Arecaceae
Areca catechu
Bring instant tropical luxury to your space with Areca catechu. Its slim canes and airy fronds fill corners beautifully without feeling heavy, making it perfect for receptions, living rooms, and open-plan offices. With bright filtered light, consistent moisture, and a touch of humidity, it stays vibrant and architectural all year.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Areca Palm
Botanical Name: Areca catechu
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Foliage houseplant (Palm)
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0375
Alternative Names:
Betel Nut Palm
Areca Nut Palm
Eastern Betel Nut Palm
Burmese Betel Nut Palm
Arabic Name: أريكا
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Arecales
Family: Arecaceae
Genus: Areca
Species: A. catechu
3. Origin & Distribution
Areca catechu is native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia. It has been widely cultivated across South and Southeast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam) and naturalized in parts of Africa, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean and Central America. Primarily grown for its ornamental value and its seed (betel nut) production, it thrives in humid, lowland tropical forests.
4. Visual Characteristics
This palm produces single or clustering slender, smooth canes that bear feathery pinnate fronds up to 2 m long. Each frond comprises numerous arching, lanceolate leaflets about 40–60 cm long, arranged symmetrically along a central rachis. New leaves emerge folded and bright green, maturing to a glossy, deep green. Mature palms form a graceful, open crown with an airy texture; older stem sections display ringed leaf‐scar markings.
5. Size & Dimensions
Indoors, Areca palm typically reaches 1.5–3 m in height with a 1–2 m spread. Frond length averages 1–2 m. Growth rate is moderate under optimal light, moisture, and temperature conditions.
6. Light Requirements
Prefers bright, filtered light. Tolerates medium indirect light but will slow growth. Protect fronds from direct midday sun to prevent scorching. A position near an east‐ or west‐facing window with sheer curtains is ideal.
7. Watering Needs
Maintain evenly moist soil—water when the top 2–3 cm of potting mix feels dry. Avoid waterlogging; ensure good drainage. Reduce slightly in winter but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
8. Soil & Potting
Use a well-draining potting mix combining peat moss (or coco coir), pine bark, perlite and coarse sand. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0–7.5. Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container, upgrading to a pot only one size larger to prevent overpotting.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Optimal temperature range is 18–26 °C. Avoid prolonged exposure below 15 °C. Requires moderate to high humidity (above 50%). Increase humidity with regular misting, a pebble tray, or humidifier in dry indoor environments.
10. Fertilization
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20) every 4–6 weeks during the spring and summer growing season. Reduce feeding frequency in autumn and winter when growth slows.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Care level: Moderate. Remove yellow or brown fronds at the base to maintain appearance and plant health. Wipe dust from leaves periodically to improve photosynthesis. Monitor for pests and adjust care as needed.
12. Growth & Propagation
Propagation is primarily by fresh seed; germination takes 30–90 days at consistent warmth (around 30 °C). Palm produces few offshoots, so propagation via suckers is rare. Young plants grow slowly for the first year, then accelerate under optimal conditions.
13. Common Problems
Browning leaf tips – low humidity or fluoride in water.
Yellowing lower leaves – natural leaf drop or overwatering.
Pests – spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects; treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Root rot – caused by poor drainage or overwatering; ensure pot has drainage holes.
14. Benefits & Uses
Valued as an elegant indoor ornamental for its tropical aesthetic and air-purifying qualities (removes formaldehyde, xylene). In its native range, seeds (betel nuts) are chewed culturally and hold economic significance. Works well in large pots for lobbies, offices, and living spaces.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic to humans and pets as foliage, though betel nuts contain alkaloids that act as stimulants and carcinogens if chewed. Avoid ingestion of seeds by children and animals. Standard handling poses no known safety risks.
Areca catechu
Bring instant tropical luxury to your space with Areca catechu. Its slim canes and airy fronds fill corners beautifully without feeling heavy, making it perfect for receptions, living rooms, and open-plan offices. With bright filtered light, consistent moisture, and a touch of humidity, it stays vibrant and architectural all year.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Areca Palm
Botanical Name: Areca catechu
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Foliage houseplant (Palm)
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0375
Alternative Names:
Betel Nut Palm
Areca Nut Palm
Eastern Betel Nut Palm
Burmese Betel Nut Palm
Arabic Name: أريكا
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Arecales
Family: Arecaceae
Genus: Areca
Species: A. catechu
3. Origin & Distribution
Areca catechu is native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia. It has been widely cultivated across South and Southeast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam) and naturalized in parts of Africa, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean and Central America. Primarily grown for its ornamental value and its seed (betel nut) production, it thrives in humid, lowland tropical forests.
4. Visual Characteristics
This palm produces single or clustering slender, smooth canes that bear feathery pinnate fronds up to 2 m long. Each frond comprises numerous arching, lanceolate leaflets about 40–60 cm long, arranged symmetrically along a central rachis. New leaves emerge folded and bright green, maturing to a glossy, deep green. Mature palms form a graceful, open crown with an airy texture; older stem sections display ringed leaf‐scar markings.
5. Size & Dimensions
Indoors, Areca palm typically reaches 1.5–3 m in height with a 1–2 m spread. Frond length averages 1–2 m. Growth rate is moderate under optimal light, moisture, and temperature conditions.
6. Light Requirements
Prefers bright, filtered light. Tolerates medium indirect light but will slow growth. Protect fronds from direct midday sun to prevent scorching. A position near an east‐ or west‐facing window with sheer curtains is ideal.
7. Watering Needs
Maintain evenly moist soil—water when the top 2–3 cm of potting mix feels dry. Avoid waterlogging; ensure good drainage. Reduce slightly in winter but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
8. Soil & Potting
Use a well-draining potting mix combining peat moss (or coco coir), pine bark, perlite and coarse sand. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0–7.5. Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container, upgrading to a pot only one size larger to prevent overpotting.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Optimal temperature range is 18–26 °C. Avoid prolonged exposure below 15 °C. Requires moderate to high humidity (above 50%). Increase humidity with regular misting, a pebble tray, or humidifier in dry indoor environments.
10. Fertilization
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20) every 4–6 weeks during the spring and summer growing season. Reduce feeding frequency in autumn and winter when growth slows.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Care level: Moderate. Remove yellow or brown fronds at the base to maintain appearance and plant health. Wipe dust from leaves periodically to improve photosynthesis. Monitor for pests and adjust care as needed.
12. Growth & Propagation
Propagation is primarily by fresh seed; germination takes 30–90 days at consistent warmth (around 30 °C). Palm produces few offshoots, so propagation via suckers is rare. Young plants grow slowly for the first year, then accelerate under optimal conditions.
13. Common Problems
Browning leaf tips – low humidity or fluoride in water.
Yellowing lower leaves – natural leaf drop or overwatering.
Pests – spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects; treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Root rot – caused by poor drainage or overwatering; ensure pot has drainage holes.
14. Benefits & Uses
Valued as an elegant indoor ornamental for its tropical aesthetic and air-purifying qualities (removes formaldehyde, xylene). In its native range, seeds (betel nuts) are chewed culturally and hold economic significance. Works well in large pots for lobbies, offices, and living spaces.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic to humans and pets as foliage, though betel nuts contain alkaloids that act as stimulants and carcinogens if chewed. Avoid ingestion of seeds by children and animals. Standard handling poses no known safety risks.