Caring for Palms

Palms bring a tropical look to any room. Most indoor palms are easy and grow slowly. Areca, kentia and parlour palm are good choices. They like stable conditions and do not enjoy being moved.

Light

Most palms prefer bright indirect light. Many cope with partial shade, but they grow more slowly there. Strong midday sun can scorch the fronds. Turn the pot a quarter every few weeks so the crown grows evenly.

Water, soil and feeding

Water weekly in the growing season. Let the top few centimetres of soil dry between waterings. Palms dislike wet feet, so empty the saucer after watering. Use a well-draining potting mix, ideally one made for palms. The pot needs drainage holes. Palms like to be a little rootbound, so repot only every two to three years. Feed once a month from spring to late summer with a diluted liquid fertiliser. Do not feed in winter.

Common problems

• Brown tips: dry air or very hard tap water. Mist now and then and try rainwater. Trim only the brown part.
• Yellow lower fronds: usually old fronds dying off. If many turn yellow, check for overwatering.
• Brown fronds and a soft base: root rot from soggy soil. Let the soil dry and improve the drainage.
• Fine webs and speckled leaves: spider mites. Wipe the leaves, rinse the plant and raise the humidity.

Seasonal tip

Winter heating is hard on palms. Keep them away from radiators and cold windows. Water less, but do not let the root ball dry out completely. Wipe the fronds with a damp cloth so they can use the weak winter light.