Question
Hi Will, thank you for sharing your expertise--I came across your name via a Google search when trying to figure out why there are little worms in my majestic palm and why it isn't doing so well in my house. You stated in a post in 2007 that majestics aren't your favorite house plant (I think I agree!). Can you suggest a few "best house plants" of a similar size as the majestic palm for my dry Denver climate/house? It's cold here in winter obviously, and gets pretty hot in the summer (always dry--around 15% humidity today). Also, they should be easy to care for given my non green thumb. Thanks a million, Erin

Answer
Hi Erin,

Majesty Palms are difficult plants in ANY climate! However, it may surprise you to learn that most commonly available houseplants do just fine in low humidity. Ferns and some exotic flowering species are exceptions.

The reason certain houseplants are commonly available is because they have proven to do well in moderately low light and low humidity. Here in NYC in our often over-heated homes and offices, the humidity is desert-dry for at least half the year. I use and care for all of the most common indoor plants and they do just fine. The low humidity does cause the moisture in the soil to evaporate more quickly, but the solution is to water a bit more frequently when the air is very dry. As long as the roots have an adequate supply of water, most plants will do just fine in low humidity.

So a list of low-humidity plants would be quite long. If you like large Palms, I recommend either the Rhapis Palm or Kentia Palm. Both do well in moderately low light and are beautiful plants. However, they are a lot more expensive than Majesty Palms because they grow more slowly. Less expensive options include Corn Plants, Dracaena 'Lisas,' Ming Aralias and Ficus species.

In selecting a plant, the most important consideration is available light. For example, Corn Plants and D. Lisas do well in low light, but Ficus and Ming Aralias require at least some direct sunlight each day. If the available light is a poor match for the plant selected, the plant will struggle no matter how diligent you are. So focus on light, not humidity in choosing your next plants.

I have written articles on evaluating light and on low light plants that I will email for free to anyone who sends a request to my address below.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

If this information has been helpful, please click the Rate Volunteer bar below and enter a rating and nomination for me. I am a volunteer on this site so Ratings are the only compensation I receive for answering plant questions.

Need more information? Visit my website at www.HorticulturalHelp.com
or email me at [email protected]
or call me at 917-887-8601 (EDT)
 
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC