How to care for: Areca palm

This Areca palm is one of our most favorite houseplants. It may look like a Kentia palm, but they’re not the same. Its soft leaves give the Areca palm a somewhat richer name, the Golden Palm.

Officially its full name is Areca Chrysalidocarpus Dypsis Lutescens. A mouthful, isn't it? That's why we use Areca palm, as it is easier to remember. Areca palms love the sunlight but can't stand direct sunlight. Water regularly and taking care of Areca will not be a problem at all.

Medium light

Water once a week

Non-Toxic

Air-purifying

How do you take care of an Areca palm?

Location

Like most houseplants, the Areca palm requires bright but indirect sunlight. They can't tolerate too much direct sunlight or intense shade, only for shorter periods. If exposed to direct sunlight for a long while, the leaves can scorch and burn. As a result, the plant can only tolerate 3 to 5 hours of medium light.

Watering

The Areca palm prefers to receive a sip of water once a week. During growing months from spring to summer, you can water the plant regularly, even as much as twice a week but slow down once winter starts as the plants go dormant and retain water for more extended periods. As soon as the potting soil is always slightly moist you are doing well. Make sure that you don't water too often. When there is too much water it can't escape through the roots, which can lead to root rot. This is a well-known phenomenon among indoor plants.

Plant nutrition

During spring until summer, a monthly fertilizer provides a boost to the Areca palm. However, during the winter months, you shouldn't feed the plant any fertilizer since it doesn't grow during these months. The leaves turn yellow and die from over-fertilization.

Repotting

It is best to repot the Areca palm every 2 years. We recommend a flowerpot that should be 20% larger than its previous one.

Temperature

The most ideal temperature for an Areca palm (Dypsis lutescens) is between 18 to 24 degrees Celsius. It prefers a warm and tropical climate, and can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures.

Pruning

Pruning an Areca palm helps remove any yellowed or damaged leaves, promotes growth, and maintains a more tidy and attractive appearance. It can also be done to control the size of the plant and prevent overcrowding. Clean and sharp pruning tools should be used to make clean cuts and avoid damaging the plant.

Why does my Areca palm have brown tips?

Brown tips are usually a sign of too cold air or a location with draught. Brown tips and dry leaves can be cut away, so that the plant does not spend energy on the brown leaves.

To prevent brown tips and leaves, spray the palm regularly with a plant sprayer. By spraying the plant you can increase the humidity.

How tall can an Areca palm grow?

In the wild, the Areca palm can grow to a height of between 6 and 12 metres. This depends on the location and living conditions. Indoors, the Areca Palm grows to a height of 150 to 200 cm.

Can an Areca palm be placed outside?

It is certainly possible to take the Areca palm outside in the summer. Before taking the plant outside, it is important to allow the Areca palm to get used to its new surroundings. It is important that the temperature does not drop below 8 °C.