Areca palm care: watering, light and repotting
Also called areca, butterfly palm, golden cane palm · Dypsis lutescens · Arecaceae family
9 d in winter
How often to water the areca palm?
Allow about 5 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 9 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
Likes slightly moist soil and humid air. Sensitive to hard water.
Misting every 3 days helps keep the air humid around its leaves, especially in winter when central heating dries the house out.
What light does it need?
The areca palm likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 2 years, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from April to September, feeding every 30 days is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 5–8 ft (1.5–2.5 m).
Safe for cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA.
Toxic to children. Keep this plant out of reach and, if it is eaten, contact a vet or a poison control centre.
Common problems
Brown frond tips
Cause: Dry air or hard water. What to do: Mist it and water with soft water.
Yellow fronds
Cause: Too much water or lack of fertiliser. What to do: Check the drainage and feed in spring.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the areca palm?
About every 5 days in spring and summer, and every 9 days in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the areca palm?
The areca palm likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Should you mist the areca palm?
Yes, misting every 3 days does it good, especially in winter when heating dries the air. Use soft, room-temperature water.
When should you repot the areca palm?
Every 2 years, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the areca palm safe?
It's best kept out of reach of young children. For cats and dogs, no toxicity is known.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Fairly: the areca palm needs a little attention, mostly with watering and light. Nothing complicated with a reminder at the right time.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.