Chrysalidocarpus lutescens

Areca palm is a tropical perennial native to Madagascar in the palm family (Arecaceae). It is a multi-stemmed (clustering or clumping) palm that can grow to 30 feet tall and 15 feet wide in its native habitat. The genus name spotlights the fruits (-carpus), which are ellipsoidal and resemble a chrysalis. Specific epithet is Latin for “turning yellow” in reference to the yellow flowers, stems and leaflet midribs.

This tropical plant is grown as a houseplant in temperate climates. In the home, they prefer a bright location in a warm to average room and high humidity. Grow in well-drained potting soil and keep moist but not soggy during the growing season. Increase humidity with a humidifier, if needed, and provide bright indirect light. Repot every 2 or 3 years. Outdoors in zones 10-11, the plant tolerates full sun but prefers partial shade and moist but well-drained soils. 

They have multiple stems that arise from one base and large, arching, pinnately compound green leaves. The stems can grow up to 4 inches in diameter and have prominent nodes, like bamboo. Panicles of yellow flowers appear in the summer and are followed by yellow-orange fruits. They will rarely bloom or produce fruit as a houseplant. It has been shown to reduce indoor air pollution and is one of the most popular indoor palms. The terminal bud (heart-of-palm) is toxic and contains cyanide compounds; do not eat it. Dwarf and fastigiate cultivars have been developed in Thailand, but these are very rarely available in the US.

Quick ID Hints:

• Clustering palms with thick, bamboo-like stems.
• Pinnate leaves, with semi-erect pinnae forming a V-shape along the rachis
• Yellow-green petioles and leaf rachis

 Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: It is susceptible to scale, whiteflies and spider mites.