Areca Palm, or Dypsis lutescens is sometimes called a butterfly palm in the waythat their fronds curve upward like the wings of a butterfly. Native to the moist forests of Madagascar, this palm craves humidity and well draining soil. A chunky mix with perlite and orchid bark will do the trick. Bright indirect sunlight will yield you the happiest plant. Be sure to keep it warm. Extreme temperature fluctuations are not tolerated by this particular palm.

It’s recommended that you mist the plant or get a humidifier to keep the tips from browning. Our lack of humidity in central Oregon is not always conducive to these tropical houseplants! If all goes to plan, you could get a tall, dark and handsome specimen! Arecas have a growth rate of around 6” per year when they’re happy and a mature height of 7-8’! Their tall stalks are so tough they were historically used to make fishing nets out of!

One of the common problems palms tend to experience because of lack of humidity is spider mites. When palms get too dry, their stress levels skyrocket and they become flashing beacons that say “my defenses are down!” Spider mites fly in through open doors, travel into your house on tools or in soil and lay eggs in the perfectly dense, protected foliage of palm fronds. There they have the perfect environment to hatch and spread to your other houseplants. You will notice webbing and tiny white specs on your palm if they are present. Your best defense is to increase your humidity before this process begins. If you’re trying to deal with the infestation after the fact, come see us in the nursery and pick up an insecticidal soap or Mite-X. 

At this point, you may be thinking we’re trying to steer you away from palms! Really, we just want you to be the most successful gardener you can be and give you the honest truth. If you’re prepared, you’ll be ready to prevent or take on any curveball the houseplant world throws at you! When cared for properly, palms are one of the most striking and rewarding plants to have in your home.