it's young enough, you'll be able to enjoy it for years before it's too tall for the indoors.
Its botanical name is Cyrtostachys renda.
For optimal growth and health, the Lipstick Palm needs between 4 and 6 hours of sunlight. Regular fertilization is a necessity. Water enough to keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
9. Ivory Cane Palm
This type of palm grows in clusters and over time can reach 8 feet in height. It's considered to be one of the most ornamental palm trees. It's easy to understand why when you see it - it has a white crown shaft, a ringed green trunk, and feather-shaped leaves. It also features long, red flower stalks with small pink flowers.
Its botanical name is Pinanga coronata.
Unlike many other palms, the Ivory Cane grows best in partial to full shade. It grows very slowly, and even slower with age. It has poor drought-tolerance, so make sure you keep up with its watering needs.
10. Ivory Crownshaft Palm
The Ivory Crownshaft Palm has long, dropping, feathery pinnate leaves that are bright green in color. As its name suggests, its crownshaft is smooth and light yellow in color. The palm reaches a height between 10 and 30 feet but will be significantly shorter indoors. Since it can reach a tall height, you'll have to transplant it once it outgrows its indoor space.
Its botanical name is Pinanga dicksonii.
Do not allow the soil to dry out between waterings; it should always be moist. Partial shade to bright indirect sunlight is best for these types of palms.
11. Red Feather Palm
This plant is also known as a Flame Thrower Palm. As new leaves form, they first have a deep maroon color then fade to a gorgeous green hue after a couple of weeks. It's a very slow-growing variety of palm and when it's grown indoors it reaches between 5 and 10 feet in height.
Its botanical name is Chambeyronia macrocarpa.
This palm is very easy to care for. It grows best in bright, indirect light, but can tolerate some shade. Watering needs are moderate. Monitor its soil - when the first inch or so fries out, it's time to water it again.
12. Ruffled Fan Palm
With incredible, interesting-shaped leaves, the Ruffled Fan Palm is an indoor plant favorite. Their large leaves have a ruffled, pleated look. When grown as an indoor plant, the Ruffled Fan Palm reaches around 6 feet in height.
Its botanical name is Licuala grandis.
Surprisingly, this palm prefers partial to full shade for its growth. Once it has been established, it can tolerate brighter conditions. The watering needs are moderate: allow the surface of the soil to dry out before the next watering. Use a slow-release fertilizer two to three times a year.
13. Cascade Palm
This palm has large, dark green fronds that form a dense mass of foliage. It reaches a height around 3 feet at maturity. It's a bushier palm variety since it has cluster growth rather than a single trunk.
Its botanical name is Chamaedorea cataractarum.
Bright but indirect sunlight is best for the health and growth of the Cascade Palm. If it's hit by direct light, it has the tendency to dry out. Keep the palm away from air vents so it doesn't get too cool. Water the palm once or twice a week, paying special attention not to overwater it. Monthly soluble fertilizer keeps the plant looking fresh.
14. Banana Palm
Banana Palms have unmistakably tropical-looking leaves that unfurl from their central growing point. Banana palms grow from rhizomes, making it easy for them to grow and come back season after season.
Its botanical name is Musa oriana.
Indoor banana palms need humus-rich, well-draining soil that stays moist, but not water-logged. These palms need around 12 hours of bright sunlight to maintain optimal health. Use a balanced soluble fertilizer at the beginning of each month.
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15. Parlor Palm
The Parlor Palm has been a favorite indoor palm for many years. It grows in attractive little clusters of foliage. Its foliage is light-colored and grows from a group of stems. They look like palm shrubs. As an indoor plant, it grows to a height between 2 to 6 feet tall and spreads between 2 to 3 feet in width.
Its botanical name is Chamaedorea elegans.
The Parlor Palm requires bright but indirect sunlight for optimal health and growth. However, the palm is tolerant of low-light conditions. This palm is very sensitive to overwatering, so be careful with how much you water it. The best rule of thumb for watering is to water it when the top 1 inch of soil is dry.
Read more: Parlor Palm Care Guide For Beginners
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16. Ponytail Palm
If you want a fun, unique-looking indoor plant, the Ponytail Palm may be the one for you. This plant, although not a true palm, features a large dome-shaped trunk that transitions to a much thinner stem. From the top of that stem, rosettes of long, green, leathery leaves sprout. When planted indoors, the Ponytail Palm typically doesn't reach over 4 feet in height.
Its botanical name is Beaucarnea recurvata.
This is an incredible indoor plant for those of you who tend to forget about plant care because it actually thrives off neglect! Plant it in fast-draining soil and a container with drainage holes to prevent the soil from getting waterlogged. If possible, place the palm in an area with lots of bright indirect light.
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17. Fishtail Palm
Named for its unusual leaves, the Fishtail Palm makes for an intriguing indoor plant. Its leaves are roughly triangular-shaped with a jagged edge and slightly ruffled look (like a fishtail). Although Fishtail Palms are slow growers, they can eventually reach 20 feet in height, therefore outgrowing their indoor space.
Its botanical name is Caryota mitis.
Provide as much bright, indirect sunlight as possible for the Fishtail Palm. Unlike many other palms, this plant requires quite a bit of water. Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent it from becoming water-logged and soggy. If the air is too dry, the leaves may begin to turn brown.
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18. Dwarf Bamboo Palm
These palms have deep green foliage that's very dense. Its feathery leaves bring that perfect tropical vibe to the indoors. As an indoor plant, the Dwarf Bamboo Palm reaches between 4 and 6 feet.
Its botanical name is Chamaedorea radicalis.
This plant is one of the most tolerant palms available. This attribute makes it relatively easy to care for. Water needs are moderate: keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Make sure the container has drainage holes on the bottom to prevent the soil from becoming water-logged. Place it in a location where it receives bright and indirect sunlight.
19. Sago Palm
The maximum indoor height it grows to is 2 feet, making it a truly wonderful indoor plant. The palm has a short, woody trunk from where the pinnate fronds sprout. They grow straight up until they reach a certain length. Then, they'll gracefully arch.
Its botanical name is Cycas revoluta.
For optimal growth, the Sago Palm needs bright, indirect sunlight. The humidity level in the house should be a little above average. Water needs are moderate, but be careful not to overwater or underwater. Use a diluted liquid fertilizer once a month from April through October.
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20. Yucca Palm
Bring the outdoors in with the Yucca Palm. This interesting shaped plant features a large woody stem (known as a cane) with long, leathery sword-shaped leaves. The foliage is bright green and absolutely stunning. Eventually, it will offshoot into branching trees.
Its botanical name is Yucca elephantipes.
When it comes to caring for the Yucca Palm, it's best to err on the side of a little bit of neglect. The best growing conditions for it include a bright, indirect sunlight area. The soil should be a loose, well-draining potting mix and the container should have drainage holes. Water the plant regularly, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Read more: Yucca Palm Care Guide
21. Kentia Palm
Many times the Kentia Palm is sold in a container with a few other palms, so its foliage display is full and vibrant. This gives it the illusion of multiple stems and a further appreciation of the arched fronds. With the appropriate conditions, the Kentia Palm can reach 10 feet in height.
Its botanical name is Howeia forsteriana.
Position the Kentia Palm in bright indirect sunlight for best growing results. It can tolerate low-light conditions, but it won't produce as much foliage. Monitor the watering schedule, allowing the soil to dry out between the waterings. Use a liquid fertilizer once a month in the spring and summer.
Kentia Palm Seedlings
