Dypsis lutescens aka Areca Palm
Taxonomy
Common names
Areca Palm, Golden PalmHow to care for Areca Palm
Difficulty
Areca Palm demands precise care and specific environmental conditions, making it suitable for experienced plant enthusiasts seeking a rewarding challenge.
Water
Areca Palm should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Areca Palm loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
Areca Palm requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Golden Palm is always in the right place to thrive.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Areca Palm to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Areca Palm is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.
Humidity
No extra humidity is necessary for the Areca Palm. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.
Fertilizer
Repotting the Areca Palm should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Growth-pattern
Clumping is a defining characteristic of the Areca Palm, with new growth appearing from the soil surrounding the primary plant.
Region of origin
Areca Palm’s native range is Madagascar and southeastern Africa.
Flower
Yes, if you provide your Areca Palm with adequate sunlight and water, you can expect it to bloom.
More info:
Wikipedia