Areca Palms - The Different Types of Areca Palm

Areca Palms - The Different Types of Areca Palm

Areca palms (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens) are popular tropical accent plants and privacy screens.different types of areca palm Also known as butterfly palm, yellow palm or cane palm, they are a favorite with South Florida homeowners. These tall and dramatic palms have lush, fine-textured fronds that add height and a tropical feel to home landscapes. They grow fast in the right conditions, reaching up to 30 feet tall in outdoor plantings.

A native to Madagascar, these evergreen plants thrive in the tropics where they are often grown in containers and brought inside during cold weather.different types of areca palm They are a favorite indoor plant and are known to do well in most any home environment. These palms are drought tolerant and low maintenance. In fact, a regular watering schedule and occasional fertilizer is typically all that is needed to keep them looking good.

When used as an indoor plant, areca palms prefer bright indirect sunlight.different types of areca palm A southern or western facing window is optimal for growing areca palms. Alternatively, they can be planted in a sunny courtyard or patio garden where there is adequate indirect light. A well-draining soil is important for these palms and they should be kept slightly dry in between waterings.

The areca palm does not require much pruning but a little trimming of dead and withered leaves is sometimes necessary.different types of areca palm It is possible to prune the palm without damaging it by cutting off just a few of the topmost fronds to reveal a bare stem below. Some leaf sheaths may turn brown over time, especially if the plant is under-watered or exposed to cold draughts. This is normal and the sheaths can easily be peeled off when this happens to expose fresh green leaflets underneath.

Areca palms do best when planted in a garden where they can grow to their full size and create a lush natural screen or privacy plant. They grow very quickly in the right climate and are also quite salt-tolerant. They can also be used as a decorative palm in a pot on the patio or porch, but should be kept trimmed to prevent overcrowding.

A common way to use these exotic beauties is in a grouping with other tropical plants and foliage such as bananas, bird of paradise flowers, dragon fruit and coconuts. The combination of textures and colors makes for a very appealing display that will catch the eye of any guest or visitor to your home.

When using areca palms as an outdoor plant, a well-draining sandy loam soil is recommended. They can be planted in groups with 10 feet between each tree to grow into a screening or natural fence over time. They will require some summer rainy season in order to establish and grow to their maximum height. These palms can be used in place of other larger, spiny trees such as Queen Palms, Pygmy Date Palms and King Palms since they are much easier to care for and will not be prone to spines. They are also a perfect solution for small areas such as parkways or to create a wall along a sidewalk where you don’t want to have to deal with spiny, hardscape plants.