Areca Palm Care Guide

Enjoy the soft, fine textured arching fronds of the Areca Palm as an indoor house plant or in the garden in warmer zones of the country.
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  • Light : Medium

    Prefers medium levels of indirect light.

  • Water : Low

    Water well and then allow the soil to dry out between each watering.

  • Humidity : Medium

    Enjoys humidity. Spritz occasionally.

  • Temp : 55℉ - 75℉

    Keep this plant in warmer temperatures and avoid drastic changes in temperature.

  • Zone : 10|11|12

    This plant likes warmer temperatures and can be acclimated to part shade to full sun over time. Bring in when temperatures dip below 35°F.

  • Fertilizer : Monthly

    Add a time-release fertilizer to the top of the soil in the spring. This will be sufficient throughout the season. Do not fertilize in the fall and winter months.

  • Repotting : 2 Years

    When receiving the plant, do not repot immediately. Wait at least 6-12 months, or until the roots begin to crowd and grow through the drainage holes.

    This plant likes to be a little snug in its pot so there is no reason to repot initially. If the soil is aged, repot in the spring, using a 2" bigger pot to keep the roots drier. Use a well-draining indoor potting mix with perlite to help with drainage or use a palm soil mix.

    Place a piece of screening at the bottom of the container over the drainage hole to secure the soil and allow water to drain. Add soil to the bottom to elevate the root ball.

    Be aware that the roots are brittle, so carefully remove as much soil around the roots as possible to replace the aged soil and fertilizer deposits.

    Very carefully lift the plant and release the roots against the existing planter. Use a clean knife or garden trowel to wedge between the pot and the soil to loosen.

    Inspect the root ball. Notice if there are any dead or rotting roots and trim off with sterile pruners.

    Ensure the plant is sitting about 1" below the edge of the pot to avoid water spillage. Add more soil and backfill around the sides by tamping down. Fill up to the soil line but not over.

    Water thoroughly, leaving the soil damp but not soggy. If settling occurs, add more soil.

  • Cleaning : Monthly

    Remove any dead fronds down to the base of the plant. Remove any debris on the soil and replenish soil when needed.

  • Propagation : Division

    This plant is hard to propagate. We recommend getting a small plant to nurture!