The Areca Palm
Known all over the world as a popular ornamental indoor tree due to its lithe boughs and generous foliage, the graceful Areca palm is also cultivated as an outdoor plant in tropical and sub-tropical climates. From Tampa, Florida down through the Florida Keys, this tree makes a lovely statement when used to anchor a corner or soften harsh architectural lines of your home.
Areca Palm at Keep it Green
Commonly known as the butterfly palm or the feather palm, Dypsis lutescens is easily identifiable by its long, feathery fronds fanning from the cluster of several reed-like stalks of the young plant or bamboo-like trunks of the mature tree. Each trunk leans away from the central clump and contains 6 to 8 green and yellowish green fronds approximately 4 to 8 feet long, arching downward. The Areca is the easiest of the palms to grow because of its ability to adapt to a variety of soils, lighting and weather conditions. It can tolerate acidic, clay, sand, or alkaline soils and full sun to partial shade. The flexible boughs resist breakage from wind and hard rain. Mature plants are moderately salt and drought tolerant and can withstand spells of cold to 20 degrees°F.
| Names | Areca Palm, butterfly palm, feather palm, dypsis lutescens |
| Plant Type | Palm Tree |
| Hardiness Zones | 10-11 |
| Blooms | Spring and Early Summer |
| Flowers | Small yellowish-white |
| Light Needs | Full Sun |
| Water Needs | Regular Watering Maintains Moistness |
| Soil Needs | Well-Drained, Mix of sand, peat moss, loam |
| Mature Size | 15 to 30 feet high, 12 to 15 foot canopy |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
Design Ideas
Areca palms are often used as privacy hedges or property borders, however, too much direct sunlight can yellow or burn leaves. If planting in direct sun, purchase 5 or 6-year-old plants to better withstand exposure. Because Arecas require a minimum of maintenance, thinning small shoots and suckers periodically is all that is necessary to maintain a tidy, healthy appearance.
Regarded by many to be one of the most majestic of all ornamental plants, the arching sweep of the Areca palm will be a splendid addition to your tropical landscape. Come visit and allow us to help your choose your own Areca palms today. We are conveniently located just minutes away from:
- Apollo Beach
- Riverview
- Tampa
- Temple Terrace
- Gibsonton
- Brandon
- Lithia
- Bloomingdale
