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An illustration of a Areca Palm with green leaves and stems against a beige background.

Areca Palm

SCENTIFIC NAME: Dypsis lutescens

KNOWN AS: Bamboo Palm, Golden Butterfly Palm, Cane Palm

CLIMATE (LOCATION): Southeast Asia | Tropical

DESCRIPTION: The feathery leaves of the Areca palm make it a popular house plant. The plant is known for its bright green leaves, which give any room a tropical and elegant feel. Areca palms don't need much care and are known for cleaning the air, so they're a great choice for improving the air quality in your living space.

Easy difficulty & pet safe

Areca Palm Plant Care

Lighting

Light Requirement: Medium Light (Medium Indirect Light) to High Light (Bright Indirect Light); Low Light Tolerant

When grown indoors, Areca palms do best in bright, indirect light. The palm should be placed close to a window that receives filtered or diffused light, especially one that faces east or west so it may get several hours of indirect light each day. The leaves might become scorched by direct sunlight, so it's crucial to shield the plant from the afternoon heat. You can use LED grow lights to add artificial lighting to your interior space if it doesn't receive enough natural light. It's important to establish the proper balance and pay attention to how the plant reacts to the available light circumstances since too much or too little light might have an impact on the health of the palm.

Lighting Recommendations

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Watering

Quick Tip: Water until water comes out of drainage holes. Allow soil to completely dry between waterings. This plant prefers distilled water.

Areca Palm plants require regular watering to thrive indoors, but it's important to avoid overwatering or allowing the soil to become waterlogged. The best watering method is to thoroughly water the plant once the top inch of soil becomes dry to the touch. Water the plant until the excess water drains out of the bottom of the pot, and then discard the excess water to prevent water buildup in the pot. It's also a good idea to use room-temperature water and to allow the water to sit for a few hours to remove any chlorine or other chemicals that may be harmful to the plant. During the winter months, reduce watering frequency and allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering. Monitor the plant's growth and adjust the watering schedule as needed to ensure optimal health and growth.

Temperature

Preferred Temperature: 60º - 75º

Areca Palm plants prefer warm and humid conditions when grown indoors. They thrive in temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) during the day and around 60-65°F (15-18°C) at night. These plants are sensitive to temperature changes and drafts, so it's important to avoid placing them near windows, doors, or air conditioning vents that can cause sudden temperature changes or drafts. Additionally, avoid placing the plant near heat sources such as radiators or fireplaces, as these can cause the air to become too dry, which can harm the plant. Monitor the plant's growth and adjust the temperature and humidity levels as needed to ensure optimal health and growth.

Humidity

Preferred Humidity: 50 - 60%; Moderate Humidity

Areca Palm plants thrive in environments with high humidity and require a relative humidity of around 50-60% to grow and develop properly. In indoor environments with low humidity, such as during the winter months or in air-conditioned rooms, it may be necessary to increase the humidity around the plant. To increase humidity, you can place a tray of water near the plant, mist the plant regularly with a spray bottle, or use a humidifier. It's also important to avoid placing the plant near sources of dry air, such as air vents or drafts from doors or windows, as this can cause the plant to dry out and become stressed. By maintaining a humid environment, you can help your Areca Palm to thrive and grow to its full potential, just like if it was in nature!

Additional Plant Care

Propagation
Areca Palm plants can be propagated through division or through seed propagation, but division is the most common method used when growing them indoors. To propagate through division, wait until the plant has become too large for its current pot and carefully remove it from the pot. Gently separate the root ball into smaller sections, making sure each section has several healthy stems and a good root system. Plant each section into a pot filled with well-draining potting mix and water thoroughly. It's important to keep the new plants in a warm and humid location and to avoid direct sunlight until they have established a strong root system, we don't want to cause undue stress to the plant. Alternatively, Areca Palms can also be propagated through seed propagation, but this method can take longer and requires more care to ensure successful germination.
Toxicity
Areca Palm plants are not toxic to humans, but they can be harmful to pets such as cats and dogs if ingested in large amounts, like most houseplants. If you suspect your pet has ingested any part of the Areca Palm plant, it's important to contact your veterinarian for advice on how to proceed.
Repotting
Areca Palm plants should be repotted every 1-2 years, or when the roots become pot-bound and start to grow through the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. To repot an Areca Palm, choose a pot that is one size larger than the current pot and has drainage holes in the bottom. Carefully remove the plant from the current pot and gently loosen any tangled or compacted roots. Place a layer of fresh potting soil in the bottom of the new pot and place the plant in the center. Add additional soil around the roots and gently tamp down to remove any air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly and place it in a warm and humid location away from direct sunlight until it has had time to adjust to the new pot. It's important to avoid overwatering at all times but especially for the first few weeks after repotting to prevent root rot and remember to monitor the plant's growth and adjust as needed to ensure optimal health and growth.
Pruning
Areca Palm plants should be repotted every 1-2 years, or when the roots become pot-bound and start to grow through the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. To repot an Areca Palm, choose a pot that is one size larger than the current pot and has drainage holes in the bottom. Carefully remove the plant from the current pot and gently loosen any tangled or compacted roots. Place a layer of fresh potting soil in the bottom of the new pot and place the plant in the center. Add additional soil around the roots and gently tamp down to remove any air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly and place it in a warm and humid location away from direct sunlight until it has had time to adjust to the new pot. It's important to avoid overwatering at all times but especially for the first few weeks after repotting to prevent root rot and remember to monitor the plant's growth and adjust as needed to ensure optimal health and growth.
Fertilizer
Areca Palm plants benefit from regular fertilization to encourage healthy growth and vibrant foliage. When growing them indoors, it's important to use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer specifically formulated for palms, and to follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and frequency. Typically, fertilizer should be applied every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer), and less frequently during the dormant season (fall and winter). It's important to avoid overfertilization, as this can cause salt buildup in the soil and burn the roots. Additionally, it's a good idea to flush the soil with water periodically to help remove any excess salts or fertilizer buildup. Monitor the plant's growth and adjust the fertilizing schedule as needed to ensure your plant is responding to your dosage.
Soil
Areca Palm plants prefer well-draining soil with high organic matter when grown indoors. A good potting mix for these plants should consist of equal parts peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. This type of soil allows for proper drainage and aeration, which helps prevent root rot and fungal diseases. It's also important to avoid using soil that is too compact or heavy, as this can lead to waterlogging and of course, root rot. Areca Palms also prefer slightly acidic soil, so you can add some acidic fertilizers or organic matter to the soil to maintain an ideal pH level. Monitor the plant's growth and adjust the soil conditions as needed to ensure optimal health and growth.

Hanging Heights

Areca Palm Lighting Requirements: Medium Light (Medium Indirect Light) to High Light (Bright Indirect Light); Low Light Tolerant

Chart showing recommended hanging heights for Soltech Aspect and popular plants for each range.

Aspect Hanging Heights - Areca Palm

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Soltech's Recommendation -

24" to 60"

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VIEW ASPECT GROW GUIDE

Vita Hanging Heights - Areca Palm

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Vita : 24" to 80"

60º Wide Beam Vita : 12" to 48"

-

VIEW VITA GROW GUIDE

Highland Hanging Heights - Areca Palm

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Highland : 30" to 96"

60º Wide Beam Highland : 18" to 72"

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VIEW HIGHLAND GROW GUIDE

Grove Hanging Heights - Areca Palm

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Soltech's Recommendation:

  • 1" to 24"

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VIEW GROVE GROW GUIDE

Lighting guide for plants with Soltech Aura and potted plants on a neutral background

Aura Light Distances - Areca Palm

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Soltech's Recommendation:

  • 8" to 18"

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VIEW AURA GROW GUIDE

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