Palm trees are among the most popular houseplants because they not only look extremely attractive with their large fronds or fans, but also help to improve the indoor climate. Many varieties also tolerate full sunlight. But there are also species that prefer partial shade or shade. When it comes to potted plants, there are some special care requirements that we would like to take into account here.
How do I properly care for a palm tree in a pot?
For the optimal care of a potted palm, you need a high, stable planter, special palm soil or a substrate mix that you have mixed yourself and sufficient water and fertilizer. Make sure you choose the right location and increase the humidity in the room if necessary.
The planter
Palm trees thrive best in a tall, rather narrow pot. The roots of these plants grow vertically into the ground, so there should be enough depth. Since the potted plant can grow quite large, you should also make sure that the planter is stable and relatively heavy. Pots that are pretty to look at and are conical at the bottom are therefore just as unsuitable as light plastic pots. A planter can provide additional stability here.
When will we repot?
Repotting palm trees is preferably done in spring, at the beginning of the new growth period. If the roots sprout from the drainage hole during the year, this should also be done. Choose a container that is one to two sizes larger than the current one.
The right substrate
Palm trees in pots need soil that is tailored to their natural habitat. You can hardly go wrong with special palm soil (€11.00 on Amazon). Alternatively you can use this from:
- Peat or potting soil
- Compost
- Equal parts gravel and sand
- lava granules
- expanded clay
mix yourself.
Watering and fertilizing
Since the potted plant has far less substrate available than a palm tree growing outdoors, you should pay particular attention to these points. Watering is always done when the top centimeters of soil feel dry. Water only moderately, as excessive watering washes valuable nutrients out of the soil. Pour away any excess liquid in the coaster after a few minutes.
How much fertilizer the plant needs depends on how quickly the palm tree grows.
- Slow-growing varieties receive half the amount of fertilizer stated on the packaging of a commercially available palm or liquid fertilizer.
- Fast-growing species provide you with the full dosage.
Fertilizing every two weeks is sufficient.
Tip
A humidifier or regular spraying with lime-free water works well. The increase in humidity ensures that the fronds remain vibrantly green.
