Best Palms For Containers
Palms are a very popular plant for containers as they provide a very tropical and exotic look. They provide visual interest and height to any garden spot. Many varieties of palms are low maintenance and can tolerate a range of growing conditions. They are not prone to many pests or diseases which makes them ideal for a low-care accent plant.
There are many varieties of palms, but not all are ideally suited to containers. We have researched many varieties of palms and have compiled a list of the 5 best palms for your outdoor container gardens. They have been chosen for their ability to thrive, drought tolerance, low pest and disease rates, texture, and style.
Best Palm Trees to Grow In A Pot
Kentia Palm
Areca Palm
Rhapis Palm
Parlor Palm
Majesty Palm
Sago Palm – (not the best choice – but a different style of palm worth looking at)
Best Soil For Potted Palms
The ideal mix for potted palm trees is light and very well-drained. To make potting soil for palms, use half peat moss and half coarse sand and perlite. There are commercial mixes available that are suitable for cacti and succulents. This will work well for palms as well.
How Much Sunlight Do Potted Palms Need
Most palms thrive with moderate sun, dappled sun, or shade. Some will do very well in full sun or deep shade. If you are not sure what variety of palm you have and want to keep it from burning, a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled sun will do nicely.
How to Plant A Potted Palm
1. Choose a container with excellent drainage. Most palms like to be slightly rootbound. If you are wanting to pot your palm into a much larger pot, that is not a problem as it will grow to fill the pot you put it in. The larger the pot, the larger the plant will grow.
2. Fill your pot with very well-drained soil to the point where your palm will sit in the pot just slightly below the rim of the pot.
3. Remove your palm from its existing pot carefully, trying not to damage any roots on the plant. Place it upright in the center of the new container.
4. Take more of your soil and place it around the sides of your palm being sure not to leave air pockets. Pack it slightly so your plant will stand up.
5. When filling your container the rest of the way, be sure not to put too much soil on the top of the palm. Leave it at the same height as it was in your previous container, only adding an extra one inch on the top. They do not like to be planted deep. When you water it in, any air pockets in the soil should be filled.
6. Refill areas with soil if needed
Watering Potted Palms
The best time of day to water your potted palm is in the morning or evening when the sun is not intense. As a general rule, water a potted palm tree when the top 1" of soil is dry. In the hot days of summer, this can be about every two or three days, less if it is cooler, and less again in the winter months. If you are unsure if you should water it or not, stick your fingers into the soil. If you feel moisture in the top two inches, wait a few days to water. Palms do enjoy moist soil, but if it is not allowed to dry out on occasion, leaves will droop and begin to rot. If this happens, you need to fix this quickly to avoid the total death of the plant. Cup off the drooping leaves and get the soil to completely dry.
Fertilizing Potted Palms
Like all container plants, potted palms will require fertilizer. Because the soil of a palm has high drainage, using a liquid fertilizer may not be adequate. Liquid fertilizer will work best on palms that have just been transplanted, or if the root mass is not filling the container that it is in. If the root mass is large, the water will run through the pot too quickly. The palm will not have enough time to take up the nutrients. Because of this, we recommend a slow-release fertilizer (such as 8-2-12) sprinkled around the base of the plant under its canopy, following the directions of the fertilizer you purchase. This should be done at the beginning of the growing season (March) and again in the summer months around June. If your growing season is long, you can fertilize again in September. In the months in areas where it gets cold, do not fertilize your palm within two months before your first frost date. You do not need to fertilize in the winter months.
Signs of nutrient deficiencies in palms are the yellowing of old leaves and the yellowing of new leaves. If you see this happening, apply fertilizer.
Pruning Potted Palms
A well-groomed palm can make a patio into a tropical oasis. Large palms in large containers can give an outstanding show. If there are dying branches or brown tips on your plans, trim away spent leaves or branches by cutting them off at the base of the trunk or stem. Be sure your shears are sharp and clean. If the tips of the leaves are brown, take scissors and trim away the brown tips following the shape of the leaf. This will leave it with a nice aesthetic.
Insects and Pests in Potted Palms
Most palms are not susceptible to insect pests. The most common to watch for in container palms are spider mites, mealy bugs, and aphids.
To spot a mealybug, you will notice white powdery patches where the leave branches and the stem connect. Also, the underside of the leaves or where the leaves connect to the stem.
To spot spider mites, check the underside of the leaves. You may notice webbing. If this is visible you have a large infestation of them. If you want to check for spider mites, take a white piece of paper, and place it under the leaf, with your other hand flick the leaf. If there are mites there, some will land on the white paper. If you see movement of these tiny specks on the paper, you have spider mites.
Aphids live on the underside of the leaves. They are thick fleshy small bugs either green or brown. They leave a sticky shiny film on the leaves. If you see these shiny spots, check for aphids.
How To Rid Yourself Of Pests In Palms
To rid yourself of these pests, you can wash your palm with dishwashing soap and water (40:1). After washing them with dish soap and water, you must rinse off your plant after about 15 minutes so you do not clog the pores of the plant. Horticultural oil sprays are very effective as well. They smother the bugs without harming the plant. Read the package directions for this method.
Starting A Palm From Seed
1. Take a flat open tray with or without drainage holes in the bottom.
2. Place a layer of seed starting mix over in the tray about 1 inch deep.
3. Broadcast your seed in the seeding tray. If your seed is very large and very thick, soak the seed in warm water for a few days prior to seeding. This will soften up the seed coat and speed up germination,
4. Cover your seed with a very thin layer of vermiculite.
5. Water your seed with warm water. Do not saturate the soil. Just have it consistently moist.
6. Cover your seed tray with a clear dome or with plastic wrap to keep the moisture in the tray.
7. Place the seed tray on bottom heat or in a warm window. Seed germinates best at 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. Keep checking the seed. Palms take a long time to germinate (up to 6 months) so be patient. 9. When the seeds sprout and the plants are touching the dome, it is time to transplant them into pots
Starting A Palm from Division
Remove the plant from its pot by gently rolling it out of the container. You want to treat the roots carefully. When the pot is removed, loosen any tight, compacted roots with your fingers by gently massaging them.
Look for suckers, or offshoots, from the mother plant that can be separated from the root ball.
Once you find an offshoot that can be removed, take a sharp clean knife, and cut it off making sure you have enough of the root to maintain the piece that you removed.
Repot the offshoots into their own containers with well-drained potting mix and good drainage holes. Water in immediately after potting with clear water.
Place in the same conditions as the mother was in. Fertilize your plants in about one month, after they have had a chance to recover from transplant shock
Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana)
This palm is a very slow-growing variety that has fronds that arch to 3 meters or 7 feet.
The Kentia palm is very popular as a house plant. It grows from a single trunk and can produce very small white flowers that form small green fruits of 1.5". The attractive foliage of this palm will add interest to any patio or garden container in the warm months. It enjoys the full sun, but only when it has matured. Young plants prefer partial shade or dappled shade.
Will grow to 15-60 feet and spread 10-20 feet Suitable for a street tree, patio, ornamental, small tree, or houseplant. Will produce showy white flowers under 1 inch and 1.5-inch egg-shaped fruit that is green maturing to a dull red.
Common Name Kentia Palm, Sentry Palm, Paradise Palm, Thatch Palm
Botantical Name Howea forsteriana
Plant Type Tree Mature Size 15 feet to 60 feet tall, 10 feet to 20 feet wide
Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade, Dappled Shade
Soil Type Well-drained sandy loam
Soil PH slightly acidic 6.1 - 6.5
Bloom Time Late Fall, Early Winter
Flower Color white
Hardiness Zone 9-11
Native Area Australia
How to Grow a Kentia Palm from Seed
The Kentia Palm can be be Started from Seed.
The Kentia Palm can also be Propagated from Divison
Fertilize the Kentia Palm with a slow-release fertilizer in the spring and summer months.
Insects and Diseases for the Kentia palm - Do not water at the base of the plant because that can lead to rotting and death. Soil needs to dry out between watering. Do not let it remain soggy.
The kentia palm does not like drafts. This will cause the leaves to drop. Brown tips on the leaves will result in the air being too dry or if the plant is underwatered. Mist plant to keep it more humid. You may also notice leaf spots if it is overwatered or if there are extreme fluctuations in temperature.
To treat the plant from insect pests such as scales, mealy bugs, and spider mites, read this about Insect and Pests in Potted Palms.
Areca Palm Dypsis lutescens
This palm is a slow to medium-growing variety. Usually purchased in a small pot as a tabletop houseplant, it will grow 6-10 inches per year. Also known as the Bamboo palm, it has arching fronds that resemble bamboo leaves. It can grow to 10 feet as a houseplant. Outdoors, the Areca Palm is susceptible to too much light so keep it out of the full sun or it will become yellow. Place it on a covered porch or in a dappled light area.
Common Name Butterfly Palm, Golden Cane Palm, Bamboo Palm Gold Fruit Palm
Botanical Name Dypsis lutescens
Plant Type Tree
Mature Size to 25 feet, spread 10-20 feet. Houseplants usually 8 feet
Sun Exposure Partial Shade, Shade
Soil Type Moist, Well-drained
How to Grow An Areca Palm From Seed
To grow an Areca Palm from Seed, go to Start ad Palm from Seed
The Areca palm can also be Propagated From Division
Fertilize the Areca Palm regularly in the spring and summer with a liquid fertilizer. Read the package directions. Fertilize less in the fall and winter months.
Insects and Diseases: The Areca Palm is susceptible to pests and diseases if over-fertilized. To treat the plant from insects and disease, read this about Insects and Pests in Potted Palms
Rhapis Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
Also well known as the Lady Palm, this plant will tolerate deep shade. It is slow growing and drought tolerant which makes it very easy to grow. It grows less than 12" per year. Indoors, it can be placed near a door as the cool temperatures do not affect it. Outdoors, you want to place this plant where it gets very little sun. The leaves on this palm are divided into 5-7 segments, making it easy to identify.
Common Name Lady Palm, Broadleaf Palm, Little Lady Palm, Miniature Fan Palm
Botanical Name Rhapis excelsa
Plant Type Broadleaf Evergreen
Mature Size 6-15 feet wide, 6-15 feet tall
Sun Exposure Partial Shade, Deep Shade
Soil Type well drained
Bloom Time Spring
Flower Color yellow
Hardiness Zone 9a-11b
Native Area China and Vietnam
How to Grow a Lady Palm from Seed
To grow a Lady Palm from seed, ceck Start A Palm from Seed.
The Lady Palm can also be Propagated from Division
Fertilize the lady palm in the spring when it starts to grow with a slow-release fertilizer.
Insects and Diseases - The Lady Palm is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs and scale. To treat the plants from insects, read this about Insects and Pests in Potted Palms
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
This palm is a very popular variety of houseplant, as it thrives in indoor conditions very well. Its speading fronds have a drooping form. The Parlor palm does not tolerate drafts and will do excellent in a north or east window. Does not like to be overwatered so let it dry between watering. One of the most common palms, it will grow 2-7 feet in a container. Outside, it should be placed in indirect light or dappled shade. Because of its slow growing habit and smaller size, it is ideal for use as a container plant mixed with other plant in the landscape, or on its own as a decorative focal point.
Common Name Parlour Palm, Dwarf Palm, Bella Palm, Reed Palm
Botanical Name Chamaedorea elegans
Plant Type Shrub
Mature Size 6-7 feet tall, 3 feet wide
Sun Exposure Indirect Light
Soil Type Well drained
Bloom Time after a few years of growth
Flower Color Gold to Red
Hardiness Zone 10a-12b (USDA)
Native Area Central America
How to Grow A Parlor Palm From Seed
To grow a Parlor Palm from Seed, read Start a Palm from Seed
The parlor palm can be propagated from division but it is not recommended with this variety as it will be too stressful on the roots. The success rate is low
Fertilize the Parlor Palm twice during the growing season, and not at all during the winter months.
Insects and Diseases for the Parlor Palm include red spider mites and mealy bugs. To treat the plant from insects and diseases, read this about Insects and Pests in Potted Palms
Majesty Palm Ravenea rivularis
One of the most popular of the palms for containers, the majesty palm has majestic fronds that arch gracefully out from the center. It is a fast-growing palm that can grow up to 12" in one year. It likes bright light but not full sun. The Majesty Palm can be temperamental at times if not given enough light, consistent moisture, and humidity. Misting the palm helps with the humidity. Possibly not the best choice for a beginner, but well worth learning to grow for its beauty.
Common Name Majesty Palm, Majestic Palm
Botanical Name Ravenea rivularis
Plant Type tree
Mature Size 10 - 100 feet high 6-20 feet wide
Sun Exposure partial sun
Soil Type well-drained, moist
Hardiness Zone 10-11 USDA
Native Area Africa
How To Grow A Majesty Palm From Seed
Homegrowers' access to seeds is very limited. Seed is available for commercial production.
The Majesty Palm can be Propagated from Division.
Fertilize the majesty Palm with a slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season. Read
package instructions for quantity.
Insects and Diseases for the Majesty Palm include aphids, mealy bugs, spider mites, and whitefly. To
treat the plants from Insects and diseases read this about Insects and Pests in Potted Plants
Sago Palm
(Cycas revoluta)
This Cycad is known for its elegant leather-like foliage. Cycads grow from the trunk and do not branch
out like a regular palm. It also produces a nut, not a fruit. It is extremely slow growing only producing
one new frond each year and takes years to grow 1" in diameter. The Sago palm will grow a maximum of
10 feet in 50 years. The Sago palm is popular as a bonsai. There is little maintenance required with this
plant and is drought tolerant when established. It likes humidity and bright indirect light. This plant is
toxic to humans
Common Name Sago Palm, King Sago, Cycad, Japanese Sago Palm
Botanical Name Cycan revoluta
Plant Type Cycad
Mature Size 3-10 feet height, 3-10 feet wide
Sun Exposure bright indirect light
Soil Type well drained
Bloom Time fall - not a bloom but a cone like a coniferous tree
How To Grow A Sago Palm from Seed
To grow a Sago palm from seed, read Start a Palm from Seed.
The Sago Palm can also be Propagated from Division, It is they most typical technique
Fertilize the Sago Palm during the summer months with a liquid fertilizer monthly, or with a slow
release 2-3 times throughout the growing season.
Insects and Pests on Sago palm include Aphids, Scales, Whitefly and Mealybug. To treat the plants from these insect pests, read this about Insects and Pests in Potted Palm.
