How to Mulch Areca Palms

Apply organic mulches that enrich the soil.

The areca palm is the palm of many names, including two different scientific names --Chrysalidocarpus lutescens and Dypsis lutescens -- and a variety of common names, including golden cane palm, golden palm, yellow bamboo palm, bamboo palm and yellow butterfly palm. This palm is native to Madagascar and grows best in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 10a through 11. No matter what you call the areca palm in your yard, caring for one includes applying mulch properly.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Gloves

Instructions

1. Obtain organic mulch, such as wood chips, lawn clippings, cypress bark or leaves. These types of mulch slowly decompose and enrich the soil as well as diminishing weeds and lowering watering needs.

2. Remove all weeds or foliage surrounding the areca palm in the area beneath the canopy. Mulch smothers out most weeds, but some may make their way through if they are not removed before mulching.

3. Apply a 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch after planting the areca palm. Replenish the mulch only as needed each spring to maintain the same depth. Do not pile the mulch deeper than 4 inches.

4. Keep a mulch-free area 4 to 6 inches wide around the areca palm’s trunk. This is necessary to prevent rot.

5. Extend the mulch out annually as needed to cover the area beneath the areca palm as it grows and spreads.

References

• Landscape Plants for South Florida: Areca Palm, Golden Palm, Golden Cane Palm
• University of Florida IFAS Extension; Dypsis lutescens, Areca Palm; Melissa H. Friedman, et al.; 2010
• University of Florida IFAS Extension; Yellow Butterfly Palm; Edward F. Gilman, et al.; 2011
• University of Florida; Planting a Palm Tree; Henry M. Donselman; March 1991
• Trees Are Good: Proper Mulching Techniques