Dorm Palms

[pillarkitten99]

Hello:) I'm wondering if anyone knows of some species of palms that can live in a dorm room. I want a small (probably slow-growing) potted palm that can tolerate medium-low amounts of sunlight and indoor temperatures. Any suggestions?

[PalmatierMeg]

Good bets are palms from the genus Chamaedorea. Almost all are understory palms so don't like direct sunlight and most are small to medium. Examples:

Chamaedorea elegans - a solitary palm generally sold artificially clumped in small pots or as part of floral arrangements. You can buy a 4" pot of 30-40 of them for a few dollars, separate and repot them. They grow slowly and can start blooming when only a few years old and less than 2' tall. A charming and underrated little palm.

Chamaedorea metallica - another solitary small palm highly desired for the silvery sheen of its dark green bifid leaves. It also grows slowly and stays relatively small. There is a pinnate form that is rare. You will have to search for this one on the internet as it seldom is sold in garden centers.

Chamaedorea ernesti-augustii - a solitary palm with large lime green bifid leaves. In time it can reach 6-8' tall.

Chamaedorea deckeriana - another solitary palm with smaller bifid leaves. Hard to find but out there.

Chamaedorea adscendens - solitary palm with cupped and puckered dull green pinnate leaves that give it a distinctive look. It is very slow growing and reaches 6-7' tall with age.

There are many other Chamaedoreas out there, some of them exceedingly rare and expensive. I suggest you start your research by going to the site Palmpedia, which has extensive info on many of them. Welcome to PalmTalk and come back to tell/show us what you get.

[Kai]

19 minutes ago, PalmatierMeg said:

Good bets are palms from the genus Chamaedorea. Almost all are understory palms so don't like direct sunlight and most are small to medium. Examples:

Chamaedorea elegans - a solitary palm generally sold artificially clumped in small pots or as part of floral arrangements. You can buy a 4" pot of 30-40 of them for a few dollars, separate and repot them. They grow slowly and can start blooming when only a few years old and less than 2' tall. A charming and underrated little palm.

Chamaedorea metallica - another solitary small palm highly desired for the silvery sheen of its dark green bifid leaves. It also grows slowly and stays relatively small. There is a pinnate form that is rare. You will have to search for this one on the internet as it seldom is sold in garden centers.

Chamaedorea ernesti-augustii - a solitary palm with large lime green bifid leaves. In time it can reach 6-8' tall.

Chamaedorea deckeriana - another solitary palm with smaller bifid leaves. Hard to find but out there.

Chamaedorea adscendens - solitary palm with cupped and puckered dull green pinnate leaves that give it a distinctive look. It is very slow growing and reaches 6-7' tall with age.

There are many other Chamaedoreas out there, some of them exceedingly rare and expensive. I suggest you start your research by going to the site Palmpedia, which has extensive info on many of them. Welcome to PalmTalk and come back to tell/show us what you get.

That's a very informative reply Meg!

May I add my beloved Lytocaryum weddellianum to this list? High in ornamental value because of its very finely pinnate leaves, white leaf undersides and glossy dark green above. Likes indoor conditions.

[Pal Meir]

3 hours ago, Kai said:

That's a very informative reply Meg!

May I add my beloved Lytocaryum weddellianum to this list? High in ornamental value because of its very finely pinnate leaves, white leaf undersides and glossy dark green above. Likes indoor conditions.

Yes, Lytocaryum weddellianum is a MUST !!! (photo below)   But don’t forget all Rhapis spp., they are very attractive too. 

[kinzyjr]

Our native sabal minor and rhapidophyllum hystrix are relatively small and grow pretty slow.  Sabal palmetto will eventually get to big, but even if you go for a doctorate, size probably won't be an issue if you grow it from seed.

[Palmensammler]

Hi Pal,

looks like a jungle. Once I have to get a S. weddelianum I will give it a chance at home.

Eckhard

[cm05]

Howea forsteriana (Kentia Palm) is the best looking indoor palm imo.