Plant care guide

Indoor Palm Care: Kentia, Majesty, Sago and Ponytail Palms

Palms bring a relaxed, tropical feel indoors, but each type has its own needs. Pick your palm below for watering, light, repotting and leaf problems.

Sago palm is highly toxic to pets, so read the safety guides if you have cats or dogs.

  • 83free guides
  • 4topics
  • Nov 2026last updated

New to indoor palms? Start here

Read these first. They cover the basics that solve most problems.

  1. How to Plant, Grow and Care for Kentia Palm: Light, Water, Soil and FixesThe easiest indoor palm, start to finish.
  2. How to Plant, Grow and Care for an Indoor Potted Sago Palm TreeCare for a sago palm indoors.
  3. How Often to Water Majesty PalmKeep a majesty palm evenly moist.
  4. How To Take Care of a Ponytail Palm?A palm look-alike that likes it dry.
  5. How to Repot Kentia Palm: 8 Steps That Protect the RootsRepot without damaging the roots.
  6. Kentia Palm vs Majesty Palm: Which One Fits Your Home?Pick the right palm for your room.

Sago palm and cycads25

Sago palms are cycads, not true palms. Care, problems and safety.

Kentia palm17

The easy, low-light indoor palm.

Majesty palm20

A fast grower that wants bright light and steady moisture.

Ponytail palm21

A drought-tolerant succulent with a palm-like look.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest palm to grow indoors?

Kentia palm and parlor palm are among the easiest. Both tolerate lower light than most palms and grow slowly, so they rarely need repotting.

Is a sago palm a real palm?

No. Sago palm is a cycad, an ancient plant group that only looks like a palm. Ponytail palm isn’t a true palm either; it’s a drought-tolerant succulent.

Are indoor palms safe for pets?

It depends on the palm. Sago palm is highly toxic to cats and dogs and can cause liver failure. Parlor palm and ponytail palm are listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA.

Why are my palm’s leaves turning brown?

Brown tips usually mean dry air, uneven watering or a buildup of salts in the soil. Brown, mushy fronds near the base point to overwatering and root rot.