Palms have enjoyed enduring popularity for many years. And it's hard to find one particular reason. Perhaps because they evoke memories and dreams of exotic and hot places. One thing is for sure, a refined palm tree adds elegance to any room. The exceptionally decorative Areka Palm takes pride of place in our range. Its feathery leaves look great in any space. Check out what we have prepared for you.

Areca palm - why is it worth having in your home?

Under the name Areca palm there are more than 50 species of plants belonging to the areca family (Arecaceae), or palms. It is a naturally occurring plant in areas with tropical climates, where it can reach up to several tens of metres. Under domestic conditions, it grows to 1.5-2 metres. It is very often found in homes and public areas. It owes its popularity to its exceptionally striking appearance, but not only. Due to its uncomplicated cultivation, it is appreciated by amateur growers. Two species of areca are most commonly found in home cultivation: the yellowish areca (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens syn. Areca lutescens) and the catechu areca (Chrysalidocarpus catechu syn. Areca catechu).

Areka palm how to care?

The Areca palm is a relatively easy plant to grow. All you need to do is provide it with the right conditions, close to natural, and it will decorate your home for many years.

✔️ position

The Areka palm grows best in a sunny or semi-shaded position. It should not stand in full sun, which can burn its leaves. It can therefore be placed in a well-lit area with diffused sunlight.

✔️ temperature

The plant will thrive at room temperature (above 18°C), both in summer and winter.

✔️ substrate

The Areka palm requires a fertile and permeable substrate. A ready-made substrate for palms can be used. Compost soil with an admixture of peat or leaf earth and sand, which should be mixed in equal proportions, will also work well. In addition, the substrate should be loosened with perlite and the bottom of the pot should be drained with expanded clay.

✔️ watering and fertilising

Watering of the Areka Palm should be done frequently, with soft water at room temperature. Its soil must be kept constantly moist. As it is native to the tropics, it requires high soil and air humidity. If the air is too dry, it can cause the tips of the leaves to dry out. When caring for the Areka Palm, an important treatment is therefore to spray its leaves, especially in summer. During the summer season, the palm should also be fed with a suitable fertiliser, preferably a preparation dedicated to palms or a fertiliser for green plants.

Areka palm how fast does it grow?

The Areka palm grows fairly quickly but quietly. It produces large leaves that are set on long stems that grow out of the ground. They are lusciously green and feathery. At first they are upright, later arching. The Areka palm, unfortunately, does not flower under home conditions. A very high substrate temperature and constant and high humidity are required to stimulate the plant to set flowers.

How to repot an Areka Palm?

The Areka palm does not require frequent repotting. It is sufficient to observe the plant. If you notice that the plant is getting sick or that its root is piercing the bottom of the casing, this will be a signal to find a bigger place for it. The best time for repotting is February and March. It is worth knowing that the Areka Palm does not have a very branched root system; it forms one long underground trunk. Therefore, wide pots are unlikely to work, it will grow best in tall and narrow containers.

Areca palm - characteristics

In addition to its striking habit, the Areka Palm is renowned for its air-purifying properties, which have been confirmed in studies carried out by NASA. The plant acts like a filter, removing CO2 and converting it into oxygen, thus improving the air quality in the room where the Areca Palm is placed. In addition to this, Areca improves the humidity of the air through evaporation and also neutralises harmful gases (e.g. from printers or paints). It is interesting to note that Asians use the unripe fruit of the wild areca as an intoxicant. In Malaysia and Polynesia, the areca nuts extracted from it are an ingredient of a stimulant and stimulating stimulant: betel. Its decorative qualities and numerous properties make the areca an excellent houseplant. In fact, it can make an exceptional decoration as a school or hotel plant.