Areca Palm

Areca Palms, native to Madagascar and South India, are especially popular in households with children or pets due to their non-toxic nature. We think Areca's are great and good-looking, too! Their feathery arching fronds are a real crowd-pleaser that will turn any space into a tropical jungle!

  • Safe for pets and children
  • Repot once every 3 years
  • Fertilize every every other week
  • Bright, indirect light
  • Requires frequent watering

About the Areca Palm

Origin

Originating from the lush rainforests of Madagascar, the Areca Palm now graces tropical gardens and homes worldwide. Its ease of propagation has made it a beloved ornamental plant choice for both indoor settings and outdoor gardens where the climate allows!

Air Purification

The Areca Palm is a champion air-purifier, targeting common indoor toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, and toluene. Surprisingly, these pollutants lurk in many homes and offices, making the Areca a valuable addition to any space. Go, Areca!

Toxicity

We'll keep this short and sweet: the Areca palm is non-toxic.

Caring for an Areca Palm

Watering

The Areca Palm, like its palm cousins, thrives in tropical conditions: consistently moist soil and warm, humid air. Avoid waterlogging by ensuring good drainage and never let the soil dry out entirely. In summer, water more frequently, and in winter, water when the soil starts to dry. Test soil moisture by inserting a finger into the pot, and use lukewarm water for best results.

Lighting & Placement

The houseplant variant of the Areca palm is more adaptable to low light conditions than its tropical cousins from Madagascar, yet it thrives in ample sunlight. During summer, it can be placed outdoors if temperatures stay above 10°C. When relocating your Areca, acclimate it gradually to direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn. Remember, sunlight increases water needs, so ensure soil stays consistently moist.

Nutrition

The Areca palm is a fast grower, especially in summer. We advise you to give it some extra fertilizer in the summer period. Adding some liquid food to its water once every two weeks is enough. It's not necessary to feed it in the winter, and it's not recommended either, because the plant is in its resting period.

Repotting

As your Areca grows, you will want to repot it - usually every 2-3 years. If you leave the plant in a small pot for too long, it will actually affect its health. When repotting, try to put it in about a 20% bigger pot. That should give your Areca some room to grow.

Pruning and Flowering

If the Areca is moved into direct sunlight too quickly the leaves will brown (see Placement). It is recommended to simply cut these leaves at the stem, as they will not recover. Brown dots on leaves, on the other hand, are a normal part of the aging process of the leaf. As new leaves are created at the top, the leaves at the bottom die and are shed. In any case, when pruning old leaves, never prune the stem of the plant itself, or the plant might not survive.

Areca SOS

Ilness

The Areca is a strong plant and therefore does not suffer much from diseases. However, just like any other plant, spider mites or mealybugs can be problematic if there is low humidity or too much draft. Try to spray the leaves with water twice a month, especially in winter. This gives the plant the required humidity to fend off common diseases.

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