What Plants Look Good Around Palm Trees: 12 Plants That Look Great

Palm trees are a popular choice for landscaping, providing a tropical look to any outdoor space. But what should you plant under them? This article will provide tips on what to plant under palm trees, as well as considerations to keep in mind when selecting plants for this area. With the right selection of plants, you can create a lush, tropical oasis that will be the envy of your neighborhood.

Almost everyone loves palm trees. They are iconic symbols of the tropics and have been featured in countless movies and songs. But did you know that there are many different types of palm trees?

And that some of them can actually be grown in your own backyard? If you’re thinking about planting a palm tree, you might want to consider some of these lesser-known varieties. From the dwarf palm to the bottle palm, there are many interesting options to choose from.

One of the best ways to add some extra flair to your yard is by planting a few palm trees. But what should you plant under your palm tree? Well, one option to consider is planting some native grasses and shrubs. These will help create a natural and seamless look that complements the palm trees. Another option is to add some rocks or boulders to the base of the palm tree, which can give a tropical and organic feel. Some homeowners also choose to plant freshwater mangrove ecosystems around their palm trees to create a lush and diverse landscape. By incorporating a variety of plant life, you can create a beautiful and sustainable environment around your palm trees.

Here are a few ideas:

  1. Aeoniums – These succulents come in a variety of colors and shapes, and they’re perfect for adding some contrast to the area around your palm tree. 2. Aloes – Aloes are another type of succulent that does well in hot, dry climates. They come in a range of colors from green to red, and they produce beautiful flowers.
  2. Cacti – Cacti are known for being tough plants that can survive in harsh conditions. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so you’re sure to find one that fits your space perfectly. Plus, they add a unique touch to any landscape.
  3. Euphorbias – Euphorbias are an excellent choice for adding color and texture to the area around your palm tree. They come in a wide range of colors, including pink, purple, red, and orange. And they produce beautiful flowers that attract bees and other pollinators.

Is It OK to Put Rocks around Palm Trees?

There are a few things to consider when deciding if it is ok to put rocks around palm trees. The first is the type of rock. Some rocks can be quite sharp and can damage the tree’s trunk.

It is best to use smooth, round rocks that are not too large. The second thing to consider is the drainage. Rocks can help improve drainage around the tree’s roots and prevent waterlogging.

Finally, make sure the rocks are not placed too close to the trunk as this could damage the tree’s roots.

What is the Best Mulch to Put around Palm Trees?

When it comes to mulch, there are a lot of options to choose from. But which one is the best for palm trees? Well, that depends on a few factors.

For example, what kind of palm tree do you have? And what is your climate like? Generally speaking, though, most palm trees will do well with a layer of organic mulch around their base.

This could be anything from wood chips to pine needles to compost. Organic mulch helps to keep the roots of your palm tree cool and moist. It also adds nutrients to the soil as it breaks down over time.

Plus, it can help prevent weeds from taking over around your tree. If you live in an area with high temperatures and little rainfall, you may need to water your palm tree more often. In this case, using a mulch that helps retain moisture would be ideal.

Something like cypress or cedar bark would work well. Just make sure not to use too much or it could start to rot the roots of your tree. In the end, the best mulch for your palm tree is going to vary depending on your specific situation. But if you’re not sure where to start, organic mulch is always a good choice.

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Can Orchids Grow on Palm Trees?

Orchids are a beautiful and popular type of flower, often seen in bouquets or as potted plants. Many people don’t know that orchids can also grow on palm trees! Palm trees provide the perfect environment for orchids to thrive.

They are tall and slender with smooth bark, which gives the orchids something to grip onto. The leaves of palm trees are also large and sturdy, providing plenty of space for the orchids to grow. Plus, palm trees are native to tropical climates, which is where most types of Orchids originate from.

If you’re interested in growing Orchids on your palm tree, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, make sure to choose a healthy palm tree that doesn’t have any diseases or pests. Secondly, you’ll need to attach the Orchid’s roots securely to the tree trunk using wire or string.

And finally, water your Orchid regularly and fertilize it every few weeks to ensure it stays healthy and blooms beautifully.

What Can I Plant around a Queen Palm?

When it comes to planting around a queen’s palm, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the queen palm is a salt-tolerant plant, so you’ll want to choose plants that can also tolerate salt. Second, the queen palm has deep roots, so you’ll want to avoid plants with shallow roots.

Third, the queen palm doesn’t like competition for water, so you’ll want to choose drought-tolerant plants. With those things in mind,

Here are a few good plant choices for around a queen palm:

  1. Agave: This succulent is extremely drought-tolerant and can handle salty soils. It’s also not too fussy about root competition.
  2. Cactus: Another great option for dry, sunny spots. Cacti come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so you’re sure to find one that fits your space perfectly. Just be careful not to prick yourself on the spines!
  3. Aloe vera: Another succulent that does well in dry conditions and can tolerate salt. Aloe vera is also known for its healing properties – just break off a piece of the leaf and apply the gel directly to any cuts or scrapes.
  4. Sedum: A hardy groundcover that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Sedum is perfect for covering up bare patches of earth around your queen’s palm (and it’s pretty enough to use as an accent plant elsewhere in your garden).
plants to put under the palm tree
What Plants Look Good Around Palm Trees: 12 Plants That Look Great 20

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Shrubs around Palm Trees

If you want to add some privacy or simply spruce up your yard, adding shrubs around palm trees is a great option. Not only will they look good together, but the palm tree will provide shade and protection for the shrubs. When choosing shrubs, make sure to pick ones that are salt tolerant and can handle full sun.

Some good choices include oleander, hibiscus, and bougainvillea.

What to Plant With Palms in Pots

If you’re looking for a little bit of paradise in your own backyard, consider planting palms in pots! Palms are not only beautiful and exotic-looking, but they’re also relatively easy to care for.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting palms for your pots:

  1. Consider the size of your pot. Some palm varieties can get quite large, so make sure you choose a palm that will fit comfortably in your pot.
  2. Make sure the pot has drainage holes. Palms like their roots to be well-drained, so make sure your pot has adequate drainage before planting.
  3. Choose a spot with bright, indirect light. Most palms do best in bright light but can’t tolerate direct sunlight, so find a spot that gets plenty of light but is out of direct sun.
  4. Be prepared to water regularly. Palms like to stay moist, so be prepared to water them frequently – especially during hot summer months. With these tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to growing healthy and happy palm trees in no time!

Areca Palm Companion Plants

If you’re looking for a tropical plant that will make a statement in your home or garden, the areca palm is a great choice. This striking palm can grow up to 10 feet tall and has beautiful, feathery leaves. Areca palms are native to Madagascar and thrive in warm, humid climates.

While the areca palm is a showstopper on its own, it also makes a great companion plant. Here are some of the best plants to pair with your areca palm: Bird of paradise – The bird of paradise is another tropical plant that originates from Madagascar.

It shares similar growing conditions to the areca palm and has stunning flowers that resemble birds in flight. Pairing these two plants together creates a dramatic, jungle-like look. Banana tree – Banana trees are often used as companion plants for palms because they have similar growing requirements and provide complementary foliage.

The large leaves of the banana tree create a nice backdrop for the slender leaves of the areca palm. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy fresh bananas! Bromeliad – Bromeliads come in many different shapes and sizes, but all have colorful foliage that makes them stand out.

They’re easy to care for and do well in both bright light and low light conditions. When placed next to an areca palm, bromeliads add even more color and interest to the garden.

colony of picabeen / bungalow palms (archontophoenix cunninghamiana) along the thylogale track close to jollys lookout in the d'aguilar range

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is compost good for palm trees?

Yes, compost is beneficial for palm trees as it enriches the soil with essential nutrients and improves its structure, promoting healthy growth.

Is it OK to put rocks around palm trees?

Yes, it’s generally okay to put rocks around palm trees. However, ensure proper drainage, and avoid piling rocks against the trunk to prevent issues like rot.

What should I put around my palm tree?

Use organic mulch, such as wood chips or bark, around your palm tree. Keep it a few inches away from the trunk, allowing for proper air circulation and preventing rot.

Conclusion

If you want to add some color and life to your palm tree, consider adding one of these plants:

  1. Bird of paradise – The bird of paradise is a tropical plant that features bright, vibrant flowers. It’s a great plant to put under a palm tree because it thrives in warm climates and doesn’t require much water.
  2. Hibiscus – Hibiscus is another tropical plant that does well in warm climates. It produces beautiful flowers in a variety of colors, making it a great addition to any landscape. Like the bird of paradise, hibiscus doesn’t require much water, so it’s perfect for areas that are dry or have poor drainage.
  3. Ixora – Ixora is a shrubby plant that produces clusters of small, brightly-colored flowers. It’s often used as an accent plant in landscaping because of its colorful blooms. Ixora prefers full sun and well-drained soil, so it’s ideal for planting under a palm tree.

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Dr Ahsanur Rahman, PhD, is a Bangladeshi forest researcher who has worked extensively on the ecology and management of the country's forests. He has authored or co-authored over 100 scientific papers and is widely recognized as an expert on the subject. Dr Rahman is currently working as a senior Research Officer at, Forest Protection Division (Forest Pathology), Bangladesh Forest Research Institute, Chittagong, Bangladesh.