How to Grow a Palm in a Pot
Most palm tree varieties require year-round temperatures above 45 degrees Fahrenheit, which allows them to grow outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 10 and above. Even in areas where palms thrive outside, potted palms can still provide a striking tropical accent indoors or on a patio or deck. Potted palms require careful attention to ensure they remain healthy and thrive in the confines of the container. You can leave palms indoors all year or enjoy them outside in summer and indoors in winter, if your climate requires it.
Place potted palms in an area that receives bright sunlight. Most palms can tolerate bright but indirect sunlight either indoors or out. Select outdoor locations protected from high winds, such as near a south-facing wall.
Maintain an indoor temperature between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and no lower than 60 F at night. Outdoor palms can tolerate winter temperatures as low as 55 F in winter, with some varieties surviving at temperatures as low as 45 F.
Water the palms when the top 1/2 inch of soil begins to feel dry but before the soil deeper in the pot dries out completely. Check the moisture in the soil of indoor palms once or twice weekly, and check outdoor palms daily. Water until the moisture begins to drip from the bottom of the pot and empty the standing water from the drip tray 30 minutes following irrigation.
Dilute a soluble fertilizer formulated for palms in water, following the label recommended amount for your palm size. Water the palm with the solution once monthly during the summer growing period.
Spray the foliage with lukewarm water once monthly to rinse dust and fertilizer salts from the leaves. Wipe the leaves of indoor palms gently with a damp cloth if the plant is too large to move to an area suitable for spraying. Clean foliage resists mites and other pest infestations.
Repot palms into a larger container every two to three years when the roots become too large for the current pot. Use a pot that has bottom drainage holes and is one size larger than the old one. Use the same type of soil the palm was growing in previously.
- Chinese fan palms, parlor palms and pygmy date palms are just a few varieties that grow well in a pot.
- Do not use leaf wax products on palm trees, as these can damage the foliage.
Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening.