Plant Care Guides / Indoor
The Areca palm, also called the Golden Cane palm, is one of the easiest ways to bring a soft, tropical feel indoors. Its feathery, arching fronds grow from clustered cane-like stems, and a healthy plant fills a bright corner beautifully. It is a firm favourite for lounges, patios and sheltered verandahs.
The Areca is a clumping palm, so it sends up new canes from the base rather than growing taller on a single trunk. That means it stays full and bushy, and you can keep it in shape by removing the odd older cane at ground level. It is also non-toxic, which makes it a safe choice in homes with pets and children.
Bright, indirect light suits it best. A spot near a sunny window, but out of harsh midday sun, keeps the fronds a healthy green. Too little light makes the plant thin and leggy, while scorching sun bleaches the leaves.
Keep the soil lightly moist through the warmer months, letting the top few centimetres dry out before watering again, and ease off in winter. Arecas like humidity, so they are happy in our coastal air, but indoor heaters dry things out in winter, and a weekly misting or a pebble tray helps.
Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser at half strength every few weeks through spring and summer. Stop feeding in the cooler months when growth slows right down.
Arecas like to be a little snug in their pots, so only move up a size every couple of years when the roots fill the container. Use a free-draining potting mix and a pot with good drainage holes, as they dislike sitting in water.
Ask about availability. We keep a changing range of indoor plants, Areca palms included. WhatsApp us to see what is in store, or pop in and we will help you choose.
