How to Grow Palms

Palms are typically slow growers. Indoors, they need bright, indirect light such as a south- or west-facing window. Even though palms derive from tropical regions, when growing them outdoors, many of them, particularly if also grown as a houseplant, benefit from a partially shaded spot. Others can handle the full sun. Check the growing conditions for your palm.

Palms require fertile, well-drained soil.  For indoor plants, select a container with drainage holes and use a well-draining, general-purpose potting mix or a mix specifically labeled for tropical plants or for cactus, palms, and citrus. When repotting a palm, select a container that is no more than two sizes larger than its current container. 

Keep potting mix evenly moist but not wet or soggy. Palms also like humidity so areas of your home that have higher humidity levels, such as a bathroom, can be beneficial. Or place the container on a pebble tray. Add water to the tray without the water reaching the bottom of the container; the container needs to sit on the pebbles.

When planting outdoors, the hole size needs to be about 6 inches larger in diameter than the root ball. Avoid planting too deep. Plant at the same depth as when field grown or slightly deeper than container grown. Refill holes with the removed soil. Do not amend soil. Water thoroughly.

Fertilizing

• A general-purpose houseplant fertilizer can be used a couple of times each year during the growing season, March to September. Or use organic palm tree fertilizer. Follow the label directions. If you wish the plant to grow more quickly, fertilize more often, always following label directions to avoid overfertilization. Cease fertilization during the fall and winter months.
• For those in the landscape, begin fertilization three to four months after planting. Use a balanced, specialty palm fertilizer and follow label directions.

Controlling Pests, Diseases, and Other Problems

• Spider mites, scale, and mealy bugs can be problems. Giving your indoor plant plenty of bright, indirect light and a higher humidity level helps. Washing off the foliage can help remove mites. Because palms grow larger than most other houseplants, mix water and a mild soap spray, such as 1 teaspoon mild liquid soap in 4 cups of water. Spray onto the foliage. Remove mealybugs and scale by swiping a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol on the affected area. 

• Like most other indoor plants, palms enjoy a summer vacation outdoors. Move to a shady, protected location to help them acclimate and then keep them in a shady location, so they do not sunburn.
• On houseplants, remove any old fronds that have started to yellow or turn brown. Otherwise, palms do not require pruning. On outdoor plants, some are self-cleaning and do not need pruning. Check with your garden center for guidelines based on your type of palm.
• Mist often to add humidity and to help prevent spider mites.