How to Care for an Areca Palm Tree

Chrysalidocarpus lutescen, or the Areca palm, whose green feathering fronds fan out from several trunks makes a lovely plant for the home or office. With the correct amount of watering, soil maintenance and lighting, this species makes an aesthetically pleasing houseplant. However, it is common for the palms leaves to droop and turn yellowish brown over time. Read on to learn how to properly care for your Areca palm to make the most out of its tropical elegance and flair.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Select a healthy Areca palm from the plant store by examining it for sturdy trunks, green leaves free from yellowing tips and new leaf growth toward the base. Check the leaves for small black spots which indicate insect damage. Upon purchase, the plant’s shoots should stand relatively upright. They do tend to yellow and spread out after time in your home.

2. Place your Areca palm in a room with medium to high lighting. In other words, it should be bright; but they should not necessarily be in direct light. Too much sun can yellow the leaves. However, placing the Areca palm near a cold, dim north-facing window does not give the plant enough sunlight.

3. Water the palm often. Make sure the soil is well-moistened. The plant’s soil should never be allowed to totally dry out. On the other hand, if the plant rests in water or is over-saturated, the roots will rot. You can also mist water on the leaves to improve their appearance and well-being.

4. Fertilize your Areca palm a few times a year to keep the soil rich in nutrients. Your local horticulturist may recommend a soil mixture of peat moss, coarse sand and garden loam.

Tips & Warnings

• Wash the Areca palm with soap and water if you detect the presence of spider mites. You can also apply a pest remover or miticide.
• Dust the leaves of the Areca palm to improve the overall appearance.
• Don’t snip brown ends of Areca palm leaves as this will cease the growth of that frond. If an entire frond deadens and turns yellow down to the root, you should remove the whole frond.

[MHKAUAI]

on 10/19/2008 Aloha, Will someone tell me how to propagate Areca palm seeds. Mahalo, Mike [e-mail]