Although there are some types of palm trees that are particularly suitable for the terrace or balcony, almost all palm trees are grateful for summer quarters outdoors. The only important thing is that your special needs for light, water and nutrients are taken into account and met.
Which palm tree is suitable for the balcony?
Phoenix palm (Phoenix canariensis), hemp palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) and Washingtonia (Washingtonia filifera) are particularly suitable for the balcony or terrace. Pay attention to the plants' special needs, such as light, water and nutrients.
Very suitable species
Phoenix palm (Phoenix canariensis)
This attractive palm feels most comfortable on a south-facing terrace or balcony. But it can even tolerate light partial shade.
Hemp palm (Trachycarpus fortunei)
This very frost-hardy palm can not only be planted directly in the garden, it also does extremely well in a pot. Relatively thirsty and at the same time very robust, it is an ideal “beginner’s palm”.
Washingtonia (Washingtonia filifera)
This palm is also a sun worshiper that feels most comfortable in southern locations. However, it reacts even more sensitively than other palm plants to waterlogging and requires a little sensitivity when caring for it.
Acclimatization
Never move the palm tree from the protected interior directly to a hot, sunny location outdoors. The strong UV radiation could damage the plant without an appropriate acclimatization phase.
Even in autumn, you should carefully accustom the tropical plant to the conditions in its winter quarters. Therefore, lower the temperature slowly or first place the palm tree in the cool stairwell and only then in the frost-free basement.
Don't move the palm tree too often
Palm trees generally don't like it very much when they are moved frequently and moved to a different location again and again. Therefore, choose the spot on the balcony or terrace carefully and then leave the plant there.
Water and fertilizer requirements
The growth phase of palm trees is in summer, during this time the plants must be regularly supplied with a fertilizer tailored to their needs. Slow-growing species receive half the dosage, fast-growing species receive half the dosage stated on the packaging.
Even palm trees that thrive in desert regions need sufficient water, and varieties growing in jungle areas are even relatively thirsty. Watering is always carried out when the thumb test shows that the upper centimeters of the substrate feel dry.
- Water thoroughly until liquid comes out of the water drain.
- Tip away excess water after a few minutes.
- On hot days, check in the morning and evening and water a second time if necessary.
Preparing for winter
In contrast to planted palm trees, potted plants cannot tolerate frost and must be moved indoors in winter. Overwintering takes place in a frost-free and as bright place as possible. The rule of thumb here is: the darker the room in which the plant is during the cold season, the cooler it can be.
Tip
Over the years, palm trees can become quite large and then take up a lot of space in the outdoor area but also in the winter quarters. Consider this before purchasing several potted palms.