Very trendy, dried flowers and leaves are in fashion for decorating and beautifying our interiors. Moreover, if you browse the aisles of home decor shops, you've probably noticed: the trend is all about natural elements! Raffia, rattan furniture, linen and other natural materials are taking their place in our homes to bring botanical touches. Why not take inspiration from this to create natural decor with dried palm leaves? Besides enhancing our interiors, we also clear our palm tree of its old fronds to give it an aesthetic trim. Discover our tips and technique for drying palm leaves.

Palm leaves are stunning for creating natural and floral decorations

When to harvest palm leaves?

Palm trees are pruned in late autumn and during winter, between November and March. Indeed, palm tree pests are dormant during this winter period and won't take advantage of this operation. Note that this pruning is purely aesthetic and is not obligatory or necessary.

Which palm varieties to choose?

The different varieties of palm are distinguished by the shape of their leaves. For example, they can be palmate and fan-shaped in exotic varieties like Chamaerops, Trachycarpus, and Washingtonia. But the foliage can also be pinnate, like a long elegant feather in Butia capitata, Phoenix, and Jubaea chilensis. Also choose a variety suited to your climate and sunlight.

→ To select the right variety, check out our article: Which palm tree should I choose for my garden?

Phoenix roebelinii has pinnate feather-like foliage, while Chamaerops humilis has palmate fan-shaped leaves

How to harvest palm leaves?

Required materials:

  • A pruner or pruning saw. Remember to disinfect your tools before use to avoid spreading diseases between plants
  • A pair of gloves. Some palm leaves have spines that can cause severe itching or even allergies
  • A natural pruning sealant

Steps:

1) Select dried palm leaves on the tree or those starting to dry. If none are available, identify the oldest leaves, usually trailing. They may be stained and ageing. Never cut leaves from the heart of the palm.

2) Using your pruner, cut the petiole at the base of the leaf.

3) Apply pruning sealant to the wound

Note: Be careful not to over-prune your palm tree, as this can weaken it or make it more susceptible to cold.

How to dry palm leaves?

  • You can dry your palm leaves by simply placing them in a vase, without water, indoors. This is the simplest method and allows you to decorate your home immediately.
  • If you want very flat fronds, for example to create a framed piece or place under glass, lay your leaf on a flat surface in a dry, heated room. Cover the leaf with a heavy, flat object like a book. After about two weeks, your leaf will have dried and taken the desired shape. If not, repeat the process for an additional week.

Tip: Green leaves will retain a slight greenish hue, like hay, if dried away from light. For a golden wheat-like tone, dry the fronds in direct sunlight.

What to do with your palm leaves?

Fan-shaped palm leaves can be simply trimmed with scissors once dry. You can give them a beautiful rounded or pointed shape, like in decor shops. Some decorators even paint them gold for a chic, contemporary effect.

Palm leaves can be trimmed into rounded or pointed shapes

Palm leaves naturally belong in a vase, paired with Pampas grass plumes, Hare's-tail grass (Lagurus ovatus), or Pennisetum. Create a lovely bouquet by adding dried flowers like hydrangeas, Strawflowers, statice, not forgetting Baby's Breath for its lightness. Some thistles, sea hollies, and teasels will add spikiness and character. For roundness, include stems of flax or honesty when in seed, along with dried eucalyptus sprigs.

You can also create stunning wall decorations with loose palm leaves, under glass or in a frame.

Palm leaves are also used woven to make decorative objects, baskets, hats, and many other decor items.

To go further: