ARECA PALM - Chrysalidocarpus lutescens (Dypsis lutescens)
CHARACTERISTICS:
Typical Height: 20' + fully grown. Sizes from 2 or 3 feet and larger are available for purchase.
Growth Rate: Moderate
Origin: Madagascar
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Drought Tolerance: High
Soil Requirements: Widely adaptable. Addition of some organic material (compost, peat moss, etc.) will improve foliage quality and keep it greener.
Light Requirements: Moderate - High. Some shade is preferable, although Areca will tolerate full sun. Can be adapted to indoor conditions.
Nutritional Requirements: High. Some yellowing will occur in our limestone soils. Addition of organic materials, and occasional fertilizer applications should prevent yellowing. Keep a constant fertilizing program to maintain the best appearance.
Uses: Shrub, Hedge, Specimen Plant, Interiorscape, Landscape, Screen, Boundary Palm.
Propagation: Seed - germinates in about 2 months, Division.
Human Hazards: None.
Major Pest Problems: Mealy Bug can be a problem, especially when used indoors. Also some Spider Mite damage has been observed when used in a dry location.
Major Disease or Physiological Problems: Potassium and Iron deficiencies.
IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS:
Habit: Clustering. New stems grow from above the soil line; each with 6 - 8 leaves.
Trunk Characteristics: Slender. Green to Yellowish or Orange. Close ring scars.
Leaf Type: Pinnately compound, reduplicate, 80-100+ leaflets held in a "V".
Foliage Color: Green to Yellowish Green. Generally lighter when grown in the sun, darker in the shade.
Leaf Size: 6-8 feet long. Leaflets are 1.5 - 2 feet long, approximately 1.5" wide.
Crownshaft: Grayish Green.
Inflorescence: Yellow, multi-branched, approximately 3 feet long, hanging below the leaves.
Gender: Male and Female are seperate, but borne on the same inflorescence.
Fruit Size: 1" long.
Fruit Color: Yellow to Purple.
Irritant: No.
COMMENTS:
The Areca Palm is so widely used, that it is often considered a "disposable" palm by enthusiasts. One of the most common palms for interior applications. Will suffer in soils with low fertility, dim light, or low humidity. The Areca Palm does not do particularly well in our limestone, high alkalinity soils, without the addition of organic materials. Note examples on the roads near the Nassau International Airport!
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