Areca palms are an excellent indoor plant and look stunning with beautiful long fronds. It has the potential to grab attention and make any indoor space lively. In addition, it is an effective way to clean up the environment and helps remove volatile organic compounds from the atmosphere.
Botanical Name: Dypsis lutescens
Common names: Golden cane palm, Butterfly palm, Yellow palm.
It is easy to grow Areca palm indoors in a container if you follow a few simple steps:
Choosing a Pot
Don't take too big containers if you want to limit their sizes. Areca palm being slightly root-bound will keep the growth under control and prevent diseases.
Location
An areca palm must have just enough sunshine to grow, and you cannot keep it in the dark place. The plant requires bright indirect sun, and it also likes gentle early morning sunlight. Southern or western exposure is good for the plant. Keep it within 4 feet of the light source.
When the palm is exposed to harsh sunlight for long periods, its fronds will become yellow.
Temperature
The areca palm tree likes warm temperatures. Place it somewhere without any dry air or sudden temperature changes. It does best between 15-28 degrees Celsius indoors.
Soil
Areca palm prefers neutral soil that drains well and has good air permeability. You could use peat moss, coconut coir, perlite, or even leaves to enrich the soil.
Watering
Water the palm often just enough to keep the soil moist. Allow the soil to dry out before re-watering. Overwatering often causes the death of the palm.
Humidity
The plants will thrive in typical humidity levels indoors. However, with a dry atmosphere, leaves turn brown.
Fertilizer
Apply slow-releasing fertilizer in spring. Stop feeding the plants or feed them at a reduced rate in winter.
Re-Potting
Areca palms prefer to be kept in a small pot and slightly rootbound. Re-pot them once every 2-3 years. Re-pot in spring into a new pot that is slightly larger than the existing one. Don't be rough with the roots when re-potting them; they're brittle and easy to damage.
Trimming
Cut off the dead or spent leaves at any time of the year.
Pests & Diseases
Red spider mites, whiteflies, scales, and mealy bugs are common pests and can be removed by cleaning the plants and spraying them with a strong jet of clean running water.
Root rot is a common disease, and it can be a result of overwatering.
Next step
Gardener services
Landscaping services
Online nursery
Organic pesticides and fertilizers
Extra reading
Best Low Maintenance Houseplants
Happy Gardening!
Dr. Vandana K.