11 Amazing Plants That Look Like Palm Trees But Aren’t (With Pictures)

Last Updated on February 9, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford

Do you love the look of palm trees, but live in an area where they can’t grow? No problem! There are many plants that look like palm trees and can be grown in your area. In this blog post, we will discuss 11 amazing plants that look like palm trees.

We will provide information on each plant, such as height, width, and growing conditions. So if you’re looking for a beautiful plant that resembles a palm tree, be sure to read on!

11 Amazing Plants That Look Like Palm Trees

1. Banana Palm (Musa Acuminata).

This plant is also known as the banana tree, and is native to Southeast Asia. It can grow up to 20 feet tall and produces yellow or green flowers. The fruit of this plant is what we know as the banana.

2. Bird of Paradise.

Bird of Paradise is a stunning plant that resembles a palm tree. It has long, green leaves and beautiful flowers that come in various colors, including orange, yellow, and red.

This plant is native to South Africa and grows best in warm climates.

3. Cardboard Palm (Zamia Furfuracea).

Cardboard palm is a plant that looks like a palm tree, but is actually related to ferns. It is native to Mexico and Central America, and grows in both humid and dry areas. The plant gets its name from the fact that its leaves are thin and papery, like cardboard.

Cardboard palm is an evergreen plant, meaning it will keep its leaves all year round. The plant can grow up to 15 feet tall, and its leaves can be up to two feet long. Cardboard palm is a slow-growing plant, but it is relatively easy to care for.

It does not need much water, and can even tolerate some drought. The plant does best in full sun or partial shade. It is not frost-tolerant, so it should be protected from cold weather.

Cardboard palm can be propagated by division or seed. If you are growing the plant from seed, it can take up to two years for it to mature.

Cardboard palm is a great plant for both indoor and outdoor gardens. It is an interesting and unusual plant that is sure to attract attention.

4. Dragon Trees (Dracena Arborea).

Dragon tree is a monocot with a single trunk and spirally arranged leaves. The leaves are tough and leathery, and the tree can grow up to 20 m tall. The tree is native to the Canary Islands, Madeira, Morocco, Cape Verde, western Africa, and southwestern Europe.

Dragon trees are popular houseplants because they are easy to care for and can tolerate low light. They are also known to be effective at purifying indoor air.

If you’re looking for a plant that will give your home a tropical feel, then a dragon tree is a good option. These interesting plants have a unique appearance that is sure to turn heads.

Dragon trees are relatively low-maintenance, so they are a great choice for those who don’t have a lot of time to dedicate to plant care.

5. Gum palm (Dioon Spinulosum).

Gum palm is a species of Dioon, a genus of cycads in the family Zamiaceae. The plant is native to Mexico and Central America. Gum palm grows up to 12 m tall with a trunk diameter of 30 cm.

The leaves are pinnate, up to 300 cm long, with leaflets 20-30 cm long and 15-20 cm wide. The flowers are yellow, borne on a cone up to 30 cm long and 20 cm wide. The fruit is a red berry, up to 15 cm in diameter.

Gum palm is an evergreen plant. It prefers full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. Water the plant regularly, but do not overwater it. Fertilize the plant once a month with a balanced fertilizer. Gum palm is susceptible to root rot and scale insects.

6. Madagascar Palm (Pachypodium Lamerei).

Madagascar palm is a native of the island of Madagascar. The plant grows to a height of 15-20 feet and has a trunk that is covered with spines. The leaves are green and grow to a length of 12-18 inches.

The flowers are white and have a fragrant smell. The fruit of the Madagascar palm is black and contains seeds that are used to propagate the plant.

The Madagascar palm is a popular houseplant and is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens. The plant is easy to care for and does not require much maintenance.

The Madagascar palm is tolerant of most soil types and can be grown in full sun or partial shade. The plant is drought tolerant and does not require much water.

The Madagascar palm is an excellent plant for beginners and is a good choice for those who are looking for a low maintenance plant. The plant can be propagated from seed or cuttings. The Madagascar palm makes an excellent houseplant and will thrive in most homes.

7. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea Recurvata).

Ponytail palm is a monocot that resembles a palm tree. It is native to Mexico and Central America. The plant has a single trunk with a bulbous base and long, thin leaves that recurve at the tips.

Flowers are white and borne in clusters on stalks that arise from the leaf axils. Fruits are black, fleshy, and oblong.

Ponytail palm is a popular houseplant and can reach heights of up to 20 feet (six meters) indoors. It is drought-tolerant and does not require much care, making it an ideal plant for those who do not have a green thumb. The plant can be propagated by seed or division.

8. Sago Palm (Cycas Revoluta).

Sago palm is a cycad, not a palm, but it is often grown as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical gardens. The sago palm is native to southern Japan and Taiwan. It is a slow-growing, long-lived plant that can reach up to 15 feet (460 cm) in height.

The leaves are pinnate, with 30-40 pairs of narrow, leathery leaflets. The plant produces clusters of small, yellowish-white flowers that are followed by orange or red berries.

Sago palms are dioecious, meaning that male and female plants are separate.

9. Travelers Palm (Ravenala Madagascariensis).

Travelers palm is not a true palm (Arecaceae), but rather a member of the banana family (Musaceae). It is native to Madagascar, where it is found in humid forests.

The leaves are large and paddle-shaped, and the plant can grow up to 20 feet tall. The flowers are white and fragrant, and the fruits are edible.

Travelers palm is a popular landscaping plant, and is often used as a substitute for palm trees. It is easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of conditions.

If you are looking for a plant that looks like a palm tree, but is easier to care for, travelers palm may be the perfect choice for you.

10. Vulcan Palm (Brighamia Insignis).

Vulcan palm is a Hawaiian endemic plant species in the bellflower family, Campanulaceae. The genus comprises two species, both of which are endangered. They are known commonly as false kamani and palila lokelani.

Vulcan palm grows to a height of about six meters. It has a slender trunk with smooth gray bark and a crown of leaves. The leaves are dark green and leathery, with a saw-toothed margin. The flowers are white or pale yellow, bell-shaped, and borne in clusters at the leaf axils.

Fruit is a black drupe about a centimeter in diameter.

The plant occurs naturally only on the islands of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau in Hawaii. It is found in dry forest habitats at elevations of 150 to 600 meters.

The Vulcan palm is endangered due to habitat loss and degradation. The primary threat to the species is from the conversion of native dry forest habitat to pastureland for cattle ranching.

11. Yucca Plants.

The yucca plant is a species of perennial shrub native to the hot and dry parts of North America. It is an evergreen with long, tough leaves that end in sharp points.

The yucca plant can grow to be up to 15 feet tall and has large clusters of white flowers that bloom in the spring and summertime.

The yucca plant is a popular landscaping plant because it is easy to care for and can tolerate hot, dry conditions. It is often used as an accent plant or in mass plantings. Yucca plants are also low maintenance and do not require much water once they are established.

FAQs

How can you tell if it is a cycad and not a palm?

The easiest way to tell if a plant is a cycad or a palm is by looking at the leaves. Cycads have large, flat leaves that are generally green or blue-green in color. Palms, on the other hand, have small, narrow leaves that are usually green or yellow-green in color.

Another way to tell the difference is by looking at the trunk. Cycads have thick, woody trunks while palms have thin, fibrous trunks. Finally, cycads generally produce cones while palms produce fruits.

What kind of houseplant looks like a palm tree?

The answer might surprise you – it’s actually a type of fern! This plant is called the Nephrolepis exaltata, and it’s a tropical plant that originates from moist forest areas.

This houseplant is perfect for anyone who wants to add a touch of the tropics to their home, without having to worry about taking care of a true palm tree. The Nephrolepis exaltata is a low-maintenance plant that doesn’t require much sunlight or water to thrive.

Are yuccas related to palms?

The answer to this question may surprise you. Although they share some similarities, yuccas and palms are not related.

Yuccas are actually part of the lily family, which includes over 600 different species. On the other hand, palms are classified under the Arecaceae family, which contains around 2600 species of plants.

Related:

• 16 Different Types of Palm Trees in Georgia You’ll Love (With Pictures)
• The 13 Best Types of Palm Trees to Plant in Arizona (Photos)
• 14 Types of Palm Trees in Texas: A Guide to the Most Popular Species
• 21 Best Small or Dwarf Palm Trees for Your Landscape (With Pictures)

Conclusion

So, there you have it – a list of amazing plants that look like palm trees. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of the tropics to your home or simply want a low-maintenance plant that looks great, one of these options is sure to be perfect for you. Thanks for reading!