Areca: Cultivation, Planting, and Care of the Indoor Palm

Botany

The Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens, previously Chrysalidocarpus lutescens) is a palm belonging to the botany family of Arecaceae, a large family comprising tropical and subtropical palms. In the tropics, it is nicknamed “Butterfly Palm,” due to its ability to produce numerous offshoots that form a dense clump. The genus Areca is named after the Malay word “areek”, used to describe the fruit of the betel palm, a flagship species of this group.

There are about 50 species, including the Areca catechu, known for its betel nuts chewed in Asia. Among the different species, it is primarily the Areca Dypsis lutescens that dominates the indoor plant market. This palm is appealing for its thin, golden stems that bear long, light, and arched leaves of a bright green.

In nature, areca palms thrive in humid tropical forests, mainly in Southeast Asia, India, and up to the Pacific islands. They favour warm and humid climates, naturally growing in shaded and well-drained environments, where heat and humidity promote their lush growth.

The Areca bears large finely cut leaves, attached to thin, light green to pale yellow stems

The Areca is distinguished by its elegant and graceful habit. It typically forms a clump of several (trunks) thin and smooth, light green to yellowish in colour. These stems resemble bamboo stalks, which is why it is sometimes called the “Bamboo Palm”. The Areca naturally produces offshoots at the base of its stems. These offshoots are young shoots that emerge from the base of the plant and contribute to its bushy and dense habit. In nature, the Areca can reach up to 10 m in height. It will maintain much more modest dimensions in a container, not exceeding 2 to 3 m in height.

Its root system is fasciculate, consisting of many small fine roots that spread horizontally near the surface. This dense network ensures good stability and facilitates rapid water absorption, but it remains shallow, making the plant sensitive to waterlogging.

The foliage of the Areca is characteristic of the species. It consists of long pinnate leaves, slightly arched and of a bright green. These leaves, supported by a central rachis, are divided into numerous narrow and regular pinnae. These leaves can measure up to two metres long. They grow in clusters at the top of the stems, enhancing the feathery and lush appearance of the plant.

Indoors, it is rare to see it flower. But in its natural environment or when grown under optimal conditions, the Areca produces clusters of small, discreet flowers, cream to pale yellow in colour. These flowers are grouped in panicles that emerge at the axil of the leaves. In some species like the Areca catechu, these flowers then develop into ovoid fruits, orange to red at ripeness, containing the famous betel nuts. However, in indoor cultivation, the Areca rarely flowers, as it requires conditions very close to its natural habitat to develop its inflorescences.

The Areca is recognised for its ability to purify the surrounding air by absorbing certain toxins present in our interiors. It is a true ally for improving air quality. Studies, including those conducted by NASA on air-purifying plants, have shown that certain indoor plants, including the Areca (Dypsis lutescens), can absorb atmospheric pollutants such as formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene, present in our homes and offices.

The Areca brings a very graphic ambiance to our interiors, in addition to purifying the air!

Planting the Areca

Where to Place an Areca?

The Areca thrives in warm and bright environments, making it an ideal indoor plant. In nature, however, it has developed an amazing ability to flourish in low-light conditions, allowing it to thrive in places where other plants would struggle. To properly set it up, choose a bright location, but away from direct sunlight, as its delicate leaves could burn. A room with filtered light, a spot near a veiled window facing east or northeast, will suit it perfectly. Avoid draughts and overly cold areas, as it prefers temperatures between 18 and 24°C.

Ideally, place the Areca in a bright location but sheltered from direct sunlight, for example behind a veiled window or glazed door

When to Plant an Indoor Areca?

The ideal period for planting or repotting the Areca is spring, to set it up under optimal conditions for its growth period. However, it is possible to plant it throughout the year.

How to Plant the Areca Step by Step?

Ensure that the substrate is light and airy to allow the roots to breathe. This tropical palm appreciates bright, warm, and well-drained environments.

• Opt for a pot or container with holes, slightly larger than the size of the root ball, to allow the roots to develop well.
• Place a drainage layer at the bottom of the pot with clay pebbles, gravel, or broken pieces of terracotta pots. This will prevent excess water which can cause root rot.
• Gently plant your Areca in a mix consisting of 50% garden soil, 25% peat or humus, and 25% sand, or choose a light indoor plant potting mix.
• Ensure that the collar (transition zone between the roots and the stems) is at soil level. It should neither be too buried nor too exposed.
• Add the rest of the mix around the root ball and press down lightly to stabilize the plant.
• Water several times to thoroughly moisten the entire substrate and eliminate air pockets.
• Place your Areca in a bright location, but away from direct sunlight which could burn its leaves. A room with filtered light would be ideal.

Choose a pot suitable for the size of your Areca, slightly larger than the root ball

How to Care for a Multiplying Palm?

Caring for the Areca is relatively simple, making it an ideal plant for indoor environments. The Areca enjoys humidity but is sensitive to excessive water. Therefore, it is crucial to strike the right balance. Water regularly with non-calcareous water, but allow the substrate to dry slightly on the surface between waterings. In summer, the water needs are greater than in winter. To check if your Areca needs water, insert your finger into the potting soil: if it is dry a few centimetres down, it’s time to water.

Originally from tropical forests, the Areca thrives in a humid environment. Regularly spray its foliage with non-calcareous water, especially in winter when heating dries out the air. You can also place the pot on a bed of moistened clay pebbles.

The Areca does not require regular pruning. You can simply remove any dry or damaged leaves using sterilised secateurs.

During the growth period, which is in spring and summer, provide your Areca with a special palm fertilizer, once a month.

Repot every 2 to 3 years, into a slightly larger pot, preferably in spring, when its roots begin to feel cramped.

The Areca will appreciate it if you mist its foliage occasionally

Diseases and Potential Pests

The Areca is relatively resistant to diseases and parasitic infestations. However, it can be **sensitive to root rot** caused by excess water or poor drainage. This leads to the yellowing of leaves and the sagging of the young plant. Reduce watering, **ensure the pot is well-drained** and repot with healthy soil if necessary.

**It can also be attacked by scale insects or red spider mites in cases of overly dry air.** Increase the ambient humidity around your Areca by **spraying it regularly with water**, as scale insects and red spider mites despise moisture. **Clean the leaves with a cloth soaked in soapy water or 70°C alcohol**, and treat with a natural insecticidal (neem oil).

→ Read our articles to learn more about suitable treatments for [scale insects](https://www.promessedefleurs.com/conseil-plantes-jardin/ficheconseil/cochenille/ “scale insects”) and [red spider mites](https://www.promessedefleurs.com/conseil-plantes-jardin/ficheconseil/araignee-rouge-traitement/ “red spider mites”).

Propagating the Areca Palm

Suckers can be left in place to keep a plant well-furnished, or can be harvested in spring to propagate the plant. To do this, simply wait until a sucker is well developed, with a few roots. As it does not bear fruit in our latitudes, harvesting suckers is the most suitable technique. It is important not to remove too many suckers at once to avoid weakening the parent plant.

• Using a sharpened and sterilised knife, separate the suckers from the parent plant, taking care not to damage the roots. Each sucker should have a few roots.
• Plant each sucker in an individual pot filled with fresh, well-drained potting soil.
• Water generously to encourage establishment.

Areca: The Trendy Indoor Young Plant!

The Areca is a true decorative asset thanks to its light and elegant foliage which adds a tropical and soothing touch to any interior. Its graceful habit and airy silhouette allow it to blend harmoniously into various decor styles.

What type of interior suits the Areca?

• Bohemian style: With its feathery leaves and natural appearance, the Areca fits perfectly in a bohemian decor, surrounded by natural materials like rattan, linen, or macramé.
• Tropical/urban jungle style: It is the ideal plant for creating an exotic corner by combining it with other green plants such as Monstera, the Philodendron, or the Kentia palm.
• Contemporary and minimalist style: In a streamlined interior, the Areca adds a touch of greenery without overcrowding the space thanks to its light and slender habit.
• Office: The Areca is often used in offices or entrance halls to create a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.