5 Palms to Buy and 1 to Watch Out For!

Palms are such great plants and can be used indoors and out. There are palms that can tower 50-90 feet and love full sun… others are small and prefer growing in the shade of others.

Here are 5 quick looks at some indoor palms that can add some tropical to you interior.

Let’s start by looking at a few smaller palms that can fit very nicely indoors.

Chamaedorea elegans - Neanthe bella

This small low-light interior palm has been called the table palm, parlor palm or Neanthe bella palm but its real name is Chamaedorea elegans ‘Bella’. ‘Bella’ can adapt to just about any typical office or home interior.

It’s commonly known in the trade as ‘Neanthe bella’ and is grown primarily for indoor use in 6 inch - 14 inch containers, ranging in height from 18 inches to 3-4 feet. Although I’ve seen plants of 6 to 8 feet in height, that’s uncommon. In a “growing” environment 4 feet is about the maximum.

Chamaedorea Metallica

Here is another small palm - Chamaedorea metallica… and it is tough as nails.

Metallica is very different than most palms. The leaves are stiff and have a very simple undivided leaf. In deep shade the leaves get dark green and almost black with a metallic sheen.

Hence the name - Metallica.

Metallica is slow growing so you can expect to pay more than usual. It’s slow growth also means you’ll be able to enjoy the plant in the same place for years.†

Chamaedorea seifrizii

Also known as the “bamboo Palm” and is one of the most popular palms for indoor use. You’ll find them available in 10-14 inch pots.

This plant likes to stay uniformly moist, remember that’s moist NOT wet.

Rhapis Palm

Rhapis, also known commonly as the Lady Palm, can be found in homes and gardens throughout the world. They adapt to a wide range of climates, soils, and environments. This is one reason for their widespread popularity for use indoors.

Lady palms can be propagated by division or seed, depending on species. Rhapis requires both male and female plants for successful pollination.

Kentia Palm

The botanical name is HOWEA FOSTERIANA, but is known more commonly as the Kentia or the sentry palm. The Kentia is an upright palm with beautiful, arching, dark green leaves. Its use dates back to the socialite days of the Victorian era.

Kentias are generally available in the 5-12 foot range for indoor use. Where it is native, Lord Howe Island east of Australia, these palms can reach a height of 60 feet.

Now, #1 palm to stay away from for Indoor Use…

Ravenea Rivularis - “The Majesty Palm”

I’ll keep it simple…. some plants just should NOT be sold as an indoor plant.

Learn more about the Majesty here