The Areca palm, also called Dypsis lutescens, bamboo palm, yellow palm, golden fruit palm Or simply Areca, it is a very popular plant in interior decoration, since it provides any space where it is located that unique tropical air of palm trees. These plants are also highly valued for their ability to remove toxins from the air, making them one of the best indoor plants to have at home.
If you want to have one of these beautiful palm trees at home, in this Green Ecologist article we will show you what are the cares of the Areca palm tree so you can have it at home and take care of it as it deserves.
Areca palm characteristics
These are the main characteristics of the Areca palm tree, of scientific name Dypsis lutescens, which is a tropical plant:
- It has its origin on the island of Madagascar.
- It is a medium-sized palm tree, which usually maintains its height between 1.5 and 3 meters, although it can reach up to double the latter value in very optimal conditions in its natural habitat.
- Its leaves are quite long, up to more than 2 meters, and are divided into a large number of leaflets.
- It receives its name from the bamboo palm tree because of its ringed trunks, which are reminiscent of those of bamboo.
- When it blooms, it gives rise to small white flowers with an intense and very pleasant aroma.
- Its fruits, on the other hand, are yellow in color, but they turn dark as they ripen.
Areca palm tree care - practical guide
In summary, this is a Areca palm tree basic care guide:
- Light: the Areca can bear being placed in direct light, but it is more appreciative of semi-shade.
- Climate: tropical or subtropical climate.
- Substrate or soil: the most important thing is that it has good drainage.
- Watering: every 2 or 3 days in the warm months, and every 10-15 days in the cold months.
Light, temperature, humidity and location
As indicated above, the Dypsis lutescens It can withstand locations where it receives direct sunlight, but will do better in bright environments where the intense sun does not hit it directly. Because of this, it is widely used as houseplantas it will thrive more than adequately in any room with good lighting. If you expose it directly to very intense solar influences, it is possible that its leaves will burn and spoil.
Regarding the temperature, this palm is a plant from tropical environments, so the ideal is to keep it in a temperature range above 15 ºC. In fact, its optimum temperature is between 18 ºC and 25 ºC.
It also requires a slightly high humidity, since a large amount of water transpires through its leaves. If you notice that the tips of its leaves turn brown, it is that the Areca needs more humidity, so you should spray some water on its leaves a couple of times a day in the warm months.
Irrigation of the Areca palm tree
As a tropical plant, the Areca needs a few regular and abundant waterings. Above we indicate that adequate watering is approximately every 2 or 3 days in the spring and summer months but, as always, this is only a guideline value.
The important thing in this case is to check that the substrate is always kept slightly damp, but never waterlogged. The plant needs to have water at its disposal regularly, but an excess of watering can end up drowning it. Similarly, in winter it is important to markedly reduce watering.
Fertilizer for the areca palm tree
Due to its air-purifying ability, this plant needs compost more than others, especially if you want it to stay green and vital. In the warm spring and summer months, we recommend paying the Areca once a month with compost for tropical plants.
You can also rely on ecological organic fertilizers of the many that you can make at home. In this other article we explain how to make homemade organic compost for plants.
Areca palm problems
If the tips of Areca leaves turn brown It can be mainly due to two problems: either the environment is very dry or you have watered it excessively. The first case is remedied by spraying water on its leaves on a regular basis, while, in the second case, it will be necessary to pay attention that the substrate does not puddle.
Yes the leaves start to turn yellow, it is likely that it is a plague, probably installed on the underside of its leaves. Identify what type of pest it is and fight it appropriately. In these other articles we talk about How to make natural insecticides for plants and about Homemade fungicides.
Below you can see a video guide on the care of the Areca palm tree. Also, if you want to discover more plants of this type, you can consult this guide on 25 tall indoor plants.
If you want to read more articles similar to Areca palm tree: care, we recommend that you enter our category of Cultivation and care of plants.
