Post #30355 by gonzo on Tue, Apr 15, 2003 10:20 AM

The ones above that have common names I put in parens. Ooopps the Phoenix canariensis is known as the Canary Island Date Palm. The others are known almost exclusivly by the latin names

If its unidenified and in a small pot I bet its usually a Chamadora excelsea (parlor palm) or a Dypsis Lutescens (aka areca palm- ususally crammed 30 seedlings in a one gallon pot) neither are great in the garden. The Chamadors excelsea will demand shade and a mound of good drainage dirt to look good. The Areca always looks yellow and tattered.

Coconut palms wont live indoors well unless you have a greenhouse. As I said there are a few out doors in perfect micro climates. Home depot used to sell coconuts and they had a no questions asked return policy-- they invariably die in the winter.

Another tip is the more marginal stuff always seems to grow better on the east side of the house. Morning sun is better than afternoon.

Virtual Palm Encyclopedia is a good source of pictures. Honest horticultural advice for your area is harder to come by. I live in Ventura about a 1/2 mile from the ocean.. Further inland gets both hotter and colder. Soil types vary some too. Cold drainage is another factor.

Good luck

Dave