Indoor palms are very popular for good reason, because they are extremely decorative, usually easy to care for and conjure up a touch of holiday atmosphere in your living room. However, identifying an indoor palm is not always easy given the large variety.
How do I recognize a feather palm and a fan palm?
To identify an indoor palm, pay attention to the leaf blade and leaf shape: fan palms have leaf blades that merge into petioles and are segmented, while pinnate palms have petioles with midribs and branching leaflets.
There are not only very different types of indoor palms, such as fan palms or feather palms, but also the so-called palm-like plants. These include, for example, the very popular yucca palm.
How to distinguish fan palms from feather palms
The most important distinguishing feature in palm trees is the leaf base or leaf blade, which completely encloses the trunk of most indoor palms. In this way it gives the corresponding sheet support. If the leaf dies, the leaf blade leaves a scar that gives the trunk its characteristic appearance.
In the fan palm, the leaf blade merges into the petiole and is usually divided into several segments. However, some fan palms have round leaves. The feather palm, on the other hand, has petioles that continue as a midrib from which the individual feathers branch off. Both types are divided into different subcategories.
The ideal indoor palm for beginners
The cobbler palm is one of the most robust indoor palms. It even forgives repeated care errors such as drafts, dust or a lack of humidity. It prefers a partially shaded location and is grateful for good care. Fertilizing and watering moderately for 14 days is recommended during the growth phase. In winter the temperature should not fall below 12 °C.
Palm-like plants
The most famous palm-like plant is probably the popular yucca palm. But the dragon tree and the elephant tree also belong to this group. The only thing they have in common is that they look similar to palm trees. Botanically speaking, however, they belong to different plant genera. The yucca palm or palm lily belongs to the agave family. The dragon trees even form their own genus in the asparagus family.
Popular and well-known indoor palms and palm-like plants:
- Honey palm
- Yuccapalm
- Mountain Palm
- Banana tree
- Elephant tree
- Date palm
- Coconut palm
- Hemp palm
- Cobbler palm
Tip
The smaller forms or very slow-growing indoor palms are particularly suitable as houseplants. If your living room isn't exactly flooded with light, choose a palm tree that needs little light.
