{"id":24727,"date":"2024-05-02T23:25:03","date_gmt":"2024-05-02T21:25:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.branchthetree.com\/?p=24727"},"modified":"2024-05-02T23:25:03","modified_gmt":"2024-05-02T21:25:03","slug":"how-to-plant-areca-palm-tree","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.branchthetree.com\/how-to-plant-areca-palm-tree\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Plant Areca Palm Tree"},"content":{"rendered":"
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How to Plant an Areca Palm Tree<\/h2>\n

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.
\nDespite 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.
\nFor 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.
\nWhen 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.
\nAreca 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. <\/p>\n

Preparation Before Planting<\/h2>\n

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. <\/p>\n

Filling the Hole<\/h2>\n

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. <\/p>\n

Adding Mulch<\/h2>\n

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. <\/p>\n

Watering the Areca Palm Tree<\/h2>\n