How Big Do Areca Palm Trees Get?

Figuring out which type of tree is best for your space can feel impossible without some help. Do you want to get an Areca palm but aren't sure how big it will get? We have done plenty of research to find you the answer. Let's check this out.

Generally speaking, an Areca palm will grow between 10 to 30 feet tall and about eight to 15 feet wide. Areca palms are one of the more popular tree options because of how tall and wide they grow and how little maintenance they require. Although every palm tree is different, your Areca palm will get pretty tall more often than not.

As we get into this post, we will tag some helpful products and give you tips to successfully grow your very own Areca palm. From what we have found, as long as you live somewhere with a warm, moderate climate, this tropical palm tree will thrive. With that said, let's dive into this topic!

Studio photo shoot of an Areca Palm houseplant, on a white background with copy space., How Big Do Areca Palm Trees Get?

How Tall Do Areca Palms Get?

When it comes to how tall an Areca palm can get, we found that they can reach over 30 feet. These specific types of palms are moderate to slow-growing and take up to ten years to fully mature. Although these easy-to-care-for trees mature slower, Areca palms are an excellent foliage option for any garden. On average, you can expect your Areca palm to grow between 10 and 15 feet in a typical garden setting.

How Wide Do Areca Palms Get?

One of the unique features of this tree is that it also fills in pretty wide versus other palms. On average, Areca palms mature to about eight feet wide, but in specific environments, that number can surpass 15 feet. If you are looking for a hearty, full tree, an Areca palm is a good option for you.

Wekiva Foliage Areca Palm

Here is a live Areca palm from the Wekiva Foliage that is perfect for your yard. This live tree comes in a 10-inch nursery container. 

View this live Areca palm on Amazon here.

California Tropicals Areca Palm Tree

Here we have another indoor and outdoor Areca palm from California Tropicals. This tree ships out in a four-inch nursery pot, ready fo you to provide the ideal conditions for it to thrive.

See this Areca palm tree on Amazon here.

Can I Grow An Areca Palm Indoors?

Areca Palm, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, in a wicker basket, isolated in front of a white wall on a wooden floor

If you want to try an Areca palm indoors, we say give it a go! This palm tree is known for its air-purifying qualities and is even pet and child-friendly. Areca palms tend to thrive the most among indoor trees and don't typically get above six to 10 feet tall. We found that they will not grow incredibly tall or wide as long as you keep Areca palms in smaller planters.

How Big Will An Areca Palm Get Indoors?

As we mentioned, Areca palms can only grow as big as their planter will allow them. That means that if you do not want your Areca palm to grow over six feet, we suggest keeping it in a medium-sized indoor pot. On average, an Areca palm usually stays between six and 10 feet tall indoors and can be pruned to your desired height.

La Jolíe Muse 14" Indoor Tree Planter

Here is a 14-inch indoor tree planter from La Jolíe Muse that will keep your Areca from getting too big. This 14-inch pot has a white honeycomb design and is made from premium recyclable plastic.

See this indoor tree planter on Amazon here.

D'vine Dev Round Cylinder Planter Pot

Here is another indoor planter for an Areca palm from the D'vine Dev Store. This terra-cotta pot comes with a drainage hole and saucer and measures eight inches tall.

Check out this terra-cotta pot on Amazon here.

How Fast Do Areca Palms Grow Outside?

 green leaves / fronds of a potted Areca palm houseplant. The Latin name for this plant is: Chrysalidocarpus lutescens.

When it comes to how fast an Areca grows outside, that comes down to its environment. Areca palms are relatively slow-growing trees, to begin with, so even with ideal conditions, they can take years to mature. Typically, an Areca palm grows about 10 inches per year if the conditions are right. If you plan to start growing an Areca palm at home, make sure that your climate is on the warmer side year-round and that your palm is not exposed to more than five hours of full sun per day.

Can Areca Palms Survive In Cold Weather?

If you have an Areca palm in an environment on the colder side, it will not do very well. Areca palms prefer mild weather between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit and can not survive freezing temperatures. If the weather drops on rare occasions, your palms should be fine, but consistently cold climates are unsuitable for Areca palms. If your tree is in a moveable pot, we suggest bringing it indoors during colder times to keep your palm from freezing or browning.

GonLei Anti-Frost Winter Plant Blanket

Here we have a winter fabric plant cover from GonLei. This freeze-resistant cover is a non-woven polypropylene material, measures 10x50 feet, and can be cut to fit your palm tree.

Follow this link to view this cover on Amazon.

How Long Do Areca Palms Take To Grow?

High angle view of indoor palm plant decoration with potted pot and green leaves on corner of wooden floor in room by wall and sunlight

From what we have found, Areca palms will typically take around 10 years to fully mature. With that said, Areca palms grow at a rate of five to 10 inches per year until they reach their final size. This type of palm tree is slower when growing, so patience is vital for this plant. We recommend fertilizing Areca palms regularly to speed up their growing timeline.

How Can I Make My Palm Grow Faster?

If you find that your Areca palm is not growing enough or at all, we suggest new soil and regular fertilizing. A common issue for Areca palms is a lack of nutrients in their soil, which causes stunting in their growth. Areca palms are also very needy when it comes to indirect sunlight, so if they are not in a sunny location, that might be the issue. Regardless of how old your Areca palm is, watering and monthly to bi-monthly fertilizing will help solve this issue.

Jobe’s Organics Palm Tree Granular Plant Food

Here is an organic palm tree plant food from Jobe's that is perfect for Arecas. This granular plant food contains a unique mix of natural palm-friendly ingredients and has excellent reviews from customers online.

Check out this organic plant food on Amazon here.

Miracle-Gro Shake 'N Feed Palm Plant Food

Here is another fertilizer for your Areca palms from Miracle-Gro. This shake and feed plant food has a mix of magnesium, iron, and manganese to promote palm tree growth and feeds up to three months.

See this product on Amazon here.

How Fast Do Areca Palms Grow In Hawaii?

Hawaiian outrigger canoe at Kamakahonu Beach Kailua-Kona, Big Island, Hawaii

When it comes to how fast Areca palms grow in Hawaii, we found that they can grow up to two feet per season. Areca palms tend to like the Hawaiian weather much more than other places because of the moderate climate and tropical location.

For example, compared to Florida, Areca palms grow about two to three times as much in Hawaii. This typically slow-growing palm has become one of the more popular ornamental tree options in Hawaii and is loved by those who live there. The key to this palm thriving seems to be moderate temperatures and moist, tropical climates.

Why Do Areca Palms Do So Well In The Tropics?

Although Areca palms are great for all kinds of places, the tropics are where they call home. Tropical climates tend to have acidic soil, which Areca palms love to be grown in. When it comes to the weather in the tropics, temperatures usually stay around 85 degrees and don't drop dramatically or for too long. That doesn't mean you can't grow an Areca palm in your apartment or backyard, but there is no place like the tropics for an Areca palm tree.

To Wrap Up

Whether you have been growing Areca palms for years or are just getting started, this tropical tree is a favorite among gardeners. When it comes to how tall Areca palms can get, their height ranges between 10 and 30 feet, depending on where you plant them.

We found that planting them in a smaller to medium-sized pot can keep them manageable for those reading who prefer a smaller palm tree. Areca palms are relatively slow-growing trees but do incredibly well in tropical, warm environments. Regardless of how much you know about Areca palms, they will make a great addition to any garden or space.

Want to catch up on everything you missed? Check out these helpful related posts below!

How Far Apart Should You Plant Areca Palms?

How To Propagate An Areca Palm [2 Viable Methods!]

Spots On Areca Palm - What To Do? [White, Brown, And Black Spots]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *