Palms That Grow in Shade 
Complete Guide to Shade-Loving Palm Trees

Palms that grow in shade are those species known for tolerance of lower light conditions outdoors or that can grow indoors.

Most palms that are shade-tolerant evolved as understory plants. Which means they naturally grow beneath taller canopy trees in tropic-like forests.

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Understanding Shade Requirements for Palm Trees

Palms that grow in shade are able to do fine with limited sunlight.

Because in their native habitat, they're found in a forest's understory. Which means:

• They only get filtered sunlight coming through taller trees. 
• They're environment may be north-facing slopes, getting almost no direct sun.

You can use their native conditions to understand these palms that grow in shade. The areas they're used to. This affects how much light they'll need in your home or landscape.

We'll show you the differences.

What Qualifies as Shade for Palms 
Full vs. Partial Shade Levels

Keep in mind that Palm Guide Books typically use the terms shade, part shade, sun, and full sun. Or they scale it in terms of light, rather than shade: low light, moderate or medium light or high light.

DEEP SHADE

Truly noticeable shade like on the north side of tall buildings, deep beneath a patio cover, or under a very dense tree canopy.

• These palms naturally grow in thick forests, with little direct sunlight.
• Palms such as Rhapis excelsa and Chamaedorea elegans.
• These palms tolerate light levels as low as 25-50 foot candles. Like the lighting in a cozy restaurant or dimly lit hallways. Bright enough to see clearly, moving around safely, but noticeably softer than typical office or retail lighting.

BRIGHT SHADE

Light that gives that comfortable, productive general indirect lighting.

• Light giving 100-200 foot candles. Like in well-lit offices or bright classrooms, or a sunny day under a pergola.
• For outdoors, light scattering fairly well through tree canopies.
• Palms like the Phoenix roebelenii are reliable with this lighting.

PARTIAL SHADE TO FULL SUN

Why Most Palms Struggle in Low Light

Many palms that grow in shade still need some indirect light or dappled sun.

Very low light slows growth dramatically. Because sunlight is the beginning of their photosynthesis food production. Without enough food, any living thing won't grow as well as they should. They'll begin to show multiple symptoms.

Benefits of Growing Shade-Tolerant Palms

Some Palms are Frequently Used Indoors because they tolerate low light better than typical outdoor palms.

Many plant-lovers want to invite palms that grow in shade into their home. As it adds a tropic-like decor, it raises spirits on gloomy days, and it tends to increase a feeling of well-being.

CHECK THIS FOR PALMS THAT GROW IN SHADE

Outdoor Palms That Grow in Shade

Most outdoor varieties do better in partial to deep shade. These palms need protection from harsh sun. Which also makes them suitable for growing under the canopy of taller trees.

Best Palms for Partial Shade

Best Indoor Palms for Low-Light Rooms

Palms That Transition Well 
Between Indoor & Outdoor Shade

Chamaedorea - A Shade Suitable Species

Howea forsteriana - Kentia Palm

Licuala grandis - Ruffled Fan Palm

Caryota mitis - Fishtail Palm

Indoor Shade Palms vs. Outdoor Shade Palms

When it comes to palms that grow in shade, there's a distinction between species that work well indoors versus those suited for outdoor shady gardens.

INDOOR SHADE PALMS

They're typically Native Palms in the tropics. Those that grow beneath forest canopies. So they've adapted to do well in low-light conditions of our homes.

One popular choice is the Parlor Palm, which tolerates remarkably dim conditions.

These Types of Palms can also handle dry air and root restrictions that come with container life. Growing indoors slowly is an advantage so palm plants won't outgrow your living room!

OUTDOOR SHADE PALMS

While they prefer shade or part-shade,

• They have access to natural humidity, rainfall, and temperature variations. 
• They normally grow more briskly than their potted counterparts. 
• With proper Palm Tree Care, they'll usually reach their full genetic height and spread potential.

For instance, the Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii) is loved for its tropical lushness. Also...

• Understory planting: Palms native to forest understories (Chamaedorea, Rhapis, Rhapidophyllum) are typically most shade-tolerant.
• Partial shade: Many outdoor palms will manage shaded spots but still benefit from dappled or morning sun rather than complete darkness.
• Indoor vs outdoor: Some palms are best in bright, indirect light indoors rather than deep outdoor shade (e.g., Kentia).
• Frost events: Shade-tolerant palms often handle cold better because they avoid radiational frost. That is, palm leaves lose heat ionn clear nights so fast that they get colder than freezing (32^oF/0^oC), even though the air around them is still above freezing.

Key Differences for Shade Palms - Outdoors vs Indoors

The major distinction isn't always the species itself. As some palms, like lady palms, work both indoors and out. Instead, consider what "shade-tolerant palms" mean in each situation.

• Indoor palms must tolerate the low light levels of a room. 
• Outdoor shade palms typically receive brighter indirect light, along with occasional sun.
• Indoor palms have lighter fertilizer proportion needs: 3-1-2. Outdoor palms like this: 8-2-12.
• Not flexible for being moved.

1. Outdoor shade palms brought inside can sulk without enough light.
2. Indoor palms moved outside could get sunburned even in partial shade.
3. They must be slowly and properly acclimated.

How to Care for Shade-Growing Palms

Avoiding problems means Correctly Managing Your Palms that grow in shade.

Watering Requirements in Shade

Soil and Drainage Considerations

Shade-tolerant palms require especially well-draining soil. Low light slows evaporation and ups the risk of root rot. Most palms won't tolerate consistently waterlogged roots.

Indoors, use a potting mix with 2 parts Coconut Coir dust, 2 parts perlite, and 1 part coarse sand. Add some organic matter for an outdoor shade palm, to balance drainage and moisture. One thing to avoid is bark chips.

Fertilizing Your Shade Palms

Shade palms need every advantage you can give for good health. Three important macronutrients your Palm Fertilizer should contain are:

1. Nitrogen [N] for healthy frond growth and rich green color. nitrogen is directly responsible for maintaining healthy green chlorophyll production, active canopy development, and normal trunk structure. When N is adequate, palms grow vigorously and maintain full, richly colored canopies.
2. Phosphorus [P] drives nearly all plant cell energy. It's essential, but no much is needed for palms.
3. Potassium [K], the internal traffic controller. Managing frond breathing, enables leaf food production delivery to other Parts of the Palm, keeps cells firm maintaining strength and switches on growth processes. Deficiency is the most common nutritional disorder throughout the palm-growing world.

Magnesium [Mg], another macronutrient, should be 4% of the ingredients. Essential for food production using photosynthesis.

Preventing Common Problems in Low Light

Low-light conditions naturally provide several challenges, like these:

• Slow, weak growth with elongated, pale fronds is probably the most common issue. The palm stretches toward available light . Consider moving it gradually closer to a better light source.
• Root rot risk, because these palms use water more slowly. Continually moist soil plus dim light may attract fungal diseases. 
• Older fronds can yellow and drop off more frequently. So the palm can bring the most energy to new growth.
• Overall, weakness for pest attack, as stressed plants attract harmful bugs.

It's frustrating because recovery is often painfully slow. If a palm isn't getting enough light, it can't produce healing energy quickly.

Common Mistakes When Growing Palms in Shade

The most common errors when caring for palms that grow in shade are:

• Overwatering shade-loving palms. The water stays around longer, which can cause fungal problems.
• Moving a palm quickly from one shade level to another. Instead adjust shade/light gradually.
• Choosing a sun-loving palm for a shady spot will lead to problems. Best to know the palms light requirements by checking a Good Palm Tree Reference Book before Purchasing a Palm.

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Takeaways for Palms that Grow in Shade

Certain palm species are able to grow in shady spots. Whether outdoors of indoors.

We tried here to help you evaluate in you'd desire to have any palms that grow in shade for you own home's circumstances. We've given you methods to assess that decision, and hope helped you.

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