Areca Palm

Taxonomic Name: Chamaedora elegans or Dypsis lutescens

Palm Family

Shrub-sized Herbaceous Plant

The parlor palm is the most widely grown of all indoor palms. After a few years it will reach its mature height of 3-6 feet, and tiny yellow flowers and small black fruit appear if grown in bright light.  It is unrivalled as the centerpiece of a bottle garden or terrarium.

How to care for your plant:

LIGHT:  Bright indirect light (for example, by an eastern or northern window) is best.  This palm in particular can thrive in low light conditions, but it will not flower unless it is in brighter light conditions.

WATERING:  The first need is for good drainage - all palms detest stagnant water in the roots.  During the winter, keep the soil slightly moist.  In the spring and summer, water more liberally.

FEEDING: Feed your parlor palm sparingly, and only when it is actively producing new leaves. At that point, use an all purpose houseplant fertilizer at one-quarter the concentration at each watering.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:  Check periodically for spider mites and mealy bug insects.  These pests can be controlled with systemic insecticide granules or with horticultural paraffin oil.  Also, keeping your palm in high humidity can deter mites.  If possible, use a room humidifier nearby.  Never try to propagate by taking cuttings.   New growth occurs at the tips of the branches, so cutting would kill the palm.