Areca Lutescens, The Butterfly or Golden Cane Palm, is another firm favourite for your home. Still regarded by NASA as the number 1 plant for filtering the air in your home, removing harmful toxins, bacteria and viruses. Bold, attractive and easy to care for. Follow these simple tips to help it thrive.
Ideally place in bright, indirect light. Dark shady areas and constant sunlight should both be avoided. Areca palms originate in the tropics so are used to regular tropical showers. This means they prefer constantly moist soil. During warmer Summer months you might find that, depending on how warm the position, you will need to water twice a week. Despite their thirsty nature make sure that the surface of the soil feels just dry to the touch before watering again.
Average room temperatures are ideal 16-24c.
If the room is centrally heated, or becomes very hot in Summer, then your palm will benefit from misting the leaves, or using a pebble tray to increase humidity. Dry air turns leaf tips brown, this is quite common and not an issue.
As with most tropical plants your palm will rest during Winter months. While dormant it will require less water, probably only once every 2 weeks.
Re-pot if necessary in Spring approximately every 2 years using a free draining houseplant compost.
Feed fortnightly from May to September with a general houseplant liquid fertiliser.
Not known to be toxic to pets or humans.
