Who in Hawaii isn’t a fan of palm trees? After all, they’re durable, handsome and full of character. They obviously grow well in our warm, moist climate, too.
Here are 7 great palm trees you can enjoy indoors or outdoors (and yes, we carry them all!):
Areca Palm
Arecas are one of the most recognizable palms in Hawaii. They are a beautiful, low-maintenance, multi-trunk species with full foliage — making them perfect for landscaping where hedging and privacy is desired. Areca palms also make excellent indoor plants.
Origin: Madagascar Also known as: bamboo palm, golden cane palm, butterfly palm Growth rate: moderate/fast, about 30″ per year
Rhapis Palm
Like the areca, the rhapis is a low-maintenance, multi-trunk palm with abundant foliage. They’re also easy to grow both outdoors or indoors for accenting, hedging and framing.
Rhapis palms are slow-growing and shade tolerant — more so than arecas. It actually takes us about 3-5 years just to get them ready to sell!
Origin: China, Taiwan Also known as: lady palm, broadleaf lady palm Growth rate: slow, about 8″-12″ per year
Manila Palm
Manila palms are a gorgeous single trunk species with red berries. They are often grown in groups of three to give them a more full and inviting appearance.
Manilas are also low maintenance and easy to grow (indoors is okay, too). They make good focal points in small gardens and can become an elegant statement palm when they become more tall and mature.
Origin: Philippines Also known as: Christmas Palm, Dwarf Royal, Growth rate: fast, about 12″-36″ per year
Fishtail Palm
These palms are known for their large, beautifully-textured leaves, which resemble a giant fishtail. They are a multi-trunk species that cluster to grow dense and full foliage — perfect for privacy screens.
You might want to plant fishtail in an area where you’ve considered bamboo. It gives the same kind of tropical look and privacy without the quick spreading. Indoors is fine, too, as long as you have a large, bright area.
Origin: Southeast Asia, Northern Australia, South Pacific Also known as: Clustered Fishtail Palm, Hawaiian Fishtail Palm Growth rate: medium, about 12″-24″ per year
Foxtail Palm
The name comes from — you guessed it — the shape of its leaves resembling the plumage of a fox’s tail. Its scientific name — Wodyetia — is in honor of an Australian aborigine who was the last man of his tribe to have knowledge of the tree before it debuted to the world in 1983.
Foxtail is striking and beautiful, and make for excellent standalone trees or lined up along driveways and avenues for a more regal look. It’s very durable, adaptable and loves sunshine.
Origin: Northern Australia Growth rate: fast, about 24″-36″ per year
Kentia Palm
You’ll instantly recognize a kentia palm as one of the most world’s most popular indoor plants, as well as the staple icon found on Tommy Bahama furniture and apparel.
Kentia also thrives outdoors, where they grow tall and resemble a coconut palm. They are shade tolerant and do not prefer direct sunlight.
Origin: Australia Also known as: Sentry Palm, Paradise Palm Growth rate: 8″-12″ per year
Macarthur Palm
The macarthur palm is ideal for accenting shaded or sheltered locations like lanais, decks, patios and entranceways. They are a clustering multi-trunk species and look beautiful when planted in groups with each tree several feet apart.
If low maintenance is your thing, consider a macarthur palm — they practically thrive on neglect! Partial shade or full sun will do. Just water occasionally and you’re good to go.
Wondering about that name? It’s from notable Australian botanist Sir William Macarthur of New South Wales.
Origin: New Guinea, Northern Australia Also known as: Macarthur Feather Palm, Cluster Palm, Hurricane Palm Growth rate: 8″-12″ per year
More palms on the way!
Geobunga is also expanding our palms in the near future to include a total of about 20 varieties, including chamaedoreas, parlor, bamboo and more.
Image credits: Houzz.com, Flickr, Palmpedia.net