Potted palms

Story by Steve Falcioni

Potted palms look great, are super versatile and don't require much care. Discover some top varieties.

You can use potted palms to support a range of decorating styles, and either group them with other pot plants or use them for visual impact as a standalone feature. Potted palms can also serve a practical purpose by filling a gap under a tree where nothing will grow because of root competition, or creating an instant screen on patios or balconies and in pool enclosures. Many palms can be displayed indoors as well.

There are many different palms to choose from, but here are some of the best for growing in pots.

Parlour palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

A beautiful small palm with deep green fronds growing from a single stem. It is commonly sold as a dense cluster of 4–5 young plants about 30cm high. Indoors, it prefers bright, indirect light, but it can also handle darker areas. Outdoors, it likes shade, warmth and regular watering. Over time, it can grow to 1m high or taller. Suitable for tropical, subtropical and warm temperate climates.

Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

This elegant palm produces multiple stems, up to 3m high, that are thin and straight, like bamboo. Each stem supports many short fronds, creating a dense, leafy look that makes it useful for screening. It’s great indoors in a bright spot, or outdoors in dappled light, or full sun in very humid areas. Suitable for tropical, subtropical and warm temperate climates.

Kentia palm (Howea forsteriana)

A popular indoor plant since Victorian times, with classic arching fronds. It does best positioned in bright light, but can tolerate darker conditions and even handle cold rooms (no wonder the Victorians loved them). Outside, young plants need regular watering and shelter from hot sun and winds. It slowly grows to 2–3m high in a pot. Suitable for warm temperate and cold temperate climates.

Golden cane palm (Dypsis lutescens)

This popular palm featuring clumps of yellow canes with light green fronds grows up to 2m high in containers. Indoors, it needs bright light to thrive. Outdoors, it can handle full sun if it gets plenty of water and humidity, otherwise semi-shade is best. Protect it from frost. Suitable for tropical, subtropical, warm temperate and cold temperate climates.