The Areca palm can be propagated
from seeds which take 2-6 months to germinate. Fresh seed should be planted
in a well drained medium with the top of the seed barely visible. Cleaning
the seeds is not essential if they are planted immediately. Areca palms can
also be propagated by simple divisions; the offshoots cut from the base of
the palm can be used to start new plants.
The Areca palm (Dypsis lutescens;
often labeled as Chrysalidocarpus lutescens), also known as the butterfly
palm, is found in sub-tropical and tropical climates. It is also used as
a house plant, where it grows well under average home conditions, but after
purchasing the plant, it must be acclimatized. In the nursery, these palms are
usually grown in full sun and need to adjust to the low light conditions
found in most homes. Start by placing plants outdoors on a shady deck or
beneath a tree in mild climates. After a few weeks,
move them to the brightest indoor location and then to their final place.
They like medium to high lighting, usually doing well in the east, west, or
south windows. Simple directions are as follows: plant in a large container and water frequently but do
not allow the plant to sit in water.
Because of its dense, clustering
growth habit, outdoors this palm is primarily used as a hedge to create
privacy or to hide unsightly areas. Unfortunately, coqui frogs, an invasive species in Hawaii, find areca palms a
good habitat and hiding place.
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