Areca Palm Care

Common Name: Areca Palm
Scientific Name: Chrysalidocarpus lutescens
Lighting: Moderate to Bright
Watering: Heavy

Feather-like green fronds radiating from several trunks characterize the Areca Palm. This houseplant is beautiful when new, however overtime the Areca Palms attractive appearance can diminish slightly. Fronds when bigger may droop and bend over. The Areca Palm is a slow grower. It will grow wider before taller.

Tips of the Areca Palm may also turn brown. The browning tips of the palm are normal. All of the Areca Palms that I have had, the tips did turn brown eventually. One main area to beware of with this palm is that you should only prune off dead branches. If you clip the browned tips you will stop the growth of that branch.

Requires bright indirect light so keep it within 5 to 8 feet from a sunny window. If put in too much direct light, the fronds may get burnt from the sunlight. When a frond becomes yellow or dead like in appearance be sure to remove the entire frond.

The Areca Palm requires heavy watering; however do not allow the plant to sit in water because this could lead then to root rot. The Areca Palm will wilt drastically if you allow the soil to dry out completely. On a good note, once you water it, the plant will stand back up. This houseplant is extremely sensitive to salts and minerals, so if your home uses a water softener, water from a source that does not go through the softener first, such as an outside faucet. As most tropical plants, an occasional misting will make your plant look and feel healthier.

A common pest to this plant is the spider mite. If the appearance of spider mites is present, try misting the plant twice daily with a soapy water mixture. If this does not work, go to your local plant or hardware store and try a professional grade pest remover.

Overall this plant requires a great deal of attention to maintain its beautiful appearance. However with its majestic like appearance and ability to fit into any decor all the work may be a great payoff.

Please feel free to share your comments and experiences with this plant.