Areca Palm, Madagascar Palm – Plant

Description

Areca Palm, Madagascar Palm – Plant

The Areca Palm, scientific name Dypsis lutescens (synonym: Chrysalidocarpus Lutescens) is a beautiful palm tree from Madagascar. This plant is also known as Butterfly Palm, Yellow Palm, Golden Cane Palm, Madagascar Palm, and Areca Lutescens.

It is a common ornamental in subtropical and tropical regions around the world. Probably it is the most cultivated nursery palm tree. However, it is endangered and very rare in its natural habitat Madagascar.

The Areca palm is a low-maintenance plant and a fast grower. You can grow this exotic plant as a house plant.

It is good at humidifying the air and is a great air purifier too, capable of removing toxins and pollutants from the air.

The graceful Areca Palm tends to grow in clumps. The adult plant looks like a large bush that can reach 20 feet or more in height with a spread of 5-10 feet.  As a houseplant, it is usually grown much smaller.

Care for Areca Palm, Madagascar Palm

Water

Water thoroughly whenever the top of compost has become dry – this may be quite frequent in warm weather. Ideally, use rainwater, distilled water, or purified water, especially if you live in a hard water area, as areca palms are sensitive to the chemicals in tap water.

Soil

Ensure that the compost is evenly moist but not soggy. and let any excess drain away. Waterless in winter, keeping the soil just moist.

Light

Indoors, areca palms do best with bright light exposure from a south- or west-facing window.

Fertilizer

The areca palm is a heavy feeder and requires fertilizing from spring to early fall.