Palms help you bring a little of the tropics indoors

Q. I love palms and recently saw many at my local nursery. I know they come from humid warm climates. Are there any species that would be happy in a normal house environment? What type of location do they need and how do I care for them?A. Palms are wonderful decorative additions to the home. They are relatively easily maintained and lend a tropical feel to the home - especially appreciated during the long Chicago winters.Care of palmsAt this time of year many garden centers have a variety of palms suitable for indoors. General care of palms includes:bull;Allow the soil to dry between watering for most palms. During winter months you can mist the palms or use a humidifier in your home.bull;Most palms need medium to filtered bright light. Do not place in direct sun.bull;Palms are generally comfortable in normal house temperatures.bull;Fertilize three times in spring/summer with a general 10-10-10 fertilizer.bull;Spider mites are the most common pest. These can be controlled with an insecticidal soap.bull;Repot infrequently with a well drained potting mix.bull;Remove only damaged or old fronds.Palms are native to tropical climates and do benefit by being in a humid environment. During the summer you can place them in a shady area out of doors or on a screened porch. If you do that you need to check them for insects and spray with insecticidal soap before you bring them inside for winter. It is best to return them to the house before you turn on the heat in the fall. Routinely mist them with water to help them adjust to the drier humidity and heat in the house. You might find that some fronds yellow because of reduced light in the house. Prune those from the plant when they have fully browned.Palm species recommended for the homebull;Areca Palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens): This large palm has light green fronds that are 4 to 5 feet long.bull;Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii erumpens): This popular fast growing palm is smaller than the Areca Palm and tolerates lower light than do other true palms.bull;Kentia Palm (Howea forsterana): This easy-to-grow palm is very tolerant of light and humidity conditions. It is an elegant plant often seen in hotel lobbies.#160; bull;Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta): This is a cycad (ancient fossil plant) rather than a true palm. It is a slow growing plant and tolerates lower light intensity than do true palms. It enjoys a rest period in the winter with very little water. May not be commonly found in local nurseries.bull; Provided by Mary Boldan and Donna Siemro, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners. Send questions to Ask a Master Gardener, c/o Friendship Park Conservatory, 395 W. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016, (847) 298-3502 or via e-mail to cookcountymg@sbcglobal.net.False380534Bamboo palm False