How to Care for Areca Palm - Expert Tips for Thriving Plants

The Areca Palm is one of the most popular indoor palm trees thanks to its easy-going nature and stunning size and shape. Who could resist the idea of chilling at home under their very own palm tree? You'll love its gracefully curved leaves anywhere you put it. They have several nicknames, such as Golden Cane Palm, Dypsis Lutescens, Yellow Palm and Butterfly Palm. The Latin name is: Chrysalidocarpus Lutecens.

There are 51 species of palms in the Areca genus. The Areca palm belongs to the Araceae family, also known as Palmae. Originating from the humid and tropical forests of Malaysia, India, islands of the Philippines and across Southeast Asia, Areca palms are not only beautiful and jungle-like, but they are also great air purifiers.

Good to know! Areca palm neutralises dangerous substances by absorbing them and transforming CO2 into oxygen. Moreover, Areca palm can regulate the humidity of a room!

Areca Palm Care: 10 expert tips for growing it successfully

1. Areca palms seriously love lots of natural light. Make sure your plant is located in a bright, indirect spot so that it has plenty of light.
2. Direct midday sunlight can scorch its leaves. You don't need to worry about the sun in the morning or the evening as this is not as intensive and probably won't hurt it.
3. Check the soil before you water. Before you water your Areca, poke your finger into the soil. If it's dry, it's time to water. If it's still wet, wait a bit longer.
4. Avoid overwatering, as Areca roots are pretty sensitive to root rot. Yellow leaves often indicate overwatering. If you notice this, check the soil, and if needed, let the plant dry out a bit before the next watering.
5. They love high humidity. Consider using a humidifier or placing the plant on a tray with pebbles and water to increase the humidity around it.
6. Brown leaf tips? It might be a sign of low humidity or underwatering. Regular misting and sufficient water can help. If the problem continues, check for root rot or pests.
7. Prune off yellow and brown fronds regularly. This promotes new growth and keeps your plant looking the best.
8. Give your Areca Palm room to grow. They can reach up to 2 meters in height, with their leaves elegantly curving down, so ensure they have space to shine!
9. Fertilise your Areca palm regularly. Do it during the growing season, from spring to summer, after every 2-4 weeks.
10. Keep your eye on leaf changes and pests. Spider mites, scale, mealybugs and wrong care methods can cause trouble. If you see anything suspicious, act fast to avoid bigger damage.

Areca Palm care tips

Light requirements

As the Areca Palms originally grow in tropical forests, under and between larger trees, it's happiest when placed in a bright spot that doesn't get direct sun on its leaves. While they don't want to be in the direct sun, which can scorch their leaves, they also don't thrive in low light or overly shady areas. Try to find a spot with lots of natural light.

Expert tip! If you want to place it near a sunny window, make sure curtains cover the harsh sun rays!

If an Areca plant doesn't get enough light, you may notice its fronds turning yellow. The plant may also grow more slowly and become leggy as it stretches towards the light. If you see these signs, consider moving your plant to a brighter location.

Watering

They don't tolerate overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases, and they also don't also like when their soil is allowed to dry out completely. It’s best to water it when half of the soil feels dry to the touch. You can check it by poking your finger into the soil or using a water meter.

It can be a little hard to find the best watering routine for your Areca palm, but don't worry! With practice, you will get there in no time.

Usually, in summer, once a week is enough, but in winter, you can take it a bit easier and only water her once every fortnight. You can also check the soil: it should be dark brown, which means that it is not dry. If it is almost black, it is too wet!

Nutrition

If you want your Areca to grow fast and healthy, give her some plant food like our PLNTS nutrition. Every after 2-4 weeks is enough. You will see your beloved palm grow very fast in the growing season in Spring!

Temperature & humidity

As a tropical palm, it loves to be in warm and humid spot. Make sure the temperature is between 18°C and 25°C and humidity around 40-60%. If you see that the leaves are starting to turn brown, it means that your green lady is suffering from too dry air or too cold air, and you should take it out of the draughty room.

Repotting & soil

Areca palms usually need repotting every after 2-3 years. You'll know it's time when you start seeing their roots sneaking out of the pot's drainage holes. For the best results, we suggest you try the PLNTS organic houseplant soil. You'll make your areca palms super happy with this!

Areca Palm propagation

Propagating an Areca palm is not difficult. To get more babies of your favourite tropical beauty, the division is the best way to get more Areca plants. Whenever you repot, it's a good idea to do this. Just gently divide the plant into two or more sections.

Little tip from PLNTS: water your plant the day before so the soil gets loosened up, and it’s easier to divide the roots!

Most common pests on Areca

Areca palm normally doesn’t attract that many pests. But if these beauties aren't in the best of health, they can become quite susceptible to spider mites. So don’t forget to often take a look at your plant, and make sure there is no little web under the leaves. Thrips and scale insects can attack your plant too, but they are more difficult to recognise.

If you want to be sure to know what kind of pest your plant is dealing with, check our PLNTSdoctor page to recognise and eliminate your plant pests! If you are interested in biological pest control, you can take a look at our shop too.

Is Areca poisonous for your pets or children?

Great news for pet owners and parents - your furry friends and little ones are completely safe around areca palms! Furthermore, the Areca will purify the air, absorb harmful substances, and give the feeling of being on a tropical island. You can be reassured your four-legged friend will be the best friend of your Areca Palm!

Buy your new Areca palm online at PLNTS.com

Here at PLNTS.com, we have the incredible Areca Lutescens in multiple sizes, depending on how big your future “vacation landscape” corner is. Her beautiful narrow green leaves will emphasise your urban jungle and create a real summer feeling in your house! Here at PLNTS.com, we got you covered for your plant dreams - buy Areca Palm online at PLNTS.com