Question
QUESTION: I have two large pots, both with drainage and both larger than 15 gallon.  I
live in San Diego and they frame my front door.  I have had both Majesty
palms and pygmy palms in them but cannot seem to get either to thrive and
removed the majesty palms after about 18 months (they are now doing great
in the ground).  now the pygmys just look sickly, is there a tropical that does
quite well in pots with only morning sun?
Thanks.
Peter

ANSWER: Hi Peter, there are numerous choices, but I need you to narrow it down for me, what type of tropical effect are you looking for, does it have to be a palm type, if so "I would run with a Lady Palm, for they like low light (morning sun only is perfect) and are very happy contained; but there are other choices, if you prefer flowering, broadleaf, etc. let me know...Nick

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Nick,

Very helpful indeed.  While i am pretty happy with your suggestion I would
also be interested in dark green broad leaf items to consider as well.  San
Diego climate can be a little dry (even coastal like me) and chilly in the winter,
will the lady palm still be good outside?

Thanks,
Peter

BTW - this is a very cool website and you are very helpful.  

Answer
Hi Peter, the lady palm likes shady conditions, and its rootball is suited to container growing, just be careful of a frost, otherwise it will handle colder winter nights just fine; broadleaf suggestion would be a Split leaf Philodendron, or any of the gingers, (they have some nice variegated varieties). Nick