Areca Palm Care Guide
Areca Palms (Dypsis lutescens) are elegant tropical palms known for their feathery, arching fronds and golden stems. They're excellent air purifiers and create a beautiful tropical atmosphere indoors.
Light Requirements
Prefer bright, indirect light. Can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sunlight. Insufficient light causes slow growth and yellowing fronds.
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when top 1-2 inches feel dry. Reduce watering in winter when growth slows. Use filtered water when possible.
Soil & Fertilizer
Use well-draining potting mix with good organic content. Fertilize monthly during growing season with palm-specific fertilizer or balanced liquid fertilizer.
Temperature & Humidity
Prefer temperatures 65-75°F. Love high humidity (40-50%). Use humidifiers, pebble trays, or group with other plants to increase moisture levels.
Growth & Size
Can grow 6-8 feet tall indoors with proper care. Multiple stems create a full, bushy appearance. Growth is moderate to fast in ideal conditions.
Air Purifying
Excellent air purifier, removing formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from indoor air. Great choice for improving indoor air quality.
Common Problems
- Brown leaf tips: Low humidity, fluoride in water, or overfertilizing
- Yellow fronds: Natural aging, overwatering, or insufficient light
- Spider mites: Common in low humidity - increase moisture
- Scale insects: Check stems regularly and treat promptly
Pruning
Remove only completely brown or yellow fronds by cutting at the base. Never trim green fronds as this weakens the plant.
Repotting
Repot every 2-3 years or when rootbound. Choose a pot only slightly larger. Spring is the best time for repotting.