How to Keep Palm Trees in a House

Provide temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and between 55 and 60 F at night. The higher the temperature, the more the palm grows.

Feed palms with a sprinkling of time-release fertilizer annually in the spring. Avoid liquid fertilizers because they leave behind salt deposits that injure palm roots.

Supplement fertilizer feeding with micronutrients by working 1/2 cup of compost into the potting soil, or spraying the plant with a micronutrient spray.

Irrigate palms with distilled water or rainwater when the soil feels dry at a depth of 1 inch. Wait a little longer before watering in winter. Tap water contains chemicals that leave deposits that can harm palms.

Mist the plant often. You can’t overdo it, so mist your palm whenever you get a chance.

Clean palm fronds with a soft cloth when they become dusty. Clean fronds help keep plants healthy and discourage spider mites. As you dust, look for signs of pest problems.

Repot palms every 3 years or so. They like a tight pot and small pots help keep the size under control. If the roots aren’t too brittle, spread them out in the new pot. African violet potting soil is a good choice for palms.