How to Care for an Outdoor Potted Areca Palm Tree
Originating from the Madagascar islands, areca palm (Dypsis lutescens) or golden cane palm is a common landscape plant in tropical and subtropical parts of the world. The palm produces yellowish to deep green fronds that arise from the trunk and arch gracefully outward, creating an attractive focal point. Growing the plant in a container allows you to liven up a warm deck or porch during the warmer months and move it indoors when temperatures begin to drop. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Large pot
- Palm growing mix
- Palm tree fertilizer
- Pruning shears
- Insecticidal soap or rubbing alcohol
- Low-toxicity insecticide
Instructions
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Grow the areca palm in a pot at least twice as big as its root ball. Fill the container with quality growing mix specifically designed for palms. Alternatively, use a fertile, well-draining, porous mix.
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Set the potted plant in a sheltered spot to the south or east of a building so it receives indirect but bright light. Ensure the temperature of the selected site remains consistent between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and up to 10 degrees lower at night.
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Water the potted plant until excess drains out through the holes at the base of the pot. Discard the drained water to prevent root rot. Afterward, irrigate the palm only when the top 2 inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Reduce the frequency of irrigation to once every 10 to 12 days during the winter.
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Feed the areca palm a quality palm fertilizer two times a year, preferably during spring and fall. Follow label directions for application rates to prevent over-fertilizing the palm.
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Prune the areca palm tree whenever needed to remove dead or dying fronds and get rid of unwanted shoots. Use sharp pruning shears to clip off the undesirable fronds flush against the tree. Collect and discard clippings to reduce chances of pest infestations.
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Inspect the areca palm frequently for pests, such as mealybugs, spider mites and scale insects. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or rubbing alcohol. Regular use of a low-toxicity insecticide treats large infestations.
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Move the potted plant indoors or to a sheltered garage when the temperature falls below 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Tips & Warnings
Drill equally spaced drainage holes through the base of the container if it lacks them. Wipe the yellow-green to deep-green, 6- to 8-foot-long fronds of the palm with a damp cloth to remove accumulated dust. Work carefully to avoid tearing or damaging the fronds.
When irrigating the areca palm, avoid using water that contains mineral salts. Areca palm cannot tolerate wet feet, so avoid overwatering the soil or creating pools of water around the base of the plant.
