Areca Palm Plant

• Botanical Name: Dypsis lutescens
• The plant originated from Madagascar. It is found extensively in India.
• As a houseplant, it can be grown in a pot and kept in a corner of the room to adorn the corner.
• It is a popular indoor low maintenance plant and has been recommended by NASA as a great air purifier.
• The plant is a symbol of peace and victory. The leaves of the plant can also be seen in the beak of a dove which symbolizes peace. 

Care Instructions 

Watering 

• Check the moisture of the soil by poking a small stick or your finger into the soil.
• If the topsoil feels dry upon touch, apply approximately 5-8cm of water.
• Mornings are the best time to water the plant, at around 8 A.M.
• Avoid over watering the plant. Water only when the soil feels dry on touch or in appearance. Over-watering will lead to drooping of the leaves of the plant.

Sunlight 

• The plant thrives best in partial sunlight.
• 2-3 hours of sunlight serves the plant well.
• The plant thrives well in the temperature range of 18 °C to 24 °C.

Repotting 

• It is suggested to not repot the plant for at least 2 weeks after the delivery of the plant. 
• The plant requires repotting once every 2 years. Repot the plant using fresh soil and some fertilizer.
• It is advised to repot the plant late in the evening, after which it is to be kept in shade for a minimum of 3 days and then shifted in natural indirect sunlight or artificial bright light.

Fertilizer Application 

• For better uptake of nutrients provided by the fertilizer, loosen the topsoil of the plant making sure to not disturb the roots of the plant.
• Feed the plant with fertilizer preferably in the spring and early monsoon season.
• A good micronutrient rich fertilizer proves to be beneficial for the fronds of the plant.
• After the application of the fertilizer, the plant is to be watered to ensure uniform distribution of the fertilizer.
• Use of Neem oil, Eucalyptus oil, or Citrus oil spray is advised in case of insect pest attack or other diseases.

Propagation 

• Seeds are great at propagating Areca Palm.
• An offshoot consisting of root nodes can also be used for propagating the plant by sowing them well in a good soil mix.

Things to Avoid

• Avoid over watering the plant. Water only when the soil feels dry on touch or in appearance. Over-watering will lead to drooping of the leaves of the plant.
• Keep it away from direct sunlight (for more than 3 hours) and AC Vents.

Probable Issues

• Yellowing of leaves- This can be due to underwatering the plant. Water the plant as soon as the topsoil looks dry.
• Browning of leaf tip- Overwatering, lack of natural light, or low humidity any of the three can be the reason behind the leaf tip turning brown in colour. Water the plant only when topsoil seems dry and move the plant to a place where more natural light is available to the plant. Do frequent misting to solve the problem of low humidity.
• Yellowing of leaves- When the plant is watered irregularly, then it leads to yellowing leaves and a parched plant. Keep the soil moist but do not overwater. 

Uses 

• Can help in adding a tropical touch to any indoor space such as workplaces, shopping complexes, resorts, and other public areas.
• The plant has been recommended by NASA as a great air purifier.
• They can be placed near a window, to ensure regular natural light for the plant and to make the corner look vibrant.
• The plant is a symbol of peace and victory. The leaves of the plant can also be seen in the beak of a dove which symbolizes peace. 
• It is a low maintenance plant which is completely safe for your pets.
• The plant also helps in decreasing stress.

Specifications

• The plant can grow up to a height of 10-12 feets.
• The plant can have a spread of 2-3 feets.