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Houseplants and Pets: Palms that Get Along with Both

Houseplants and Pets: Palms that Get Along with Both

Palm trees come in a wide range of varieties, so you’re sure to find one that fits your space and lifestyle. At Soltech, we’ve curated a selection of palms that thrive in apartment settings, each with unique care needs to suit any schedule—whether you’re a dedicated plant parent or someone who’s often on the go. Many of these palms are low-maintenance, perfect for urban living where space and natural light may be limited. Plus, most of these options are pet-friendly, making them a safe choice for homes with curious pets. Not only do these palms add a tropical touch to your home, but they also improve indoor air quality by filtering pollutants.

From the elegant Areca Palm that thrives in indirect light, to the hardy Kentia Palm that tolerates lower light levels, you’ll find the perfect greenery to suit your environment. And if you have areas with lower natural light, our grow lights can provide the boost your palms need to flourish. Whether you’re looking to liven up a dull corner or create a lush indoor sanctuary, there’s a palm variety that’s perfect for your home. Explore our list to see which palm suits your lifestyle and space, and transform your apartment into a relaxing, vibrant retreat!

 

Areca Palm (Dypsis Lutescens)

Image: Lively Root

The Areca Palm, also known as the bamboo palm, is a versatile and easy-care plant that tolerates low light but thrives best in bright, indirect light. If your home lacks natural sunlight, you can easily enhance its environment with a grow light. This palm enjoys consistent moisture with non-fluoridated water and thrives in high humidity, making it perfect for more humid spaces like bathrooms. A monthly dose of fertilizer helps keep its vibrant, lush appearance. Since Areca Palms are sensitive to mechanical damage and can’t be trimmed from the top, be sure to place them in areas safe from physical contact. Best of all, they’re pet- and kid-friendly, making them a safe addition to family homes.

If you’re interested, you can explore different size options of the Areca Palm from Lively Root’s collection.

 

Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

Image: Bloomscape

The Parlor Palm is an ideal, low-maintenance plant for areas with lower light levels. While it thrives in medium to bright, indirect light, it can easily adapt to low-light conditions. It only requires watering every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Average room temperature and humidity work fine, though higher humidity is always a plus. Watch out for overwatering and pests, as these are common issues for this palm. Pet-friendly and hardy, it’s a great choice for family homes. You can find a potted Parlor Palm at Bloomscape.

 

Majesty Palm (Ravenea rivularis)

Image: The Sill

The Majesty Palm thrives in low-light conditions, making it a perfect choice for rooms with minimal direct sunlight. It does, however, require high humidity and consistently moist soil to stay healthy, making it an excellent fit for humid areas like bathrooms. Keep it in a comfortable room temperature, and with regular care—including annual repotting and frequent fertilization (up to weekly)—this palm will flourish. Though it demands a bit more maintenance, its ability to thrive in shaded spaces makes it a fantastic addition to low-light rooms.

While the Majesty Palm isn’t toxic to pets, its long fronds can be enticing for them to chew, so it’s best to keep it out of reach to avoid any potential digestive discomfort. It is pet-friendly but may require some extra supervision around curious pets. You can purchase a Majesty Palm from The Sill here.

 

Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana)

Image: Mickey Hargitay Plants

The Kentia Palm is a versatile and low-maintenance plant that can adapt to a range of soil types and even withstand periods of drought. It thrives in slightly moist, well-draining soil and prefers moderate humidity. Regular fertilization during the growing season will help keep it healthy. While it can tolerate lower light levels, younger Kentia Palms are sensitive to intense, direct sunlight. Like many palms, this variety can be prone to pests and may develop potassium deficiencies, so attentive care is important.

Pet- and kid-friendly, the Kentia Palm is a great choice for homes with children and pets. You can find this beautiful palm in-store at Mickey Hargitay’s Plants in Los Angeles.

 

Pygmy Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii)

Image: Lively Root

The Pygmy Date Palm is a compact, easy-to-maintain plant that thrives in medium to bright, indirect light but can tolerate partial shade, making it versatile for a range of indoor environments. It prefers a humid environment and benefits from letting the soil dry out between waterings. Monthly fertilization during spring and summer helps keep it healthy.

Though generally considered pet-friendly, it’s still wise to place the Pygmy Date Palm out of reach of curious pets. While the palm itself isn’t toxic, ingestion of the leaves could potentially cause mild digestive issues in pets. This makes it a safe but cautious choice for households with cats or dogs. Its small size and ease of care make it a great option for smaller spaces or busy schedules. You can find the Pygmy Date Palm at Lively Root.

 These palms not only beautify your home with their lush greenery but are also low-maintenance and, in most cases, safe for pets and kids. Whether you’re aiming to create a calming, tropical vibe or fill a dull corner with life, adding a palm to your home is a great way to brighten up your space. With proper care and the right conditions, these plants will thrive and make your home a more inviting, relaxing place to live.

Bring the magic of greenery into your home this holiday season! From the fresh scent of pine to the vibrant charm of poinsettias, greenery transforms your space into a cozy winter retreat. Whether it’s lush garlands or festive houseplants, discover how to add warmth, texture, and holiday cheer to your decor.

The Healing Garden at North Shore Hospital uses nearly 50 Soltech Highland grow lights to provide full-spectrum, natural-like light, supporting lush plant growth and creating an uplifting space for patients and staff. Recognized with the prestigious Diamond Award at the International Biophilic Design Awards, this garden sets a new standard in biophilic design, showcasing the transformative power of nature-filled spaces in healthcare.

Looking for the perfect gift for a foodie or aspiring chef? The right tools and ingredients can elevate their cooking and spark creativity. As Julia Child said, “People who love to eat are always the best people”—so celebrate their passion with gifts that inspire culinary adventures. From grow lights for fresh herbs to premium cookware, these picks will help them cook, create, and entertain in style—and they’re all on my wish list too!