Palm trees are the best way to make your garden look more “tropical.” They bring a sense of peace and a summery vibe that can transform your spaces. Palms can be climbers, shrubs, stemless plants, and trees. There are a lot of varieties out there, and selecting one for your garden or interiors might be overwhelming.
If you want a palm to spice up your house, keep reading this essential guide we put together for you! Here, we’ll discuss the differences and similarities between Majesty Palm and Areca Palm. These two plants perform excellently indoors (and even outside) but have differences that might make one better than the other for you. And if you need help deciding which one to choose for your home, read on!
Majesty Palm vs Areca Palm: All You Need to Know
You may have seen these palms before. After all, they are popular plants that many people love to add to their gardens or as houseplants. They are relatively easy to grow and attractive.
Despite looking similar to an untrained eye, you’ll notice how different they are once you start recognizing what to look for. The plants even come from opposite areas of the globe. The Areca palm is native to South East Asia, while the Majesty Palm comes from the Brazilian rainforest. But despite that, they both require similar care.
But let’s dig deeper into what sets these plants apart to help you select one for your spaces.
Similarities
Areca Palm and Majesty Palm grow in similar conditions. For instance, both perform well outdoors in USDA hardiness zones between 9 and 11. Also, if you have kids or pets running around your house, you won’t have to worry about either of these plants. Indeed, they are both non-toxic to animals and humans.
Plant your palm tree in a well-draining potting mix and give them adequate lighting to allow them to thrive. Full sun is desirable, but Areca palms will adapt to partial shade.
So, don’t forget to check what you can offer your plants before selecting one. Additionally, you will have to consider what you are looking for in the plant. For instance, if you have a large garden and want to add a tropical-looking shade tree, you’ll be better off with a Majesty Palm.
The two plants have similar costs. However, Areca might be slightly cheaper because they tend to be smaller, thus easier to carry around. However, they will cost the same when young.
These palms are slow growers and need years before reaching maturity. You can boost their development by removing old fronds to promote new growth.
Both plants don’t do well at low temperatures. If you live in a not-so-warm region and decide to grow them outdoors, consider placing them in containers to make moving them indoors as the winter arrives less of an issue.
Differences
There are several differences between Majesty and Areca palms. To begin with, the first can grow up to 80 feet tall outdoors. On the other hand, the Areca variety is smaller (reaching only 30 feet outdoors). Still, the two plants will grow to a similar size as houseplants. However, if space is a constraint for you, we recommend you pick the Areca palm variety.
Looking at the foliage will help you set the two palms apart. Overall, Areca palms have a grass-like appearance: their fronds are voluminous and wispy. They also droop, adding a relaxed vibe to the spaces they decorate. On the other hand, Majesty palms offer the “traditional” palm appearance, with feathery but sharp fronds and a woody stem.
Also, you can look at the base of the plants: Arecas grow in clusters while the Majesty palms have a single sturdy and woody base. We can say that Areca palms look a bit like bamboo. After all, you can also grow them as screens.
Majesty Palm vs Areca Palm: Which One Should You Choose
The choice of one over the other depends on your needs and your growing conditions. These plants require warmth to thrive, so if you can’t offer them that, we recommend you look for another species.
Majesty Palm is your best choice if you want a palm tree to grow outdoors. But on the other hand, if you prefer a delicate-looking houseplant that will delight you with lush foliage, the Areca palm is an excellent choice!