In the monocot order Arecales, the Arecaceae family of perennial flowering plants are found. All of these plant types—commonly referred to as palms—have stemless plants, climbers, shrubs, and tree-like growth forms. Palm trees are those that resemble trees in shape. Borassus Flabellifer, also known asPalmyra palm, is a tree native to South Asia and Southeast Asia, and known for its medicinal uses. Here’s all you need to know.
The palm family, which includes more than 2,500 species, thrives in tropical and subtropical environments all over the world, including rainforests, along rivers, and on foggy mountain sides. They are grown as landscaping plants in several areas of the nation. However, because of their tolerance for less-than-ideal growing circumstances and ability to thrive in extremely dry and poor soil, they also make great houseplants. Dypsis lutescens is also a member of the Arecaceae family.
See Also: Jasminum Auriculatum: Evergreen Climber Plant
Palm plant: Key facts
| Common name | Palm tree | ||
| Botanical name | Arecaceae | ||
| Family | Arecaceae | ||
|
South America, the Caribbean, Asia, and more | ||
| Environment | Tropical and subtropical | ||
| Plant type | Woody perennial flowering plants and shrubs | ||
| Sun exposure | Bright light and Partial shade | ||
| Soil type | Moist and well-drained | ||
| Soil pH | Neutral to acidic | ||
| Bloom time | Year-round (rarely flower indoors) | ||
| Flower colour | Varies with species, generally yellow, pink, orange, green | ||
| Toxic | Not all |
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Palm plant: Physical description
Palms are the most well-known and widely used indoors. These plants take their time to grow, but after a few years, they can grow to a height of 3 feet or more. Since palm trees are essentially huge grasses, they are not technically trees. Because of this, they will undoubtedly continue to grow taller but not much broader.
- The huge, compound, evergreen “fronds” that most palms have at the apex of an unbranched stem serve as a defining characteristic of these plants.
- The physical qualities of palms, however, are incredibly diverse, and they may be found in almost every habitat, from deserts to rainforests, that is part of their range.
- A palm tree has a single trunk that is topped by a cluster of big leaves. The plant’s trunk can range in height from a few inches to up to 200 feet (60 metres), or it might be so little that the plant essentially has no trunk at all. The trunk frequently has a smooth surface.
- They can produce little flowers after they reach an appropriate age and are exposed to the right quantity of light.
- It occasionally exhibits circular scars, basically where the old leaves have fallen.
- Palm leaves can be structured like fans (palmate) or feathers (pinnate). They are also known as fronds. Some palm leaf varieties have extremely long leaves with sharp points. The raffia palm has leaves that can grow up to 65 feet (20 metres) long.
- Fruits from palm trees can be juicy or dry and have a variety of sizes, shapes, and structures. For instance, dates and betel nuts are soft, squishy fruits.
- The coconut palm’s fruit has a hard exterior and liquid and moist “meat” inside.
- The fruit of the coconut palm features wet “flesh” and liquid inside of a hard exterior.
Types of palm
Parlour palm
It is a fantastic choice for novice plant enthusiasts because it grows more quickly than many other species of palms and is quite hardy. acacia palm
Areca palms
They require medium to bright light for their silky, graceful fronds.
Ponytail palm
This adorable small palm that resembles a ponytail has a bulbous stem and strappy leaves.
Sago palm
This palm has a very ancient appearance. Although direct sunlight can burn it, it requires brilliant indirect light.
Pygmy date palm
When cultivated outside in climates like Texas and Florida, the pygmy date palm grows into a full-sized tree.
Chinese fan palm
This plant is a striking showstopper for any area with its magnificent fan-shaped fronds.
Majesty palm
The magnificent majesty palm has large, imposing fronds.
Cat palm
A beautiful floor plant that adores bright light.
Palm plant: How to grow palms?
The parlour palm is one of the best indoor palms. Although it grows very slowly, it is incredibly simple to maintain. You can enjoy it almost everywhere in the house, except for a closet, of course, as it requires less light than other varieties. Chinese fan palms, ponytail palms, and lady’s palms are also excellent candidates for growing inside.
- Most indoor palms prefer evenly moist soil and direct, bright light.
- Growing close to the west or south-facing window is an excellent idea (but not where the sun will directly reach the plants).
- Additionally, palms do best in environments with some humidity and away from draughty windows and doorways as well as hot, dry air coming from heating vents.
- Select a pot (with drainage cavities) that is no bigger than one-third the size of the plant’s root ball.
- Cactus, palm & citrus potting mix should make up one-third of the container; it is specially formulated to help maintain soil moisture levels, even for palms. This is crucial because most palms will experience root rot issues if their “feet” are kept perpetually wet.
- The top of the root ball must be about an inch below the top of the new pot when the palm is transferred from its original container.
- Fill the area around the root ball, being careful not to bury the “root initiation zone,” which is the region where the roots emerge from the stem’s base too deeply.
- Find a decent site for the plant and place a saucer underneath the pot.
- When the top few inches of soil is dry, water indoor palm trees once they have established themselves.
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How to grow palm trees from seed
While grow palm trees from seed is not impossible, it’s a long process. Remove all the fleshy part from the seeds and then plant these seeds into containers of potting soil. Ensure that the seeds are sown at the soil’s shallow surface and not inside. Keep this pot with the palm seeds in a warm place. When the seeds sprout, after a few month’s time move the pot to an area with bright light. As the plant grows, move it to bigger pots enabling it to grow better.
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Palm plant: Maintenance tips
- Bright light is preferred by most palms. Many palms, though, can acclimate to lower light levels.
- Invest in an affordable LED grow light if your space is dark.
- If a window receives a lot of bright light, particularly west-facing windows, dilute the light by using sheer curtains or blinds to block the sun.
- In particular, during the very dry winter months, palm trees require a higher humidity level than the ordinary environment inside your home.
- In essence, they feel most at ease in environments that are between 40 and 50 per cent humid, which is the same range that you do.
- Put your palms on a small tray of moist material to increase humidity. Because plants emit moisture through transpiration, you can also gather a bunch of plants together in one area. The more plants you grow close to one other, the happier they’ll be.
- You may have heard that misting houseplants will raise humidity levels, but this is a popular myth because the effect only lasts a short time and doesn’t benefit plant health in general.
- Keep leaves clean and clear of dust since dust will interfere with a plant’s capacity to photosynthesise or make food.
- You can occasionally place your hands in the shower to give them a moderate spray rinse.
- In general, water the plants more regularly if the tips of the palm leaves are becoming brown. Reduce watering if the leaves are starting to turn yellow.
- Palms don’t require a lot. Give them a fertiliser made specifically for slow-releasing palms, which contains the micronutrients iron, manganese, and zinc, all of which are necessary for a healthy palm.
- Only feed once or twice a year, and only in the spring and summer while it is growing.
- Even while you can’t prune palm trees for size (if you remove the top, the plant will die), you can remove dead leaves to maintain the plant looking tidy.
- But be aware that several species have sharp leaves and spines that might prick you if you’re not careful.
Pruning palm trees
Pruning palm trees makes it look better. The dead fronds are sometimes loosely attached to the tree and if not pruned may pose threat to people and property. Pruning also helps in removing fruit clusters and sprouts at the base of palm tree trunk.
While pruning, remove the lower fronds that are dead or chlorotic. Don’t remove the green fronds while pruning, else the Palm tree may start to wilt away. Also, don’t over prune the palm tree as it will damage its appearance also will attract pests.
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Potting and repotting palm trees
Palm plants grow well in pots when their roots are confined. You may have to repot the palm trees only when the roots fill the entire pot. Note that palm trees have very soft roots and may break. So, care should be taken while repotting palm trees.
Palm plant: Uses
Different varieties of palm plants have different uses.
- Tropical inhabitants rely on palm trees for a variety of things, including food, oils, shelter, clothes, timber, fuel, and building materials.
- Coconuts are one of the most valuable tropical crops. They provide oil for cooking.
- Ropes and mats can be made from the fibre of the coconut husk or outer covering.
- To produce cups and bottles, coconut shells are used.
- Coconut milk refers to the liquid in the centre. Similar to how people use animal milk for cooking, it is also used for consumption and cooking.
- Palm trees are now valued as ornamental plants, and they are frequently grown beside streets in tropical and subtropical cities.
- For perfumed candles, palms provide some of the best wax currently on the market.
- Palm leaves (also known as palm fronds) can be used for various purposes, including weaving, thatching for roofs, fencing for gardens, fuel, and feeding livestock.
Palm plant: Toxicity
Sago palms may seem harmless and inviting, yet they are extremely deadly to both people and animals.
Palm trees and their leaves are not harmful to cats under normal conditions. However, not all palms have this characteristic. Some are extremely poisonous to cats and dogs, like the sago palm tree.
FAQs
How frequently do palm plants need fertiliser?
Only feed once or twice a year, and only in the spring and summer while it is growing.
What to do when the leaves of palm plants start to turn brown or yellow?
In general, water the plants more regularly if the tips of the palm leaves are becoming brown. Reduce watering if the leaves are starting to turn yellow.