The most popular indoor palm tree in the world

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If you have ever walked into an elegant hotel, from Monte Carlo to Las Vegas, and seen an indoor palm tree, it was a Kentia. And in movies, including "Casino Royale" at left, if you saw an indoor palm, it was a Kentia palm. No other palm tree looks this good and works this good indoors.

My education on Kentia palms just started this year when Kevin Williams of Valley Palm Company installed one in my house. Before that I considered myself pretty good at recognizing different species of palm trees, but I have never given a thought to Kentia palms.

I can't say that I've never seen them, I can say that I never noticed them. And that's what so cool about indoor palm trees. Just like being used outdoors, if done correctly, they just set an elegant mood.

So, if you are considering putting a palm tree in your house, think twice. Most species will just fade away, no matter what you do. Kentias have a strong reputation of doing well indoors since the 1800s. But don't take my word for it, go visit Monte Carlo! Or watch Casino Royale again, if you can keep your eyes off of Vesper.

By the way, a nice Kentia from Valley Palm is going to cost you about a hundred bucks. Or you could buy several from Home Depot that look ratty, and watch them all just fade away. Mine is doing great, and makes a nice canopy for Macintosh, the good little wiener dog!


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