How to Plant an Areca Palm Tree
Areca palm trees are a beautiful and relatively easy-to-care-for tropical landscape alternative. Its dramatic height, soft fronds, and stately natural shape can add an elegant and distinguished touch to any yard. The areca, native to southeastern Asia, where it has been cultivated for centuries, is a popular choice for those seeking to bring a little of the tropics to their landscape.
Despite its exotic looks, an areca palm tree is neither hard to find nor difficult to grow in the garden. There are many nurseries, garden centers, and online sites that carry the areca palm. Nursery plants often come in two types – container-grown and bare-root, and each has advantages and disadvantages.
For container-grown palms, the biggest advantage is that they can be planted year-round. Meanwhile, a viable but dormant batch of areca palm tree roots, as found in bare-root specimens, needs to be planted in the growing season, when they are fully awake. In terms of ease of installation, bare-root specimens are simpler to place in the soil than container-grown palms.
When you are ready to plant your areca palm tree, choose an area in full sun or partial shade; most areca palms prefer full sun but will thrive in brighter shade. For optimal growth, the soil should be well-drained, and sandy with a slightly acidic pH. A neutral pH of 7.0 is ideal. Make sure to work plenty of compost into the soil before planting to aid in drainage.
Areca palms need plenty of room to grow and reach their full height, which can be as much as 15-30 feet tall. Make sure to allow for its full size when choosing a planting spot and giving it space for ample growth. Any nearby trees or shrubs should be spaced about 10 feet away. If planting more than one areca palm, space them 3 to 5 feet apart.
Preparation Before Planting
Before planting an areca palm, it’s best to prepare the area. For container-grown specimens, start by setting the base of the pot in the hole, with the top lip of the pot even with the soil line. For bare-root palms, it is best to soak the roots overnight to ensure that they are hydrated and can spread out easily in the soil. When ready to be planted, set the root ball in the hole, taking care to distribute it out evenly.
Filling the Hole
The next step is to fill in the hole by shoveling in soil. Place a few inches of loose soil near the root ball first, and lightly press down. As you fill in the rest of the soil, press it gently around the roots every few inches. Add enough soil to leave a couple of inches of soil mounded over the top of the root ball.
Adding Mulch
After planting, mulch can help keep the soil moist, cooler, and weed-free. Spread a thin layer of mulch over the planting area and around the trunk of the palm tree, keeping about a foot away from the trunk. This will also help to keep the motor and grass clippings from getting too close to the roots.
Watering the Areca Palm Tree
The best way to water an areca palm tree is to give it a slow and deep soak about once or twice a week. This will help to keep the roots moist and prevent drought stress. Once the tree is established, you can reduce watering to once every two weeks.
Fertilizing the Palm Tree
Fertilizing the areca palm tree is relatively straightforward. To get the best results, feed your palm tree with a quality slow-release fertilizer once or twice a year. Time-release fertilizers don’t need to be applied as often, but it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Keep in mind that over-fertilizing could cause damage to your areca palm tree, so always use care and apply as directed.
Pruning Areca Palms
Pruning an Areca palm is relatively easy and necessary for optimal health and beauty. Trim off wilted and yellow fronds from the palm tree throughout the growing season. With regular pruning, the palm tree will remain lush and attractive, and new growth will be encouraged.
Insect and Disease Control
Areca palm tree is prone to occasional pest infestations and can be affected by various diseases. It is important to monitor the health of your areca palm and address any infestations or diseases quickly. Common diseases that affect Areca palms include root rot and Amblyrrhiza leaf spot. If you notice any signs of an insect infestation or disease, contact your local cooperative extension service or landscaping professional for assistance with diagnosis and treatment.
Winter Protection
Areca palms are considered semi-hardy to zone 10, so they may require some winter protection in colder climates. For optimum protection, cover the palm tree with an insulating material such as burlap or a plastic wrapping. It’s important to check the wrapping or cover regularly to avoid build-up of excess moisture, which can lead to rot or other damage. An added benefit of winter protection is that it’ll also keep out strong gusts of wind that can dry out the fronds or break them off.
Protecting From Animal Damages
Areca palm trees are sometimes vulnerable to damage from animals, especially rodents and small mammals. To protect your areca palm tree from this type of damage, consider planting it in a wire cage or plastic container. This will help to keep out curious animals, who may be tempted to chew on the fronds or roots of the palm tree.
Watering and Fertilizing During Winter
When temperatures begin to drop, it’s important to continue to water and fertilize your areca palm tree. The amount of water you give the tree will depend on the climate and the amount of rainfall. Fertilizer should be reduced in the winter months, but don’t completely stop fertilizing your palm tree. The right fertilizers, and the right amount, will help the areca palm tree stay strong and healthy.
Conclusion
Areca palms can be a beautiful addition to any outdoor landscape, adding drama, exotic elegance, and distinct style to your yard. With the right planting techniques, regular watering, and proper pruning and protection, an areca palm tree can provide you with beautiful greenery for many years to come.
