Palm Novice - I need ID help

[Jay11]

Hello all -

I'm so glad to have stumbled upon this forum! Here's what I'm working with...

I've had a little experience growing palms outside in the past, having lived a few years in Southern CA, but not enough to take this one on with confidence.

I've now relocated to Philadelphia and live in an apartment that gets great sunlight with large windows, facing southwest. I've noticed that as the summer months here are very hot and humid, warm weather plants are making their way outside for a seasonal rotation. I spotted one tree in particular - a large palm sitting in a shaded stairwell, bound with twine, receiving zero attention. So I asked the building owner about it, and ten minutes later I was on my way home with it. It seems to have taken some abuse, but overall I'd say its doing okay. The tree is about 10-12 ft including the pot, and I have 25 ft ceilings with two sets of windows in the room approx 10x12' each.

I've tried identifying the tree on my own, but nothing I see looks exactly right. The major feature that I've noticed is the light color of the stems (which I'm hoping is an attribute of the species and not an indication of poor health). Also, it appears to be potted in a mix of loose, chunky soil and sand, with decent bottom drainage.

Obviously I would love to get an ID on this palm, along with any advice/links on proper care, but I'd also like to know whether or not this is even a realistic growing environment for this species.

Thanks in advance!

[Jay11]

I think its a spindle palm

[loverofpalms]

Yes, glad you found this place too. That palm tree you have is indeed a Spindle Palm Tree. It can do well indoors as long as you provide enough light. It is considered an outdoor palm tree but I have seen this palm indoors as well. The most common indoor palm is the Areca, Kentia, Bamboo, and lady palm. These are all capable of living strictly indoors.

Let see how your palm tree does and maybe monitor how it acts indoors.