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Plant care guide - Palms
Palms bring an instant touch of the tropics indoors with their graceful leaves and timeless style. They’re known for being resilient, long-lived plants that adapt well to most homes. With steady light, regular watering, and a bit of patience, palms will grow into elegant companions that keep their lush look year-round.
Safe for cats
Safe for dogs
At a glance
Light
Bright, indirect light; tolerates partial shade.
Water
Keep soil lightly moist, let the top layer dry slightly between waterings.
Temperature
18–26 °C; avoid cold drafts.
Humidity
Average to high; benefits from extra humidity.
Difficulty
Beginner
Detailed care instructions
Light needs
Palms thrive in bright, indirect light and tolerate partial shade, but direct sun can scorch the leaves.
- Place in bright, indirect light.
- Use partial shade for corners or rooms with filtered daylight.
- Adjust by type if needed: Chamaedorea elegans and Rhapis excelsa handle lower light better, Dypsis lutescens prefers brighter positions, and Howea forsteriana is very adaptable (medium light is fine).
- Do not place in direct sun (leaf scorch risk).
Watering
Keep soil lightly moist, watering when the top 2 to 3 centimetres feels dry.
- Water when the top 2 to 3 centimetres feels dry
- Prefer rainwater; tap water is usually fine, but if it is very hard, flush the soil every few months to remove salts.
- Always use room-temperature water (never cold straight from the tap).
- If you mist, use distilled or filtered water to avoid mineral marks on leaves.
- Do not overwater or keep the soil constantly wet.
Humidity & temperature
Palms adapt to normal room conditions, but they thrive with a little extra humidity and steady warmth.
- Support humidity during dry seasons with a pebble tray or a humidifier.
- If you mist, keep it light to avoid spotting.
- Keep temperatures between 18 and 26 degrees Celsius.
- Keep away from radiators and air conditioning vents.
- Do not expose palms to sudden cold drafts or temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius.
Fertilizer
Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer; reduce in autumn and winter.
- Feed once a month in spring and summer with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer.
- Do not keep feeding at the same rate in autumn and winter when growth slows.
Soil & repotting
Use a well-draining, peat-free potting mix. Repot only every 3 to 4 years, as palms prefer being slightly root-bound and can be sensitive to disturbance.
- Use a peat-free, well-draining potting mix.
- Repot every 3 to 4 years.
- Do not repot too often or disturb the roots unnecessarily.
Common problems
| Symptom | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Brown leaf tips | Low humidity, irregular watering, salt buildup from fertilizer | Increase humidity, water consistently with room-temperature water, and flush the soil occasionally to reduce salt buildup |
| Yellow leaves | Natural aging, overwatering, poor drainage | Remove only the oldest leaves, review your watering routine, and improve drainage |
| Drooping leaves | Underwatering or sudden temperature changes | Water thoroughly and keep the palm away from drafts and rapid temperature swings |
| Pests (spider mites, mealybugs, scale) | Dry air or a weakened plant | Wipe leaves with a damp cloth or rinse with lukewarm water. If needed, use a mild diluted soap solution. Avoid harsh chemicals and let leaves dry fully afterwards |