Areca Palm

Light Needs

Bright Indirect Light to Low Light

Mature Height

6 - 30 Feet

Mature Spread

8 - 10+ Feet

Feature

Low Maintenance

Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) may be one of the most recognizable houseplants. The long fronds of dark green grow from the base of the plant and more resemble bamboo than a palm tree. Areca Palms are easy for even the newest houseplant gardener and can be used to decorate a low-lit corner of the room.

Best Locations For Growing Areca Palm

Palms are not generally easy to grow indoors. Areca is the exception. Any light level is acceptable as long as high humidity can be provided. Bathrooms and kitchens are often good choices for growing humidity lovers. Moving Areca Palm outdoors for the summer is always a good choice. It allows the plant to get the optimal conditions it needs for vigorous growth during the active growing period. 

Areca Palm Sunlight Requirements

Areca Palm will grow best in bright light from a southern exposure. Lower-light locations such as in an apartment, basement, or office will be tolerated without much reduction in growth. Areca Palm moved to an outdoor location will need to be gradually acclimated to high-light levels. Direct sun will bleach the leaves, and this tropical will need shade during the hottest part of the day.

Areca Palm Care

Plant Areca Palm in an indoor potting mix with coconut coir or fine Orchid bark for moisture retention. Ensure that the container you use has excellent drainage, and do not let the plant sit in excess water for more than 15 minutes. Older fronds will turn brown over time and should not be pruned away until they fall naturally from the plant. All of the fronds are needed for photosynthesis, even the brown ones. This is especially true when growing Areca palm in very low light. Protect tropical plants from air conditioning or heating vents and drafty windows and doors.

Watering Areca Palm

Areca Palm does not like to be overwatered and appreciates a period of dryness between waterings. Once a week, check to see if the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry. Water well, allowing excess water to drain thoroughly. Rainwater or distilled water is preferred. You can use tap water that has been left to sit for 24 hours so the chlorine can dissipate. Areca Palm will indicate if the humidity levels are too low: the fronds will get brown along the edges and crisp. Daily misting with distilled water will bring the humidity level up around the plant.

Feeding Areca Palm

Palms are heavy feeders during the active growth period. Apply a liquid fertilizer from April to September. A balanced houseplant feed with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 should be applied once a month instead of watering.

SKU:

Palm_Areca-HP