Areca Palm

The Areca Palm or Butterfly Palm is a relatively easy care indoor house plant known by many names – Areca lutescens, Yellow Palm and Golden Cane.Areca palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens) is one of the most widely used palms for bright interiors. It features feathery, arching fronds, each with up to 100 leaflets. These big, bold plants command attention.

A key factor in successfully growing areca palm trees indoors is providing just the right amount of light. They need bright, indirect light. The leaves turn yellowish-green in direct sunlight. The care of areca palms isn’t difficult, but the plant won’t tolerate neglect. Water them often enough to keep the soil lightly moist and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Light

Areca Palm is tolerant of both light shade and bright, indirect light, however avoid excessive amounts of shade and direct light as these will harm the palm.

Watering

Water well, keeping the soil moist at root level at all times. In summer, Areca Palms can be thirsty, particularly if located in a warm spot. Requires less water in winter. Do not overwater.

Temperature

Average household temperatures between 15-25°C are fine, although the warmer the better. Will not tolerate temperatures below 10°C.

Humidity

Areca palms enjoy high humidity levels. Place on a shallow gravel tray filled with water and mist regularly. Ideal in kitchens and bathrooms.

Feed

Liquid fertiliser can be applied during the growing season, once a month or so should be sufficient.

Height & Growth Rate

Areca Palms are moderate to fast growing plants and typically reach an ultimate height of around 3m, although this is unlikely indoors.

Toxicity

Areca Palms are non-toxic and therefore safe around children and animals.

Air Purifying

Palms clean and improve air quality by filtering formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide toxins from the surrounding environment.

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Blozem Hints 🪴

🌿Leaf me alone! As the Areca Palm grows older the leaf tips will naturally turn brown. Brown leaf tips can be trimmed if desired but do not trim new growth from the centre of the stem as this is the only point of growth, and doing so will stop that leaf growing altogether.

🌿Take one for the team! Older, outer stems will die off naturally. Remove any dying stems to help keep the plant healthy as these will still sap valuable nutrients from the soil.

🌿Less is more! To encourage the best growth from your Areca Palm, try not to overwater. Avoid soggy soil.