The Areca Palms are attractive, beautiful trees that are already endangered in eastern Madagascar, where it is native. They look like bamboo, with a very smooth trunk and narrow fronds that similarly look like bamboo leaves.
It is widely used as an indoor plant in many parts of the world. The palms are loved for their striking appearance and the fact that they are low-maintenance. It goes by different names such as the yellow palm, butterfly palm, golden cane palm, and bamboo palm.
They are slow to moderate growing trees that can reach up to 360 inches in height. They have a lifespan of about 25 years, but with proper care, they can live much longer.
| Botanical Name | Dypsis Lutescens, formerly Chrysalidocarpus Lutescens |
| Common Name | Areca Palm, Golden Cane Palm, Dypsis, Yellow Palm, and Butterfly Palm |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Flower Color | Pale Yellow |
| Size When Mature | 144-360 Inches |
| Bloom Time | Summer |
| Sun Requirements | Full to Partial Sun |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | 10 – 11 |
| Soil PH Range | 6.1-6.5 |
| Soil Type | Slightly acidic, moist, well-drained |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Native Area | Eastern Madagascar |
What You Need to Know About Areca Palm
Having many similarities with bamboo, it is often mistaken for bamboo. Though it is related to the palm family, Areca belongs to a different genus. The plant is an evergreen that has long and slender leaves.
The leaves have a green hue, can grow up to 48-72 inches in length, and are arranged in a feather-like pattern with a bare petiole. The Areca palm is a dioecious plant, meaning there are male and female plants.
In summer, small pale yellow flowers start to appear from below the leaves as they bloom. Following this, orange fruits will emerge. These are oval in shape and measure roughly an inch in diameter.
However, these are not edible. In general, this palm specie is known to be safe and non-toxic. It is a houseplant that requires little care. The palm is also easy to maintain outdoors as long as the right living conditions are met.
How to Care for Areca Palm
Here’s everything you need to know about growing and caring for a thriving Areca Palm
Light
When growing Areca Palms, choosing an area that receives plenty of sunlight is important. When grown indoors, and if you live in an area that does not receive much sunlight, you can place the palm near a window so it receives bright yet filtered sunlight.
Water and Soil Needs
Just like other palm species, the Areca palm thrives in moist soil. However, they are known to be sensitive to overwatering. The plant does not like soggy soil, which will cause the roots to rot. It is important to water the plant regularly, especially during summer when the weather is hot and dry. Allow the topsoil to dry out before watering again.
The soil for these palms should be rich, slightly acidic with a pH of 6.1 to 6.5, and well-drained. You can add some organic matter to the soil to help improve its quality. If you are growing the plant in a pot, ensure it has drainage holes at the bottom to allow water to seep out for good drainage.
Temperature Requirements
This palm thrives in warm temperatures with high humidity and can survive in USDA zones 10-11. However, if you choose to grow it as a houseplant, keep it away from air conditioners since rapid cold bursts might cause dark spots to appear on the leaves.
Fertilizer
The best fertilizer to use on an Areca Palm is liquid fertilizer. Areca palms are heavy feeders and will need to be fertilized on a regular basis, especially during spring and summer when they are actively growing. Apply the fertilizer according to the package instructions.
Common Diseases
There aren’t many serious issues with pests or diseases when it comes to this palm. However, mealybugs and scale insects might feed on the leaves, resulting in leaf damage and discoloration. These pests can be easily controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Lethal yellowing is another common problem. It is a bacterial disease transmitted by insects that kill palm fronds and eventually the entire palm. Unfortunately, treatment is rarely successful; therefore, removing the palm is usually best before the disease spreads.
Areca Palm Propagation
You can easily propagate Areca Palm either from seeds or by root division. Generally, the process is much faster with the latter.
Propagating by root division is best done in spring when the palm is actively growing, but it can be done any time of the year. Start by digging up the entire plant carefully so as not to damage the roots.
Using a sharp knife, divide the root ball by choosing four to five stems and cut them away from the parent. Replant the divisions immediately in well-drained soil and water thoroughly. Keep the soil moist until the palms are established.
If you’re propagating by seed, you can start harvesting seeds from the fruits. Fill a planting container with well-drained potting mix and lightly press the seeds onto the soil’s surface. Water gently and place the container in a warm spot with indirect sunlight.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy until germination, which can take about 6 weeks. When the seedlings are a few inches tall, plant them ten feet apart or three to four seedlings in a 12-inch container for best results.
To propagate from seeds, you must start with fresh ripe seeds. Fill a pot or container with moistened seed-starting mix, then place 2-3 seeds on the surface.
Gently press the seeds into the soil but do not cover them. Place the pot in a warm location with indirect sunlight and moisten the soil. Once germination occurs, thin out the seedlings, keeping only the strongest one. Transplant it to a bigger pot once it has grown big enough.
Related Article: Indoor Palm Trees