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Palm trees are often thought of as beach trees or dessert trees and can be found in countries like Miami, loss Angeles, and Los Vegas. Even though people do not give much thought to them, there are over 2600 species of these amazing trees.
These palm trees come in various sizes, and shapes and you can even grow them in your backyard or in the front of your houses to give them a tropical look.
So, if the size of palm trees is what is holding you back, not to worry as there are several other smaller palm tree species with sizes ranging from 3 ft and above.
Some of the most common types of palm trees that stay small include the pygmy plant, bottle palms, sago palms, and a few more that we will discuss in this article.
Come with us as we go through these palm trees, and hopefully, you will find one that fits your taste.
Palm Trees That Stay Small
1. Pygmy Palms
The pygmy date plant is also known as the phoenix roebelenii is very simple to be grown for beginners. These lants with feather-like leaves grow between 6-10 ft with clear sun and sometimes partial shade.
This species of the palm tree can be grown both indoors and outdoors but since it is originally from China, it thrives better in temperatures that don’t go below 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
The name of this plant is derived from the fact that this plant grows yellow like hued flowers followed by purple dates. You can be able to take care of this plant effortlessly if you go by the caring procedures carefully.
See Also: Slowest Growing Plants
2. Bottle Palms
The bottle palm gets its name from its special trunk which takes the shape of a bottle even if later on during growth, the bottle shape it possesses begins to fade. Nonetheless, the bottle palm is an evergreen palm that has a pale grey to the white trunk.
At the top of the trunk of the tree, there is a canopy that is made of at least four glossy and green feather-like leaves. these fronds also emerge from a green crown shaft. Like a lot of other species of palms, the bottle palm is also extremely drought tolerant and can survive for a while without water.
3. Sago Palm Trees
The sago palm is not a ready part of the palm family instead, they belong to the cycad species which is closer to the pine family. It is considered to be among one of the oldest palms alive and can date back to 200 million years in existence.
These plants are suitable for courtyards, sidewalks, and pools, and due to their dwarf nature, they do not grow too much over the years. Due to their lack of roots, they can be planted in a lot of confined spaces which also makes them suitable for pots.
4. Spindle Palms
These amazing plants are grown in either semi-tropical or tropical areas like Hawaii and California. This plant can be perfect for both outdoor and indoor plants but then most times, it Is grown outdoors due to its height of 25ft; not like it was that big but most people just preferred the plant outside the house.
If you decide to grow this plant in pots indoors, then it would not be able to grow more than 6 ft the reason why it is referred to as the spindle palm is that it has a swollen middle that gives it a spindle shape
5. Pindo Palms
Pindo palm is a small species of palm tree that require low maintenance for it to be able to thrive. This palm tree can create a visually stunning focal point by your poolside and due to its small nature, it can even be grown in pots and moved wherever you want.
A fully grown pindo palm tree has silver-green fronds that enable it to fit perfectly into contemporary and tropical-themed landscapes. Pindo palm is suitable in all climates and does not require a lot of watering because of the root type it possesses.
If you want to get this plant as a homeowner, then the wise thing to do would be to purchase the seedling and not the seed; that would save you some time and additional stress that comes with raising a plant from seed.
Regardless of the location, you place it, the pindo palm will always inject color into your backyard.
See Also: Small Palm Trees for Pool Areas
6. Parlor Palms
Parlor palms are known to grow for just 10-12 ft and due to their bamboo-like body features, it is quite popular. Since this plant is originally from tropical regions, then it would be best for you to plant these plants under indirect sunlight.
You can water these plants two to three times a week and then you can report it when you feel the need to. one thing you should know is that this palm type can produce fruits too but the thing is these fruits are completely inedible.
7. Saw Palmettos
The saw paletas are plats that are prominent in Florida and it is also very highly adaptable to all sorts of climates around the years.
This native palm tree species is unique due to its multi-trunk characteristics, these trunks stretch out from 4-10 ft in width and they grow about 5-10 ft tall also. In the spring, the yellow and white stripes on these plants attract the bees.
8. Dwarf Palmetto
The dwarf palmetto, also known as the sabal minor is quite a berry disturbing. This palm is also unique because it doesn’t have a trunk instead, it has long leaves that grow up to 3ft long while connected to the stems.
This plant is among a strong leave variety because it can survive in temperatures lower than 10 without getting damaged.
9. Mediterranean Palm Trees
This palm species is surprisingly the only palm plant that is native to Europe. Just like the name implies, these palm trees have fan-shaped fronds that add an aesthetic value to your pool area. This plant usually has many trunks clumped together to give your tree a fuller look.
This plant is ideal for enhancing your privacy due to the thickness of its leaves and hardiness is one of the stand-out properties of this palm, it can survive the harshest of weather. Like most palm trees, this species can withstand drought and does not need regular watering so it does not develop root rot.
Some other small palm trees that stay small include;
- European fan palm.
- Trachycarpus fortunei.
- Date palm.
- Kentia palm.
- Canary Island date palm.
- Sabal palm.
- Majesty palm.
- Chamaedorea.
- Adonidia.
- Areca palm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Shortest Palm Tree?
The shortest palm tree is the sabal minor which gets no taller than 5 ft throughout its lifetime.
Can You Make a Palm Tree Shorter?
No, you cannot make a palm tree shorter but you can delay the growth if you are going to be planting indoors by creating conditions that would crowd its root-like planting in a flower pot.
What Is the Slowest Growing Palm?
The slowest growing palm is the windmill palm. The trees grow eventually till it gets to about 10-20 ft . its name is gotten from the fact that its fronds form like a windmill.
See Also: 15 Different Types of Yucca Trees
Do Palm Trees Need Full Sun?
It depends on the variety you are working with but in most cases, palm trees do better with indirect sunlight.
Are Palm Trees High Maintenance?
One of the most important parts about these trees is that the cost and energy put into maintaining them are not s high. So, if you are not always in your home but you need a plant out can keep creating that tropical look? Then you should get yourself a palm tree.
