Do Areca Palms Like Full Sun?

When it comes to figuring out how much sun your plants need, that can be tricky without some help. Are you worried that your Areca palm is getting too much sunlight or just the opposite? We did the work to bring you the answer. Let's discuss.

According to what we found, Areca palms do not like full sun. This specific type of palm tree does better in partial sun or full indirect light. You can train Areca palms to grow in full sun, but their leaves will end up turning yellow. We suggest making sure you plant your palms somewhere with either shade or less than five hours of full sun exposure.

As we get into this post, we will share some helpful tips to keep your Areca palms looking happy and healthy. We will also be tagging a few related products to help maintain an Areca palm. With that said, let's dive right in!

Gorgeous properly trimmed Areca palm trees inside a living room, Do Areca Palms Like Full Sun?

What Is An Areca Palm?

Areca palms, Dypsis lutescens, also known as the butterfly palm, are a clumping type of palm tree often found in tropical climates. These tropical trees can grow up to 20 feet tall and make for great privacy walls or entryways. According to the Department of Agriculture, Areca palms fall into plant hardiness zones 9 through 11. These palms can often be found in apartments and are great for indoor gardening.

Where Do You Place Areca Palms?

Although these palm trees can handle a bit of sun, it is best to avoid direct exposure. Areca palms require more attention than the average palm tree, so make sure to place them somewhere easily accessible. Many people decide to plant their Areca palms in a pot on their porch or near their pool for easy access. You can grow an Areca palm in either a pot or the ground, depending on your space.

Bloem 20 Inch Ariana With Self-Watering Grid

Here is a weather-resistant planter from Bloem that promises to reduce water waste and keep your plant hydrated. This pot measures 21.5x17 inches and is made from 100% UV stabilized polypropylene plastic.

Check out this matte black water-saving planter on Amazon here.

The HC Companies Terra Cotta 24-Inch Pot

Here is a 24-inch pot from The HC Company that is perfect for an Areca palm. This terra cotta planter promises to be durable and lightweight and comes in a variety of colors.

Follow this link to see this planter on Amazon here.

How Much Sun Does An Areca Palm Need?

A small Areca palm tree placed on the side of a room near the window

From what we found, Areca palms ideally should get at least six hours of indirect sunlight per day. Planting this type of palm in a window or under an awning on your porch is the perfect place for good sunlight. These palms do well in tropical areas, so the moister you keep them, the better. If you have your palm in direct sunlight, make sure it is less than five hours to avoid browning.

Can Areca Palms Take Full Sun?

Although these trees are capable of withstanding full sun, it's better to keep them out of it. Areca palms have much lighter fronds versus other palm trees and tend to brown or yellow with too much direct sun exposure. Areca palms can easily sunburn if exposure is too intense, so keep that in mind when planting one.

Can Areca Palms Survive Outdoors?

When it comes to whether Areca palms can handle the outdoors, we say yes to a degree. These delicate trees certainly can thrive outdoors if cared for properly and kept out of the full sun. Areca palms can grow up to 20 feet if planted in the ground and make great wall alternatives. This specific type of palm thrives in nutrient-rich soil with a hint of acidity.

How Fast Do Areca Palms Grow Outside?

On average, an outdoor Areca palm will grow 10 inches per year, or even more. Every plant is different, so you may find your Areca palm outpacing this number or vice versa. From what we gathered, if your soil is rich in nutrients and your tree is watered correctly, the growth can be endless. Another tip we have for you is to plant multiple Areca palms about three feet apart if you want to see them grow faster.

Compressed Organic Potting-Soil By Organic Plant Magic

Here is a nutrient-rich potting soil that is perfect for an Areca palm. This soil is derived from natural coconut coir and worm castings and expands four times when mixed with water.

See this nutrient-rich organic soil on Amazon here.

Brut Super Soil

Here we have another nutrient-rich planting soil from BRUT that is non-toxic and odor-free. This soil contains a natural blend of organic matter, enzymes, and bacterium to promote plant growth.

View this super soil on Amazon here.

How Do You Take Care Of Areca Palms In The Summer?

A small areca palm tree planted on a small ceramic pot inside a tall contemporary office

According to plant experts, you must keep your Areca palms moist throughout the hotter summer months. An ideal watering schedule for Arecas in the summer would be every other day during non-peak hours. We found that it is more beneficial to your palms if you water them at dusk or before the sun has completely risen.

Should I Bring My Tree Inside?

If you find that your Areca palm has started to yellow or brown, moving it indoors or into the shade will help. This palm tree does best between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, so if the outdoor temperature is well over that, you may want to relocate your palm. We recommend trying to keep your palm indoors during the summer months if the heat is extreme and then bringing it back out in the fall and spring.

How Often Should I Fertilize An Areca Palm?

Ideally, you should make sure to fertilize your palm every three to four months. Although Areca palms do not require fertilizer to grow, using some will speed up the process. We recommend you find a time-release fertilizer that can tie your plant over until the next time you can fertilize it.

Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food

Here is a time-release plant food from Osmocote that will get your palm growing. This fertilizer is formulated with 11 essential nutrients and can be used both indoor and outdoor.

See this nutrient-rich plant food on Amazon here.

Should I Prune An Areca Palm?

Luckily, Areca palms are relatively low maintenance when it comes to pruning. We found that it is more beneficial to remove only the dead fronds from your tree rather than trying to shape it. An Areca palm can grow up to 10 feet indoors, so you can trim it down to fit the space if needed.

DocaPole 6-24 Foot Pole Pruning Saw

Here we have an adjustable palm pruning saw from DocaPole. This product can either be hand-held or attached to the extender to reach up to 24 feet.

Follow this link to view this pruner on Amazon here.

Benefits Of Having An Indoor Areca Palm

When it comes to having an Areca palm indoors, there are plenty of health benefits. According to an air-cleaning test done by NASA, the Areca palm is the eighth-best formaldehyde remover among plants. This tree also can serve as a humidifier, as it produces up to a liter of water every 24 hours. If you live in an urban environment, planting an Areca palm in your home may end up improving the air quality around you.

How Long Can Areca Live Indoors?

The average lifespan of an indoor Areca palm is between eight and 10 years. This will depend on how well your tree is cared for, but they usually live pretty long. It is recommended to re-pot your Areca palm every three years to avoid a mineral buildup that can damage the roots of your tree.

Is My Areca Palm Pet Friendly?

For all of our furry friends reading, yes, an Areca palm is safe for pets. According to the ASPCA, Areca palms are one of the best indoor plant options for pet owners. This type of palm is not toxic to animals and will not cause them any harm if they decide to take a bite out of your tree. Another fact to note is that Areca palms are also not toxic to humans, so any children in the home are safe.

The Wrap Up

Choosing to plant an Areca palm inside or outside your home is an easy way to bring the tropics to you. Areca palms do not like direct sunlight and do best when kept in partially shaded bright areas, from what we learned. One of the many benefits this tree has is its easy upkeep and air purifying capabilities. Areca palms require more attention than other trees, so make sure to keep that in mind when planting one. Regardless of where you live, if you love the tropics and cleaner air, an Areca palm is perfect for you.

Made it to the end? Check out these helpful related posts!

8 Beautiful Outdoor Potted Palms You Can Add To Your Home

15 Best Palm Tree Insecticides That Can Save Your Trees

Areca Palm VS Majesty Palm: Which Is Right For You?

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