A variety of indoor palms
In the world of houseplants, the palm family holds a special place. With more than 4,000 different species, ranging from the elegant Caryota Mitis to the lush Areca palm , this family offers a stunning diversity of shapes and sizes. At Green Bubble we understand the appeal of palms as houseplants, and we aim to offer a suitable palm for every household.
Where do indoor palms originally come from?
Indoor palms originate from tropical and subtropical regions around the world, such as parts of Asia, Africa and South America. These areas offer just the right mix of warmth, humidity and sunlight for palms to thrive. Thanks to their adaptability, they've also found their way into living rooms all over the world.
How big does an indoor palm get?
The size of an indoor palm varies a great deal depending on the species and growing conditions. Some indoor palms stay fairly compact and might grow around 30 cm a year, while other species get larger and can reach several metres in height over the years. So there are plenty of varieties to suit different rooms, whether you're after a small palm or an impressive eye-catcher.
Are indoor palms air-purifying?
Palms are known for their air-purifying properties. They can help improve the air quality in your home by filtering harmful toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene and toluene from the air. These toxins can come from everyday items such as furniture, carpets, paint and cleaning products. Indoor palms absorb these substances through their leaves and break them down.
Are palms toxic to pets?
Some indoor palms can be toxic to pets if eaten. This can lead to stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhoea and other health problems. That's why it's important to keep the safety of pets and small children in mind when choosing houseplants. If you have pets, it's wise to check which palms count as pet-friendly plants before bringing them home. Fortunately, many palm species are considered safe for pets, but it's always sensible to take precautions and contact a vet if you're unsure about the safety of a particular plant.
Our range of indoor palms
Our range of indoor palms offers a diverse selection of beautiful specimens. From compact varieties that are perfect for smaller rooms to larger ones that make an impressive statement.
Kentia palm
If one plant is synonymous with the tropics, it's the gorgeous Kentia palm . The Kentia is also known as the Howea Forsteriana and originally comes from Lord Howe Island, between Australia and New Zealand. This green friend is not only a real beauty to look at, but also incredibly easy to care for. On top of that, the Howea Forsteriana is a pet-friendly plant and doesn't mind getting a little less light. A win-win!
Caryota Mitis
The Caryota Mitis originally comes from South East Asia, but these days you'll find this palm in almost every tropical environment. In the wild, the Caryota Mitis can grow to a height of around twelve metres! Luckily, thanks to its slow growth, that won't happen any time soon in your living room. This plant has a charming nickname: the fishtail palm. It owes this to its rather unusual leaves, which look like the tail of a fish.
Yucca palms
You probably know the Yucca Rostrata , the tough, robust plant for outdoors. Luckily we also have its rock-solid little brother for indoors in our range. The Yucca Elephantipes is an irresistible plant that combines strength with understated charm. The Yucca has beautiful, pointed leaves and is wonderfully easy to care for. The plant stores water in its trunk, creating its own reservoir, so you only need to water it now and then.
Caring for indoor palms
Caring for indoor palms is generally quite straightforward, but it's good to know what each palm needs, as this can differ considerably from one palm to the next. One palm prefers as much sunlight as possible, while another is happiest in partial shade. With a little care, your palm will soon feel right at home.
Watering indoor palms
Most palms need their soil to stay moist at all times. However, it's essential to stop your indoor palm from standing in a layer of water, as this can lead to root rot. So feel the soil regularly to check how wet or dry it is. Has your plant been repotted into a larger pot? Then it's important to use a moisture meter or water level indicator , because feeling with your fingers is no longer enough. The exact amount of water your indoor palm needs varies depending on factors such as its position and the size of the plant. Start with small amounts of water and adjust to the needs of your particular palm.
What to do about discoloured leaves?
If the leaves of your indoor palm are changing colour, there can be several causes. Check your watering routine and make sure the palm is watered regularly, but not too much. Also check whether the plant is getting enough, or too much, light in its spot, and consider raising the humidity if it's low. If the leaves stay discoloured, it may need some extra plant food . Bear in mind, though, that discoloured leaves are sometimes simply old leaves the plant sheds naturally. In that case it isn't necessarily a bad sign. Remove any damaged or dead leaves to keep your indoor palm healthy and prevent further problems.
The ideal spot for an indoor palm
The perfect spot for your indoor palm depends on the type of palm. Some palms love lots of light and can even tolerate direct sun, while others prefer shade. Make sure you know your palm's specific needs and choose a spot that suits its preferences. It's also important to keep an eye on the room temperature. Indoor palms thrive at room temperatures between 18-24°C. They can cope with slightly lower temperatures too, as long as they're never exposed to frost.
Pruning an indoor palm
Over time, the leaves of your palm may lose some of their looks, with the tips turning brown. This is a natural process that also happens in the wild. The older leaves at the base of the palm in particular will turn browner over time. That's because a palm grows from its centre, and this happens fairly quickly. It's perfectly normal to cut off the older, less attractive leaves. We recommend cutting them right at the trunk, as these leaves won't recover and only cost the plant energy. Be careful not to cut into the trunk itself, though, as it won't sprout again. For a tidier look, you can also safely snip off the brown tips at the ends of the leaves.
Taking cuttings from indoor palms
Propagating your palm is most successful in spring, when both the cuttings and the mother plant have extra energy to grow and recover. Start by carefully removing a top cutting from the mother plant, bearing in mind the toxic sap that can be released in the process. Then place the cutting in a pot filled with soil and put it in a warm, sunny spot, as this encourages growth. It's essential to check the moisture of the soil regularly with a moisture meter. Bear in mind that not every palm is suitable for taking cuttings. So look up specific information about your particular plant and seek further advice if you have any questions about propagation.
Repotting an indoor palm
Repotting an indoor palm is important for its growth. Choose a new pot and fit it with a waterproof inner liner , so you know your floor stays protected. Put a layer of Vulcastrat on the bottom and carefully lift the palm out of its old pot. Trim any damaged roots and place the palm in the new pot. Top up with potting soil and give it some water straight away. Put your palm in a warm, bright spot to help it grow as well as possible.
Feeding indoor palms
Feeding your indoor palm isn't a daily chore. In winter the palm doesn't need any extra food, as it's dormant. It doesn't need extra food in the first few months either, because it can draw on the nutrients in the potting soil. But once spring arrives and the sun starts to shine, you can consider giving your palm some extra plant food to encourage growth. Do be careful, though! It's crucial not to overdo it. Too much plant food can harm the plant. Follow the instructions on the packaging carefully and your indoor palm will stay healthy and happy.
Diseases and pests on palms
By nature, palms thrive in humid conditions, and that's where they stay healthiest. A dry environment, however, can make your indoor palm vulnerable to pests such as spider mites and mealybugs. If your indoor palm is affected, we recommend tackling it as soon as possible with an organic or chemical pest control product. That way you keep your palm healthy and stop the pests from spreading.
Tropical indoor palms at Green Bubble
Looking for a beautiful, healthy palm as a houseplant? Then you've come to the right place at Green Bubble! When you buy one of our palm species, you can count on receiving a beautiful, fresh plant. We work directly with growers, which means we can guarantee the freshness of our indoor palms. Every day we strive to deliver healthy, high-quality plants to our customers, so your palm arrives at your door as fresh and healthy as possible.
Can't be bothered to head to the local garden centre? No problem! We ship your palm straight to you. Simply order your palm in our webshop, where you can choose from a wide range of the highest quality.
