Areca Palm Care Tips: How to Grow Areca Palm Trees

Areca palms are perennial palm trees belonging to the Arecaceae family. This type of palm goes by several other common names, including bamboo palm, butterfly palm, golden cane palm, and yellow palm. Areca palm plants are also known by the botanical name Dypsis lutescens (formerly Chrysalidocarpus lutescens).

Areca palm trees produce tall, slender palm fronds with bright green leaves. They're slow growers but can reach a mature height of eight feet indoors and thirty feet outdoors. They're known for their air-purifying qualities, which make them tremendous houseplants.

Before planting areca palms, keep in mind that they are considered invasive plants in some parts of South Florida. If you live in an area where invasiveness isn’t an issue, keep these factors in mind when planting areca palms.

1. 1. Climate: As a tropical plant native to Madagascar, the areca palm thrives outdoors in warm climates with high humidity. In the US, they do best in USDA hardiness zones nine through eleven. It's best to keep indoor palms in an average room temperature of sixty-five to seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit.
2. 2. Light: When planting outdoors, choose an area that receives full sun. Areca palms do best in bright light, though in the afternoon they should be partially shaded from direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves. When kept as indoor plants, potted areca palms grow best near a south- or west-facing window so they get a mix of direct and indirect light.
3. 3. Soil: Plant outdoor areca palms in rich, slightly acidic soil with good drainage; an organic palm mix will do just fine. Indoor plants benefit from peat moss-based potting soil and a pot with drainage holes.
4. 4. Water: Areca palms thrive in moist soil, but their root balls are extremely sensitive to overwatering. Too much water will lead to root rot. They are also sensitive to fluoride. If you live in an area with fluoridated tap water, consider watering your plants with distilled water instead. Water your plants regularly during the growing season of spring and summer. During the winter months, allow the soil or potting mix to slightly dry out before watering your palm.

For the best results, consider these areca palm care tips.

1. 1. Protect indoor areca palms from cold drafts. Areca palms are sensitive to extreme changes in temperature and drops in humidity. If kept near a drafty window or door, they will develop brown tips. Dry air can also lead to brown spots, so it might be worth placing a humidifier nearby if you live in a dry climate. You can prune off the brown leaf tips without harming the plant, but for the best results, take care to prevent the leaves from becoming brown first.
2. 2. Fertilize areca palms during the growing season. Areca palms are heavy feeders and can benefit from an application of time-release liquid fertilizer beginning in spring and occasionally throughout the growing season. This applies to both outdoor and indoor plants.
   
3. 3. Keep an eye on pest infestations. Like most palm plants, areca palms are susceptible to infestations of mealybugs and spider mites. If you see pests, treat your areca palm with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or a combination of both.
4. 4. Water your palm more if the leaves turn yellow. Yellowing leaves are a sign that your areca palm plant is not receiving enough water. Increase your watering frequency if you notice that your plant is turning yellow.
5. 5. Repot your areca palm infrequently. Areca palms are better off in pots that are too small than too large. Wait at least a year between repottings and choose a new pot that is only one size larger than the previous one.

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