- Botanical Name: Dypsis lutescens
- Common Names: Areca Palm, Butterfly Palm
- Description: Growing an areca palm tree indoors is ideal because it grows very slowly and thrives in bright, indirect light and cramped space with its clustered palms that resemble bamboo. With origins from Madagascar and South India, this palm's natural climate is subtropic, which can be imitated indoors. Once and endangered, species the Areca palm has become one of the world's most recognizable plants.
- Care: Areca palm loves bright indirect light and can tolerate partial shade. Direct sunlight might burn its leaves, so when growing indoors, keep it a few feet away from a sunny window.
Water only when the first 2” of the top soil is dry. Areca Palm loves moist but not soggy soil, so drain well after each watering. Over-watering can cause root rot, while under-watering can make the leaves brown and crispy.
This plant needs well-drained soils that are rich in nutrients. It is best to choose a houseplant mixed soil with peat moss.
This plant thrives in temperatures of 65°F-80°F. Do not let it in a spot where the temperature can drop below 50°F.
This plant requires rich soil, so it should be fertilized once per month during the growing season (spring/summer) with a diluted houseplant fertilizer. Alternatively you can use a slow-release fertilizer twice per year.
Areca Palm is considered non-toxic and safe for pets.
