Home Trees 11 Types of Palm Trees in Hawaii To Identify And Grow In...

Trees

11 Types of Palm Trees in Hawaii To Identify And Grow In Your Backyard

Types of palm trees in Hawaii are ones that would thrive in its exotic tropical climate. They can grow outside in the garden, and some of them can also be grown inside your house.

If you want to add a unique palm to your landscape, our gardening team has placed together the best and the most amazing palm trees that can be the perfect addition to any landscape design in Paradise State.

Contents

List of Palm Trees That Thrive In Hawaii
Conclusion

List of Palm Trees That Thrive In Hawaii

1. Areca Palm

Description	This palm tree is called the bamboo palm because the trunk looks a lot like bamboo clumps It has narrow fronds like bamboo leaves and grows yellow flowers in the summer It grows to be between 12 and 30 feet tall outdoors, but indoor plants are usually about eight feet tall
Care	Since it can get pretty hot in USDA zone 11, you should water the soil regularly This plant thrives in bright indirect sunlight and should be fed during the growing season
Landscaping ideas	The areca palm is popular as an indoor plant, and you can bring it outside in warm weather to receive more light Since it’s pretty easy to care for, you can grow it as a hedge or screen
Common problems	Chilled air can cause leaf tip burn Root rot is pretty common if the soil isn’t well-draining

Although the Dypsis lutescens is considered endangered in its native habitat in Madagascar, you can definitely see it growing along the streets of Hawaii. It’s also known as the yellow palm and golden cane palm.

You can harvest the seeds from the fruit that appears after the flowers to grow this palm from seeds, but it has a relatively slow-growing rate. In addition to this, you have to be careful how you are watering it, because the roots would be prone to having root rot in the long run.

2. Red Sealing Wax Palm

Description	The Cyrtostachys renda is a popular choice in Hawaiian landscapes because the climate resembles its tropical natural habitat It can grow to a height between 20 and 30 feet tall and grow one to two feet tall per year
Care	This plant requires high levels of humidity and survives in well-draining soil It grows in full sun and partial shade
Landscaping ideas	It’s usually grown as a focal point in your landscape People grow this palm in coastal gardens and next to water features
Common problems	This palm tree isn’t tolerant of drought and wind Leaf spot is a common problem

The red sealing wax palm is endangered in its native habitat in the forests of Thailand, but it can be seen growing in Hawaii, where it withstands salty spray. It’s called the lipstick palm, and it gets its name from the red leaves and red-spotted trunk.

On another note, this is the type of tree that has different and unique features, and one of which is how it adds beauty and color to your landscape. On the same notion, you should make sure that when you are growing it, it should be protected from wind or drought so that the tree would remain beautiful and add its uniqueness.

3. Coconut Palm

Description	This plant has a smooth and slim trunk and grows clusters of flowers on the stem The female flowers are larger than the male flowers, and then they turn into yellow or green fruits
Care	This tree thrives in well-draining, moist soil, but it won’t tolerate soggy soil It needs full sun to grow, so you might need to use artificial lights if you’re growing it indoors It’s a heavy feeder and should be provided with warmth all year round to stay healthy
Landscaping ideas	People grow this tree to enjoy coconuts all year round It’s an interesting accent tree for your tropical garden You can grow this palm tree as an indoor plant
Common problems	This tree is a bit sensitive to climate changes, so it’s not the easiest to take care of if you’re a novice gardener When grown outdoors, it’s almost resistant to pests and diseases When indoors, it might be infested with mealybugs and spider mites

The cocos nucifera can survive for up to 100 years in the wild, but it might not live that long on your land. It matures within 15 to 20 years, and when planted indoors, it rarely produces any fruit. The fruit is edible, and the sap can be used as a refreshing drink

This is one of the most loved palms that one will find in the state of Hawaii, because you can drink the juice of the fruit, as well as eat it. However, to grow it, it must be located in an area that is bright and sunny, even though you can grow it indoors, but it needs growing lights, in this case.

The benefit of it growing outdoors is that this is one that will resist almost all pests, and you will not have to worry about the damages.

4. Bismarck Palm

Description	This palm has stiff blue-green fronds and a trunk with a crisscross design Female flowers produce inedible yellow-green fruit, which then turn brown Male palms produce brown inflorescence that don’t turn into fruit
Care	It thrives in well-draining soil and tolerates full to partial sun Daily watering is essential until it gets established As it grows, this palm becomes more drought-tolerant than what the younger ones
Landscaping ideas	People usually grow a row of these palms along a driveway It’s a great accent plant for any lawn You can grow this palm in coastal gardens as it’s moderately tolerant of salt spray
Common problems	Unlike other palms, this plant isn’t resistant to windstorm damage Ganoderma butt rot and palmetto weevils can represent a serious problem for this tree

Bismarckia nobilis palms are dioecious with male and female plants and are considered pretty hardy and easy to care for. Unlike most palms, they tolerate dry, hot, and even freezing weather, and the more it grows, the more it establishes themselves and tolerates the drought.

These Palms can slowly grow when they’re first planted, but they will grow faster as they age until maturity. Together with this given, this palm can reach a height between 40 and 70 feet tall, which is why it will grow so tall and strong.

5. Foxtail Palm

Description	This palm tree has a smooth gray trunk and long, lush self-cleaning fronds Although it produces edible fruit, they’re not flavorful, but people enjoy their bright orange color
Care	The Wodyetia thrives in well-draining soil and should be watered regularly It requires full sun to stay healthy
Landscaping ideas	This palm is tolerant of salt spray, so it’s a good choice for a coastal garden Gardeners usually grow it as a specimen tree
Common problems	Crown rot and root rot are expected if the tree doesn’t receive enough sun Mealybugs, ambrosia beetles, and banana moths can attack this tree

This palm gets its common name from its fluffy fronds resembling the fox’s tail. The bright green canopy contains eight to 10 fronds per cluster, and they’re usually between six and 10 feet long

It’s originally native to Australia but is pretty common in Hawaiian gardens, where it can be the perfect addition to any landscape design, due to the climate distinction. The Wodyetia bifurcata palms can be single or multi-trunked, depending on the cultivar.

On another note, this is the plant that is known to be one that will grow in a full sun location, to be watered regularly, and it will thrive so well.

6. Manila Palm

Description	This palm has light-green fronds and a single trunk The trunk is covered in leaf scars and is usually around 15 feet tall The compound leaves arch upright, but the leaflets of the palm droop
Care	It grows in well-draining, moist soils and can survive in partial shade This palm tree requires regular watering but becomes drought-tolerant once established
Landscaping ideas	People grow this palm as a houseplant as long as it can be protected from cold drafts It can be an attractive front yard accent tree or a companion for taller native palms like the loulu palm or Pritchardia kaalae
Common problems	Mealybugs usually attack this palm and can transfer fungal diseases like black mold Lethal yellowing is a bacterial infection that causes the fruits to fall off prematurely

The Adonidia merrillii is known as the dwarf royal palm, Merrill’s palm, and Adonidia palm. It’s also called the Christmas palm because the fruit changes its color from bright green to red around Christmas time.

In spring, you will see it grow beautiful flowers of three as they would emerge in groups. As this happens, they will add beauty and vibrancy to the area where they are found. However, the tree will see fatal issues such as when it becomes infected by bacteria, and this will cause it to become unable to bloom or produce flowers.

7. Bottle Palm

Description	This palm has a dense crown with red stems that turn green as the tree matures It usually grows one trunk, but some trees will grow two to three trunks, although it’s unusual It produces white flowers, and if pollinated, the flowers will turn into small green and then brown fruit
Care	This palm thrives in well-draining soil but needs to grow in a sunny location It can be drought-tolerant once established but should be watered during dry spells
Landscaping ideas	It’s an excellent accent tree for sheltered entry areas, as it’s quite sensitive to the cold This palm is highly tolerant of salt spray and can survive in coastal gardens It’s common to grow in beach houses and around pools, enhancing the tropical vibes
Common problems	Cold damage is a common problem You won’t have to remove the damaged fronds Butt rot is a fungal infection that usually affects this beautiful tree

The Hyophorbe lagenicaulis gets its common name from the swollen base of the trunk that tapers towards the top, just like a bottle. Most gardeners would grow it in the center of a circular garden path or drive.

Although the fruit is edible, they have little flavor and are pretty small. Most trees will grow to be between five and seven feet tall, although some can be as tall as 10 feet. However, this palm grows slowly, which is why it is also a good choice for an indoor setup due to its compact size, because it will not become an issue.

8. Fishtail Palm

Description	This tree has compound leaves and enormous green-blue fronds It’s usually around 20 feet tall but can be 35 feet wide The palm tree produces flowers in the summer, and they later turn into fleshy berries, but they’re not edible
Care	These palms grow in soils with excellent drainage, so adding some perlite might benefit them It thrives in a sunny spot, where it can receive some protection from the afternoon sun
Landscaping ideas	You can plant several individuals to create a screen, as these plants are pretty manageable People grow these trees to make tall hedges It can be an accent plant or a backdrop for other tropical plants in your garden, including shorter palms like the bottle and MacArthur palm
Common problems	This palm tree is resilient, but if the foliage starts yellowing, it might not receive enough humidity Wilting is a sign of root rot due to the soil’s poor drainage

The Caryota mitis gets its common name from the striking leaves that resemble the shape of a fishtail. It’s also known as the Burmese or clumping fishtail palm. This tree isn’t tolerant of wind damage and won’t survive in dry soils, but it needs moist ones.

The plant is toxic to pets, so you need to take this into consideration before picking its planting site. However, ensure that the soil is well-draining because the roots will become weak when they face water sitting in the long run. This matter would slowly cause the plant to become wilted and vulnerable.

9. Chinese Fan Palm

Description	This palm tree has arching fronds that drop down, looking like a water fountain The fronds are pretty long, measuring 60 inches, and the creamy white flowers bloom in the spring
Care	As long as there’s good drainage, this tree will thrive in different soil types. Yet, it prefers to grow in slightly acidic to neutral loamy soil Although mature plants are drought tolerant, you need to water your palm regularly, especially during hot weather It grows in full sun but can tolerate some shade
Landscaping ideas	People grow this palm as an entryway plant or a focal point in a garden bed with other tropical plants You can grow it in a pool cage planter, or it can be a good patio or indoor plant, as long as it receives enough sunlight
Common problems	Because it’s not as fussy as other palms, this plant is considered invasive as it can quickly spread May affect the growth of other native species Scale insects and spider mites can attack this tree and eventually kill it unless treated with neem oil

The Livistona chinensis or fountain palm grows slowly, changing in appearance from a bush to a tree. Unlike other picky palm trees, this one is pretty hardy and can work for a novice gardener, as it’s quite easy to take care of.

This tree is one that has the ability to grow in a strong way and when it does, can become invasive. In addition to this, the significance is that it needs full sun to grow well, but you must be sure that it doesn’t get infested with different insects, as it would become very challenging for the health of the plant.

10. Lady Palm

Description	This compact palm shrub grows dense stems and glossy green fronds Yellow flowers appear in the spring and later turn into edible berries
Care	These palm trees grow in loamy soil with excellent drainage and should have access to full sun Regular watering is essential, especially during the growing season You don’t have to prune this palm regularly, even if the fronds show some yellowing
Landscaping ideas	People usually grow this shrub as an indoor plant because it has the ability to remove toxins from the air It’s also tolerant of low-light conditions Most homeowners grow it as a specimen tree or as a screen
Common problems	Yellowing or wilting of the leaves is usually a sign that this plant is infested with spider mites It resists most diseases, but leaf spot can be a severe problem

The Rhapis excelsa is a popular choice for indoor and outdoor landscaping ideas because it’s pretty easy to take care of. This palms is one that grows slowly, adding one foot to its height, eventually reaching a maximum height of 15 feet, although in most cases, it can be around six feet tall.

It’s an excellent choice for Hawaii’s warm and humid climate, as it doesn’t tolerate cold drafts. At the same time, dry, hot air can also damage the fronds. When this damage takes place, you will see that the plant has gotten weaker, which would be obvious from the features and yellowing

11. Kentia Palm

Description	The trunk of the Howea forsteriana changes from green to brown as the plant matures It grows to reach 40 feet tall, but indoor plants are usually shorter The feather-like fronds carry glossy green leaves, and the white flowers appear in winter before turning into red fruit
Care	This tree survives in various conditions but prefers acidic soil with good drainage When the tree is young, it should receive indirect sunlight to protect the fronds It has moderate watering needs and won’t tolerate soggy soil that leads to root rot
Landscaping ideas	People usually grow this tree as an indoor plant because it adapts well to low light It can also be grown as a specimen plant or kept in a patio or deck container
Common problems	Fungal diseases like leaf spot are more common in outdoor plants Spider mite infestations are common in indoor plants The yellowing of the leaves might be a sign of root rot, while the browning tips can show that your palm is underwatered

Once you plant the thatch palm or sentry palm, you shouldn’t move it, as this can damage the root system. Some people mistake this palm for the Areca type, mainly when grown indoors. Although it needs indirect sunlight, but it also tolerates full sun as it grows.

Yet, the Kentia type has broad leaves, while the Areca has multiple red-spotted stems. What you should watch out for is the fact that it may be infested with spider mites. On another note, when you water it less than the required amount, the tree would start to be weaker in its beautiful green color.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for Hawaiian palm trees for sale for your outdoor or indoor garden, these suggestions will help you pick the right choice for your space. Here are some points that we covered:

Some palm trees, like the foxtail and coconut palms, bear edible fruits.
Trees like the Bismarck palm produce inedible fruits.
Some plants, like the fishtail tree, look exotic but toxic to pets.
Most palms are pretty fussy, but some types, like the Chinese fan and Areca palms, are easy to care for.

Your Hawaiian outdoor or indoor garden will look amazing once you add the right palm tree. So, which one will you choose? Check out the prices of Palm trees to pick the one that best suits you!

5/5 - (16 votes)

Author
Recent Posts

Evergreen Seeds

If you are looking for help gardening you’ve come to the right place! We love gardening and we want to share this love with you. Join our dynamic garden community.

Latest posts by Evergreen Seeds (see all)

25 Kalanchoe Types and Colorful Varieties for Your Garden - October 3, 2023
17 Hawaiian Flowers That Grow and Thrive in the Hot Summer - October 2, 2023
Watering a Poinsettia and How is it Done Correctly? - September 30, 2023