29 Types of Outdoor Palm Plants (With Pictures)

Human beings have a deep-rooted desire to flourish like a palm tree in various aspects of life. Thus palm trees are always attractive to human eyes. There is another important reason for humans loving palm trees is the fact that humans and most palm trees love a warm climate.

Do you know that there are over 2600 palm species around the globe? And, these species are so diverse. Some are short, others are tall. Some grow in humid conditions, others like tropical weather conditions, and some even love cold weather too. But, we will be zooming into 29 types of outdoor palm plants here.

We will find out how to identify them, their climate preferences, how to grow and take care of them, interesting facts, and even their uses.

Table of contents

Can You Put Palm Plants Outdoors?

If you want to hear a yes, then it is a big yes! But! There are a few things you must take into consideration before growing palm plants outdoors. Here is a clear checklist for you:

  • Climate conditions must be favorable (Soil, water, temperature, light)
  • Choose slow-growing palm plants if you want to grow them in pots so they can stay indoors for closer months.
  • If you want them inside during colder months, check the species’ low light and humidity tolerance. (See 12 Palm Trees that Can Survive in the Cold Weather.)
  • Pick only those species that work well in pots throughout their life.

How Does Location Matter?

Not every species can grow everywhere and the reason is obvious. Environmental factors influence the growth of plant life. The same is the case with palm trees. There are diverse species based on their physical attributes and their environmental requirements such as water, air, sunlight, temperature, humid or dry conditions, rainfall, etc.

So, the palm species that prefer hot and dry conditions like desert areas, will not be able to fit well into tropical regions or they will simply die in colder regions, and vice versa.

How to Care for Palm Plants Outdoors?

The first thing is the location factor as mentioned above. You can only do proper care of the palm plants around you by knowing their requirements and tolerance level. And, for this, you must identify the species first.

If you know the species, you can check how much sun’s heat and light they like, how much water/rainfall is important for their survival, how much moisture, type of soil they can grow well in (minerals proportion, salt, fertilization), and temperature for that matter.

29 Types of Outdoor Palm Plants

1. Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus Fortunei)

Giant trees in their native region

Physical Attributes

  • Fan Shaped Leaves
  • Long Slender Trunks
  • Their trunks are covered with brownish fibers

Native Region

  • Mountain forests of China (Asia)

USDA Hardiness

  • Zone 8a – 11

Nourishment Requirements

  • Partial shade, but can tolerate full sun
  • Soil: fertile and well-drained (pH 5.5 – 7.5)
  • Low water needs (moist soil not soggy)
  • Rare pruning requirements

Can be Potted?

Yes! They usually grow 7 – 8 inches high per year in a pot so, one can easily grow them in containers. They are giant trees in their native region, but windmill palm is a highly adaptive palm so it can adapt to the temperature, potting soil, and indoor environments quickly. 

Uses

  • Do you know the fibers that cover the trunk can be used as accessories? They can be converted into rugs, mats, ropes, brushes, and brooms.
  • The inner layer can be used as fuel to make various items such as cups, bottles, etc.
  • The leaves are also used in small villages for thatching roofs or adding an extra layer of protection on roofs during the rainy season.

Interesting Facts

  • They are drought tolerant
  • They need protection from harsh winds as they can shred the leaves of the plant
  • It’s non-toxic to both dogs and cats
  • It can survive temperatures up to -15℃ for a short period.

Read our related post “How Much Does an Outdoor Palm Tree Cost?” here.

2. Silver Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens)

Slow growing palms

Physical Attributes

  • They have silver-greenish fan-shaped leaves
  • Saw like sharp teeth on leaf stems
  • They grow yellowish-white fragrant flowers during spring that are highly attractive to honey bees.
  • Their stems grow horizontally along with the ground

Native Region

  • Florida, Southeastern U.S.

USDA Hardiness

  • Zone 7 – 11

Nourishment Requirements

  • They prefer the sun but can tolerate shade.
  • Soil: dry, sandy, and well-drained (bi-annual fertilization recommended)
  • Very low water needs (dry soil, and occasionally moist)
  • No pruning requirements

Can be Potted?

Yes! One can easily grow them in containers/flowering pots because they are slow-growing palms and easy to maintain in pots. Their approximate size in native regions is 6ft X 8ft, but they grow very slowly in pots as slowly as less than one inch per year. Make sure you provide them with enough light.

Uses

  • The plant and its fruit extract are used in alternative medicine to treat a wide range of health issues.
  • Can be used for garden decor, indoor decor, or to withstand animals such as deer or raccoons.

Interesting Facts

  • They can tolerate salty conditions.
  • They can tolerate drought too once they have grown big enough
  • They can tolerate cold temperatures too

3. Needle Palm (Rhapidophyllum Hystrix)

Slow growing Perennial Shrub

Physical Attributes

It’s a slow-growing perennial Shrub without any visible trunk. The base is well hidden under the fiber husk and sharp needle-like spines that grow on it. It keeps the plant safe from tough winter conditions. The stems are slender while the leaves are palmate (heavily segmented) and dark green.

Native Region

  • Southeastern U.S. (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina)

USDA Hardiness

  • Zone 5b – 11

Nourishment Requirements

  • Can tolerate full sun to full shade, but full sun is preferred
  • Soil: fertile, organically rich, and well-drained.
  • Fertilization is recommended in warmer months (Summer/Spring) for quick growth.
  • Average water needs.
  • Average pruning requirements

Can be Potted?

Yes! One can easily grow them in containers, approximately 10″ – 15″ in diameter and a 10″ deep container/flowering pot is a good size.

Uses

  • It is a natural dehumidifier indoors.
  • It helps in indoor air purification, especially carbon monoxide.

Interesting Facts

  • They can tolerate drought as well as wet soil.
  • It is the most cold hardy species around the globe and can tolerate up to -20℃.

4. Dwarf Palmetto Palm (Sabal minor)

A fan shaped small shrub

Physical Attributes

  • A fan-shaped small shrub
  • The leaves are divided into narrow segments and are dark greenish in color.
  • They grow strongly fragrant white flowers in spring ultimately becoming dark brownish fruit.

Native Region

  • Southern United States

USDA Hardiness

  • Zone 8 – 11

Nourishment Requirements

  • It can develop well in warmer climates
  • Sun: Partial shade, but can tolerate full sun
  • Soil: fertile rich in magnesium and manganese plus well-drained
  • little palms need more water than an established plant (Keep soil moist not Soggy)
  • Average pruning requirements

Can be Potted?

Yes! One can easily grow them in containers as they are slow growing and might only grow 3ft long throughout their life.

Uses

  • The plant’s extracts have been used in ancient times for treating various ailments. It is still used in some herbal medicines.
  • A graceful addition to gardens and backyards.

Interesting Facts

  • They can tolerate salty conditions.
  • They can tolerate drought too once they have established.
  • They are evergreen palms and can withstand extremely cold conditions for a short time.

5. Lady Palm (Rhapis Excelsa)

A small palm species

Physical Attributes

  • Lady palm is again a small palm species, also known as miniature fan palm.
  • They have dark green fan-shaped leaves which are usually divided into 5 plus broad segments making an appealing flat hand with fingers. Maybe, this is why it is “Lady Palm”
  • Their stems are slender and attached to the base of the plant while the base is well-covered with brownish fibers.

Native Region

  • China (Asia)

USDA Hardiness

  • Zone 9 – 11

Nourishment Requirements

  • Partial shade or full shade, full sun can burn the plant.
  • Soil: Loamy and well-drained (pH 5.5 – 7.5)
  • Average watering needs. Water them when the top inch of the soil is dry.
  • Rare pruning requirements

Can be Potted?

Yes! They usually grow around 1 ft taller within a year in a pot so, one can easily grow them in containers. They are extremely tolerant to low-light conditions and thus grow well indoors.

Uses

  • This plant is a natural air purifier that can remove formaldehyde, ammonia, carbon dioxide, and other toxins that harm human health.

Interesting Facts

  • These plants are not easily available thus they are a bit pricey.
  • It can thrive on less water and can life a healthy life above 60℉ indoors.

6. Bismarck Palm (Bismarckia Nobilis)

Most glamorous palms

Physical Attributes

  • Among the most glamorous palms, this is one amazing landscape tree.
  • It can grow up to 60 feet tall and 15- 20 feet wide, so it will be a strong tree eventually.
  • It has a breathtaking strong truck wonderfully patterned along with a symmetrical crown made up of firm fan-shaped leaves.
  • The leaves are usually silver-greenish or olive-greenish in color.

Native Region

  • Madagascar

USDA Hardiness

  • Zone 10, 11

Nourishment Requirements

  • Prefers full sun, but can tolerate partial shade as well.
  • Soil: Sandy, loamy, and well-drained
  • watering a new plant is critical or it can die.

Can be Potted?

Certainly not for a longer time. They cannot stay in pots for long as they must go to ground because ultimately they have to grow into majestic trees.

Uses

  • Its mesmerizing appearance always adds to the beauty of the landscape.

Interesting Facts

  • It’s drought tolerant, once established.
  • They grow around 2ft tall per year.

7. Chinese Fan Palm (Livistona chinensis)

A full grown Chinese fan palm

Physical Attributes

  • It is also known as the fountain palm.
  • A full-grown Chinese fan palm has a strong trunk and a beautiful crown.
  • The leaves are fan shapes, usually light to dark greenish in color.

Native Region

  • Asia

USDA Hardiness

  • Zone 9 – 11

Nourishment Requirements

  • Full sun to partial sun
  • Soil: Well-drained, sandy and loamy
  • Average water needs (2-3 times/week)
  • Soil should be less moist, but never soggy.

Can be Potted?

You will need a large-sized pot to enjoy its growth for a few years in that pot, then based on its growth you will have to re-pot it into a larger one. Average indoor temperature should be around 25℃

Uses

  • The plant’s extract has been used in alternative medicine to cure various ailments.

Interesting Facts

  • They usually grow around 7-8 inches per year.
  • They have a lifespan of 40 years.
  • They are drought-tolerant and adaptable pants.

8. Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera)

Coconut Palm with a long, somewhat curved trunk, fanning out large leaves

Physical Attributes

When we think of a palm tree, we usually imagine a coconut palm tree. With a long, somewhat curved trunk, fanning out large leaves which are divided into several segments, and coconuts shining bright, this is what a coconut palm looks like.

It loves warm, humid regions, and sandy soils to grow well.

Native Region

  • Tropical regions

USDA Hardiness

  • Zone 10 – 12

Nourishment Requirements

  • They love full sun. (minimum 6 hours of direct sun and artificial light in colder months)
  • Soil: fertile and well-drained palm soil mix
  • Regular watering needs, but the soil should be moist, not soggy
  • Pruning requirement for dying leaves

Can be Potted?

Yes! You can, but you need at least 10 gallons of the pot to let it grow for a few years. After that, you will have to re-pot it into a bigger one.

Uses

  • Coconut fruit can be used as food, drink, beauty, cosmetics, health, and as a part of various Hindu rituals.
  • There are so many medicinal uses for the plant.

Interesting Facts

  • It can live up to 100 years in the wild.
  • One coconut palm can have up to 180 coconuts.

9. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)

Beautiful green leafy ponytails

Physical Attributes

The base of the palm is usually bigger dome shaped which gets thinner as it goes up and you can see several beautiful leaves form beautiful green leafy ponytails from the top of the stem

Native Region

  • Southeastern Mexico, Belize (Semi-desert areas)

USDA Hardiness

  • Zone 9

Nourishment Requirements

  • Ponytail like full sun, so avoid shade
  • Soil: fertile and well-drained
  • Average water needs (Once the soil is 2-3 inches dry, water it again )
  • Pruning requirements for dying or dead leaves

Can be Potted?

Yes! But choose a pot that is only 2-3 inches wide around the base of the palm.

Uses

  • It is among the best air-purifying plants

Interesting Facts

  • It can live up to 100 years.
  • It can tolerate 15℉ for a short period

10. Royal Palm (Roystonea regia)

Tree crown has graceful dark greenish leaves.

Physical Attributes

  • It has a very tall and sturdy trunk, usually greyish silver in color.
  • The tree crown has graceful dark-greenish leaves.

Native Region(s)

  • Florida (USA), Mexico, Bahamas, Belize, Cuba, Cayman Islands, Honduras

USDA Hardiness

  • Zone 10A and 10B

Nourishment Requirements

  • Loves full sun, but can tolerate partial shade too
  • Soil: fertile and well-drained
  • Fertilization recommended
  • Average water needs (Soil should be moist, not soggy)
  • Rare pruning requirements

Can be Potted?

Yes! And you can start with a 10-inch pot.

Uses

  • The seed of the palm is a source of oil
  • The wood is used in construction and fuel
  • the leaves help with thatching

Interesting Facts

  • Its cold hardy range is about 28℉

11. Paurotis Palm (Acoelorrhaphe wrightii)

Eye catching fan shaped leaves

Physical Attributes

  • It has eye-catching fan-shaped leaves that are usually light-greenish from the front side and grey-silverish from the back.
  • The leaf stalks have mini thorns so touch them carefully.
  • The stems are long and sender.

Native Region(s)

  • South Florida, Mexico, Central America, West Indies

USDA Hardiness

  • Zone 9B – 11

Nourishment Requirements

  • They like full sun
  • Soil: Loamy and well-drained
  • Average water needs (Moist soils not soggy)
  • Average pruning requirements

Can be Potted?

Yes! One can grow them in pots. A pot with a 15” to 20” diameter and 10” deep is enough for starting. You will have to re-pot it after a few years to promote healthy growth.

Uses

  • A graceful addition to the landscape

Interesting Facts

  • They can tolerate around 25℉.
  • They are moderately tolerant to salty environments.

12. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Areca palm is also known as the butterfly palm

Physical Attributes

  • The Areca palm is also known as the butterfly palm because of its leaves spreading like butterfly wings.
  • The trunk of the plant is usually small in size especially when grown in pots.
  • The leaves are dark greenish to yellowish-greenish and grow neatly in compact clusters.

Native Region

  • Madagascar

USDA Hardiness

  • Zone 10 – 11

Nourishment Requirements

  • They like bright sunlight and can tolerate the full sun.
  • Soil: slightly acidic and well-drained
  • Average water needs (Moist soils not soggy)
  • Rare pruning requirements

Can be Potted?

Yes! One can grow them in pots. They need well-draining soil and the optimal indoor temperature is between 65℉ to 75℉ (18℃ – 24℃). Also, keep the plant away from cold.

Uses

  • It adds to the beauty of your landscape/indoor space.
  • It is a great air purifier
  • It also greatly increases the amount of oxygen in the air.

Interesting Facts

  • It has been among the endangered species.
  • It cannot tolerate chilled air.

13. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

Bamboo Palm have multi trunk

Physical Attributes

  • They have multi-trunk and they grow in clusters.
  • They have dark greenish fronds.

Native Region

  • Central America

USDA Hardiness

  • Zone 10 – 11

Nourishment Requirements

  • They prefer partial shade, hot sun can burn the plant
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Regular water needs (Moist soils not soggy)
  • Fertilization recommended for healthy growth

Can be Potted?

Yes! One can grow them in pots. It is recommended to re-pot them in bigger pots once you take them home from the plant nursery. Choose a pot that is at least 5cm – 6cm wider than the original one.

Uses

  • It can be a great air purifier indoors
  • It greatly enhances the grace of indoor setups, balconies, or verandas.

Interesting Facts

  • The bamboo palm is sensitive to both overwatering and underwatering.
  • They prefer extra humid environments and cannot tolerate cold.
  • They are susceptible to pests and diseases thus they need extra care.

Read our guide: What Is Growing Out of My Palm Tree? (7 Possibilities)

14. European Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis)

Shrub like small tree

Physical Attributes

  • It is a shrub-like small tree that has several stems originating from a single base.
  • The leaves are usually greenish-silver and fan-shaped.

Native Region

  •  Europe

USDA Hardiness

  •  Zone 8 – 11

Nourishment Requirements

  • Prefers full sun but is adaptable to low-light conditions as well
  • Soil: rich, moist, and well-drained
  • Average water needs (Moist soils not soggy)
  • It is recommended to allow the soil to dry before watering them again.
  • Fertilization is recommended during spring and summer.

Can be Potted?

Yes! One can grow them in pots. The average height of the palm is 4ft tall and it can spread up to 3ft wide, but the growth is usually slow in pots thus it will take several years to reach max height.

Uses

  • This tropical beauty adds to the grace of your space.
  • It produces edible fruit.

Interesting Facts

  • It is tolerant to drought and salty conditions.
  • It can survive temperatures around -12℃ (10℉) for a short period.
  • It is a tough plant that can handle windy conditions too.

15. Pindo Palm (Butia Capitata)

This palm tree has feathery leaves

Physical Attributes

  • Pindu palm has a strong and sturdy trunk.
  • It has greenish-to-greyish leaves that are wonderfully arched towards the trunk.
  • Each leaf is divided into 20 – 65 pairs of leaflets.
  • During the Summer season, one can see fruity fragranced flowers on the tree.

Native Region(s)

  •  Southern Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina

USDA Hardiness

  •  Zone 9 – 11

Nourishment Requirements

  • They like full sun and partial shade
  • Soil: Loamy, sandy, and well-drained
  • Average water needs (Moist soils not soggy)

Can be Potted?

Yes! One can grow them in pots as they grow very slowly in pots.

Uses

  • Their fruits are edible and can also be used to make fruity products such as jams and jellies.
  • The fruit can also be fermented into wine.
  • It adds to the landscape’s beauty as well as indoor grace.

Interesting Facts

  • They can grow up to 20 ft tall and 15 ft wide.
  • This attractive palm can withstand -10℃ (14℉)

16. Sentry Palm (Howea Belmoreana)

Feather type palm with green fronds

Physical Attributes

It is a feather-type palm with green fronds that are aching towards the trunk. It is also known as curly palm.

Native Region

  •  Lord Howe Island, Australia

USDA Hardiness

  • Zone 9 – 11

Nourishment Requirements

  • Partial sun
  • Soil: Loamy, sandy, and well-drained soil
  • It prefers acidic soils
  • Average water needs (Moist soils not soggy)
  • Regular fertilization recommended
  • Average pruning requirements

Can be Potted?

Yes! One can grow them in pots as it is a very slow-growing plant.

Uses

  • It is a wonderful air purifier
  • It adds to the beauty whether outdoors or indoors

Interesting Facts

  • It can withstand cold up to 55℉
  • This palm doesn’t like repotting so, one has to be extra careful of the roots.

17. Pygmy Date Palm (Phoenix Roebelenii)

Pygmy Date Palm has a single strong trunk

Physical Attributes

  • It has a single strong trunk.
  • The palm produces heartwarming green fronds with several delicate leaflets on each.
  • The fronds ached towards the truck making it eye-catching.

Native Region

  • Subtropical areas of Southeastern Asia

USDA Hardiness

  • Zone 9b – 11

Nourishment Requirements

  • It prefers full sun but is adaptive to partial sun
  • Soil: Loamy, chalky, sandy, and well-drained
  • Average water needs (Moist soils not soggy)

Can be Potted?

Yes! One can grow them in pots as they are slow-growing and small-sized palms. Its maximum height is 10ft in ideal conditions.

Uses

  • It also serves the purpose of an air purifier
  • It adds to the beauty whether outdoors or indoors
  • The fruits of this palm are edible.

Interesting Facts

  • It can withstand cold up to 26℉ (-3℃)

18. California Fan Palm (Washingtonia Filifera)

Palm is that its dead trees dont fall off

Physical Attributes

  • A wonderful tree palm with a single, strong, and sturdy trunk.
  • The tree crown has greyish-greenish fan-shaped fronds.
  • The unique thing about this palm is that its dead trees don’t fall off, instead, they fold down along with the trunk. This makes its appearance more appealing to the eyes.

Native Region

  • Western U.S.

USDA Hardiness

  • Zone 8 – 11

Nourishment Requirements

  • It prefers full sun but can grow in partial shade too.
  • Soil: loamy and well-drained
  • Average water needs (drought tolerant)
  • No pruning requirements

Can be Potted?

Yes! They usually grow well in large-sized pots as the roots want to stay loose in the soil, but the plant must be planted in the ground once it stops growing in the pot/container.

Uses

  • It provides us with edible sweet fruit known as dates.
  • Leaves and other parts of the plant are also used in shoemaking, baskets, and roof thatching.

Interesting Facts

  • It grows up to 50ft – 60ft tall and around 15 ft to 20 ft wide in its natural habitat or when the environment is favorable.
  • It can tolerate low temperatures of up to -5℃ (23℉) for a short time.

19. Sylvester Date Palm (Phoenix Sylvestris)

Elegantly patterned trunk

Physical Attributes

It has an elegantly patterned trunk and a crown that is made up of classic fan-shaped palm fronds.

Native Region

  • India and Southern parts of Pakistan

USDA Hardiness

  • Zone 8b – 11

Nourishment Requirements

  • Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil: fertile and well-drained
  • Average water needs (moist soils not soggy)
  • Average pruning requirements for a neat look

Can be Potted?

Yes! It can stay in a large container for some time but it is a fast-growing tree so it has to go to the ground to grow fully.

Uses

  • The palm provides us with delicious edible fruit.
  • The fruit is also used to make food items such as jellies.
  • The sap of the palm is used to ferment it into a drink named “toddy” in India.

Interesting Facts

  • It is also known as sugar date palm, toddy palm, silver date palm, or wild date palm.
  • It can withstand temperatures down to 15F for a short time.

20. Miniature Chusan Palm (Trachycarpus wagnerianus)

Wagnerianus palm tree

Physical Attributes

  • It has a trunk that is well-covered with brownish fibers.
  • The stems are slender with fan-shaped leaves that are further divided into several segments.

Native Region

  •  Central and Eastern China

USDA Hardiness

  • Zone 8a – 10b

Nourishment Requirements

  • Partial shade in dry and hot regions.
  • Soil: fertile, light, and well-drained (pH 5.0 – 7.0)
  • Average water needs (moist soil)
  • Fertilization: Twice a year

Can be Potted?

Yes! They are slow-growing plants in their early 4-5 years so they can stay in large pots for a long time. Ultimately they have to be planted in pots otherwise they won’t grow taller than 8ft.

Uses

  • Perfect addition to landscapes and/or indoor setups.

Interesting Facts

  • It can grow 25ft – 30ft tall and 5ft – 8ft wide as it falls into the small palm tree category.
  • It is wind tolerant.

21. Triangle Palm (Dypsis decaryi)

Physical Attributes

This beautiful palm is on the list of vulnerable palm trees. It has a sturdy trunk and a beautiful crown of pinnate leaves. The leaves are arched and greenish-blue to greyish-greenish in color. The name triangle explains the triangular shape that can be seen on the trunk from where fronds grow. It is a flowering palm that grows yellowish-greenish flowers in the spring season which later become fruit.

Native Region

  • Madagascar Rainforest

USDA Hardiness: 10 – 13

Nourishment Requirements

  • Full sun, but can tolerate partial shade
  • Sandy, loamy, and well-drained soil is required (slightly acidic to alkaline)
  • Average to low water needs (moist soil, never soggy)
  • Nearly no pruning is required.

Can be potted?

Yes, they can be potted. They require proper sunlight, a good watering schedule (never overwatering), well-drained soil, fertilization as per requirement, and a large pot so that roots can grow well.

Uses

  • A classy palm plant adds to the beauty of the space.
  • The fronds are also used for thatching roofs.

Interesting Facts

  • Triangle palm is an endangered species in its native region. Only around 1000 of these palms are left in southern Madagascar.
  • They are drought-tolerant once established.

22. Florida Silver Palm (Coccothrinax argentata)

Coccothrinax argentata

Physical Attributes

  • It has a smooth and sturdy trunk while the crown has silvery green, fan-shaped leaves.
  • It grows creamy white, fragrant flowers that turn into purplish-black fruit in early fall.

Native Region(s)

  •  South Florida, Mexico, Colombia, and West Indies

USDA Hardiness

  • Zone 10 – 11

Nourishment Requirements

  • Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil: Sandy, loamy, and well-drained
  • Average water needs (Don’t overwater, no soggy soil, only moist)
  • Rare pruning requirements

Can be Potted?

Yes! They usually grow slowly in pots thus they can be potted and placed indoors. Usually, it grows around 6 inches per year.

Uses

  • The fruit is a source of food for birds and insects.
  • It adds to the indoor beauty, garden attraction, balcony grace, and/or veranda.

Interesting Facts

  • It can tolerate drought and salty winds.

23. Key Thatch Palm (Leucothrinax morrisii)

Thrinax morrisii
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Physical Attributes

It has a strong and smooth trunk and a crown filled with fan-shaped fronds which are divided into several segments. The bark is usually grey while the leaves are dark-greenish from the top and blueish-grey from underneath.

In the spring season, you can see whitish flowers on the tree.

Native Region(s)

  •  Florida Keys, the Bahamas, Cuba, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Navassa Island, Anguilla, and Barbuda

USDA Hardiness

  • Zone 10 – 11

Nourishment Requirements

  • Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil: fertile, sandy, loamy, and well-drained (pH slightly acidic to alkaline)
  • Average water needs

Can be Potted?

Yes, they can be potted for the early years of their life, but to grow fully they need to be planted in the ground. They are slow-growing palms so they can stay in containers for a few years.

Uses

  • It can be a perfect addition to the landscape’s beauty.

Interesting Facts

  • This is an endangered species.
  • It is a drought-tolerant palm.
  • It has excellent tolerance to salty conditions.
  • It can also tolerate freezing temperatures for a short period.

24. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea Elegans)

Most popular indoor plants

Physical Attributes

  • The parlor palm comprises majestic greenish fronds that are deep greenish to light green in color.
  • The stems are usually bright green and arching.
  • They produce fruit, but they are inedible.

Native Region(s)

  •  Rainforests of southeastern Mexico and northern Guatemala

USDA Hardiness

  • Zone 10 – 12

Nourishment Requirements

  • Partial shade to full shade and bright, indirect light for indoors
  • Soil: rich, fertile, and well-drained (acidic to neutral)
  • Average water needs (moist soil never soggy)

Can be Potted?

Yes! It’s among the most popular indoor plants. It grows only 3-6 ft tall and 2-3 ft wide in indoor containers.

Uses

  • It is among the top air-cleaning plants. It removes toxins, formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide, and other air pollutants.
  • It also increases the amount of oxygen in the air.
  • Undoubtedly, it adds to the grace of space.
  • Fertilization recommended

Interesting Facts

  • The plant needs extra care or it can die so, no overwatering or full sun, or too much exposure to light.
  • The plant doesn’t like its roots to be disturbed so repotting it frequently might kill the plant.
  • The temperature for its optimal growth should be between 15°C and 27°C (59°F – 80°F)

25. Jelly Palm

Jelly palm
JimmyButler, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Physical Attributes

  • A graceful tree which has a beautifully patterned, sturdy trunk while the crown of this palm tree has feathery leaves that are arched towards the trunk.
  • The leaves are usually bluish-green to grayish-green in color.
  • It grows sweet and delicious yellowish-orange fruit in the late summer season.

Native Region(s)

  • Uruguay, Brazil, and Argentina

USDA Hardiness

  • Zone 9 – 11

Nourishment Requirements

  • Partial shade to full sun
  • Soil: clay, sandy, and well-drained
  • Average water needs (Moist never soggy)
    Overwatering can rot its roots

Can be Potted?

Yes! They are slow-growing plants thus they can be kept in pots, but to let them grow to their maximum height, they must be planted in the ground.

Uses

  • Jelly palm produces edible fruit that is used in making jellies.
  • It helps in treating some eye diseases as well as skin diseases.
  • Perfect addition to landscapes and/or indoor setups

Interesting Facts

  • Jelly palms are salt, heat, and drought tolerant.
  • They can grow up to 20ft tall and 12-15ft wide.
  • It can withstand colder temperatures up to -10 C (14 F).

26. Majestic Palm (Ravenea Rivularis)

Olive greenish feathery fronds

Physical Attributes

  • Olive-greenish feathery fronds
  • The fronds originate from the trunk and the base is usually swollen.

Native Region

  • Madagascar

USDA Hardiness

  •  Zone 10 – 11

Nourishment Requirements

  • Partial shade or a bright spot indoors. (Don’t expose it to full sun)
  • Soil: fertile and well-drained (pH 5.0)
  • Regular water needs (Keep the soil moist)
  • It prefers high humidity but can endure normal indoor humidity.

Can be Potted?

Yes! They are slow-growing palms and gain a maximum of 1 ft height in a year.

Uses

  • It removes toxins and other harmful pollutants from the air.
  • It adds to the landscape’s beauty

Interesting Facts

  • In its natural habitat, it can grow as tall as 80ft. while indoors, it grows slowly and reaches a maximum of 8-10 ft. height.
  • Non-toxic to both humans and pets.

27. Lipstick Palm (Cyrtostachys Renda)

Lipstick Palm has vivid red trunk and crown shaft

Physical Attributes

It is also known as red sealing wax palm because of the vivid red trunk and crown shaft while the pinnate leaves are dark greenish. In the summer season, it grows greenish-white flowers which ultimately become blackish fruit. The fruit is not edible though.

Native Region(s)

  • Rainforests of the Malaysian peninsula, Indonesia, Borneo, and Southern Thailand.

USDA Hardiness

  •  Zone 10b – 11

Nourishment Requirements

  • Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil: loamy, fertile, and well-drained (acidic to neutral)
  • Regular water needs (keep the soil moist, not soggy)

Can be Potted?

Yes! But you must choose a container that is deep and wide so that the roots can grow easily. It can grow up to 35 ft tall in its natural environment.

Uses

  • Incredibly beautiful palm, adds to the grace of landscapes
  • It also purifies the air.

Interesting Facts

  • This palm loves warmer temperatures between 24-29℃ (75-85 ℉)
  • It is also known as a luck-bringing plant.

28. Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana)

Typical palm shaped fronds

Physical Attributes

  • It has typical palm-shaped fronds arching towards the trunk. The dark green leaflets are usually 10 – 18 inches long.

Native Region

  •  Lord Howe’s Island

USDA Hardiness

  • Zone 9 – 11

Nourishment Requirements

  • Partial shade or indirect bright light. (too much light or heat can damage the plant)
  • Soil: fertile, sandy, and well-drained
  • Average water needs (slightly moist)
  • A slow-release fertilizer is recommended once a year.

Can be Potted?

Yes, It is among the most common indoor plants, but it requires attention and care to thrive. It is a slow-growing palm and can grow up to 12 ft tall in pots.

Uses

  • A natural and eye-catching air purifier especially for indoors.

Interesting Facts

  • It can grow up to 4-ft tall in the wild.
  • Insects and mites may attack the plant placed indoors so one must be watchful.

29. Chestnut Dioon (Dioon edule)

chestnut dioon edule

Physical Attributes

  • It has a short and thick trunk, but the leaves are long and feather-like.
  • The pinnate leaves are divided into 100 – 160 narrow leaflets and they are greenish-blue in color.
  • Cones appear on both male and female plants.

Native Region

  • Mexico

USDA Hardiness

  •  Zone 9 – 11

Nourishment Requirements

  • Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil: Sandy, fertile and well-drained
  • Average water needs

Can be Potted?

Yes! They are slow-growing plants and can reach up to 8ft tall in pots.

Uses

  • The seeds are edible, once cooked. They are also used to treat
  • The stem is a source of Mexican arrowroot.

Interesting Facts

  • It can tolerate temperatures up to -12C (10F), but for a very short period only.
  • It can tolerate drought and salty conditions.
  • This palm is older than even dinosaurs and it can live a longer life of around a thousand years.

Related Palm Plants Questions

Do Outdoor Palm Plants Need Full Sun?

It depends on the species. Some species love full bright sunny environments for longer hours, while others prefer partial shade. Some species like humid environments, but never bright sun.

Can You Grow a Palm Plant in a Pot?

Yes! Some palm species can stay in pots throughout their life and they won’t grow as tall as they can grow in the wild. Some species can enjoy healthy growth in pots for years before they should be planted in the ground while others must be planted in the ground for proper growth.

Read our related post “How Tall Do Palm Trees Grow?” here.

What Soil is Best for Palm Plants?

Most palm plants like fertile, sandy, loamy, and well-drained soil. The palm species like slightly acidic soil, but neutral pH can work fine too.

Do You Need to Water Your Outdoor Palm Plants?

Most palm plants like moist soil so, there is a need to water the outdoor palms. Before watering your palm plants, check if 1-2 inch top soil is dry. Usually, once a week watering is a good frequency. If you live in a region where there is plenty of rainfall you might not need to water your palms.

Final Thoughts

Palm plants are full of beauty and benefits, and most of them are easy to care for in indoor spaces as well as outdoors. If you like greenery around you in your space, palms are a must. This list will surely help you to find the best palm for you.

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