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How to Grow an Areca Palm as a Houseplant

by Michael Bell 04/08/2024

Areca palms are a common sight in outdoor spaces but also make great houseplants. They're easy to care for and can grow in your home in practically any climate as long as they get the proper care. Here are the basics of growing areca palms indoors:

Lighting Needs

One of the areca palm's most popular characteristics is its ability to thrive in a variety of lighting situations. Most palms actually prefer shade, and the areca will prefer a spot with bright indirect light indoors. Direct sun exposure can burn the leaves, so using a sheer curtain or another light filter works well if you want to place one near a window.

Soil & Water Preference

In their natural environment, most palms grow in sandy soil with good drainage. As a houseplant, an areca palm will grow in just about any type of commercial potting mix as long as its container has sufficient drainage holes.

Areca palms need regular but moderate watering to thrive. The soil should stay somewhat moist all the time, but it's better to underwater than to overwater. If you're worried about overwatering your areca palm, consider planting it in a terracotta or clay pot to help absorb extra moisture.

Temperature Requirements

Areca palms will tolerate average indoor temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Many plant owners like to move their palms outdoors to a shaded porch or patio for the summer months, but it's crucial to bring it back indoors before temperatures drop too low. It's also important to keep them away from air conditioning vents or anywhere else they'll get a cold draft. While easy to care for, areca palms do not tolerate the cold, and will decline rapidly if not protected from lower temperatures.

Areca palms are among several palms you can grow successfully as houseplants. Some other options to consider are the Chinese fan palm and parlor palm, which both have similar care needs and help bring a tropical vibe to any space.

About the Author
Author

Michael Bell

In twenty five years of real estate sales and marketing experience, I have sold hundreds of properties, while developing detailed knowledge of Sonoma & Napa area communities. I am a life-long resident in the North Bay and after a full day at work, I enjoy spending time with my four children, and participating in their many school and recreational activities. 

Over the years, my clients have expressed diverse plans and dreams. I seek to truly understand and appreciate my clients' goals, focusing my efforts on realizing them. It has been fun learning more about the unique opportunities that attract people to the area such as the culinary community, the viticulture and wine industry as well as outdoor adventure tourism. It is important to me to listen to my clients, do what it takes to serve their needs and I am dedicated to treating everyone involved in a transaction both in a personal and professional manner. I work hard to anticipate and respond to the routine tasks at hand as well as the complex challenges that come up during real estate transactions while ensuring my goal to deliver you the outcome you desire.