Palms are becoming increasingly more important in the interiorscape. Not only do they provide a tropical atmosphere, they have also proven to be tolerant of wide range of interior conditions. Specimen palms provide a bold tropical statement, while smaller varieties present a certain elegance that few other plants can create. For this reason interiorscapers have chosen to include a wide variety of palms in their plant palette.While palms have proven to be dependable interior plants, there has been little information published about their care once they leave the nursery. Research has shown, for example, that shade acclimatization is very important in preparing a palm for lower light levels. This research has also revealed that it is impossible to take a "sun grown" leaf and transform it to a shade acclimated leaf. Shade acclimatization occurs only in new leaves that have developed under low light levels.Nutrition, insect control, and disease control are also different for palms in an interior setting. The selection of palm species in the interiorscape often depends on the available light levels. Under high light a large number of palms will thrive. Even under low light there are an amazing number of palms that will thrive and even flourish.
