Areca

Areca is a member of the Areca palm family, which consists of nearly 50 different plant species native to tropical rainforests in Asia. The palm tree consists of a long and thin stem with a smooth surface and traces - rings (in the form of scars) in the lower part, left over from large hard fallen leaves of a rich green color. Another distinctive feature of this plant is the small-sized white flowers, collected in cob inflorescences, and red-yellow fruits with white-pink seeds.

Areca species

Areca yellowing - a palm tree of medium height with large arcuate leaves from one to one and a half meters long. The trunk diameter can reach 1 m, and the plant height is about 10 m.

Areca catechu or Bethel palm - a tall plant, reaching a height of twenty meters, with a trunk diameter of about half a meter and two-meter segmental leaves.

Areca three-stalked - a low-growing (two or three meter) palm tree with a thin trunk (no more than 5 cm) and straight meter or one and a half meter leaves with drooping segments.

Areca palm care at home

Location and lighting

Areca palm is a capricious plant accustomed to growing in spacious conditions. A favorable place for her is halls and office premises with high ceilings, a large area and a sufficient amount of light. A flower container with a plant can be located in the center of the room, away from the window and natural light.

An indoor flower prefers diffused lighting without direct sunlight, which can significantly harm not only its appearance, but can also spoil the further life of the entire plant. Bright light is especially dangerous for young palms in the first five years after planting.

The splendor and development of the crown depends on the correct lighting, therefore it is recommended 3-4 times a month to turn the plant in different directions to the main light.

Temperature

Areca is a culture of tropical origin and therefore feels good at temperatures from 27 to 30 degrees Celsius. In indoor conditions, it is difficult to maintain such a temperature range, but it is very important that the plant does not fall under drafts and cold ventilation with a mark below 18 degrees Celsius. In winter, it is advisable to place the flower away from front doors, balconies and windows.

Air humidity

Since the areca palm is home to humid forests, the humidity level in the room should always be elevated, it can be maintained by regular spraying with soft warm water. Irrigation also requires non-hard water. It can be standing tap water, melt water or rainwater.

Watering

The frequency of watering depends on the drying of the upper layer of the substrate. It is necessary to water the palm tree only when the soil dries about 2-3 cm deep.The plant will not survive excessive and frequent flooding, as well as drought and complete drying out of the earthen coma.

The soil

The soil should be slightly acidic or neutral, light, nutritious, with good water and air permeability. When buying a ready-made potting mix, experienced growers advise adding peat, crushed pine bark, bone meal and charcoal to it. You can make a mixture for the palm tree and at home. It should consist of the following components: four parts of sod land, two parts of leafy land, one part of coarse river sand and humus. Before planting the plant, the bottom of the flower container must be covered with a three-centimeter drainage layer.

Top dressing and fertilizers

Fertilizers intended for indoor flowers or for palms are recommended to be applied throughout the year: in the spring and summer months - every 2 weeks, and in the autumn and winter period - every month.

Pruning

Since the trunk of this palm tree is not branched, the pruning procedure is simply unnecessary. After removing the branches on the plant, only a stump will remain in the pot, which will not develop and will soon die.

Transfer

A palm tree needs to be transplanted only as it grows. If the plant has become cramped in a flower pot, then you need to water it, let the soil soak well and carefully remove the flower along with the earthen clod. The handling method will help keep the root part intact. When planting in a new container, it is recommended to pay attention to the level of the root collar, it does not need to be buried.

A store-bought plant consisting of several copies in one pot at once is not recommended to separate and injure the roots. The palm tree may not endure such stress.

Areca palm propagation

The most common way of propagation of the areca palm is by seed. Seeds are sown in spring or summer. The planting box is filled with a special soil mixture, moistened and sowed. After that, the box is covered with glass or a thick film and is not removed until the seedlings appear. For full growth, young plants need greenhouse conditions.

Diseases and pests

• The main pests are mealybugs, spider mites, whiteflies, and scale insects. Control measures - chemicals for indoor plants.
• The main diseases are drying out of leaves, rotting of the root part and stunting.
• The tips of the leaves begin to dry out in a room with dry air, low temperatures and lack of moisture in the soil.
• Root decay occurs due to an excess of irrigation water.
• Stopping growth, as well as a decrease in the decorativeness of the plant in the form of sluggish and pale leaves, occurs when the level and duration of illumination is insufficient.

Attention!The fruits and seeds of the areca palm contain toxic substances that can be dangerous to humans and animals.

Areca palm - plant care after winter (video)