How Fast Do Areca Palms Grow?

With so many plants out there, there is always much more to discover. In this article, we will be exploring the areca palm, learning about what they are and how fast they grow.

After discovering the thrills of areca palms, you may even be tempted to have one for your own home!

Areca Palms: What Are They?

So, what exactly are areca palms? It is likely that many would recognize this plant whether that is in person or as an artificial version at a store.

These plants are large, vibrant, green palms featuring a variety of stems. These stems grow tall and end up with around 40 to 60 pairs of leaflets. 

When grown indoors you will find these reaching as tall as 8 feet and as small as 5 feet. Not only are they large but they are beautiful too.

With a plant such as the areca palm in your home, you will get a taste of Madagascar and bring the tropical island to your home.

How Fast Do Areca Palms Grow?

Now you know how tall these plants can get, you are probably wondering how long it will take for the plant to reach its full growth potential.

You may be surprised to learn that the areca palm grows very fast, gaining around 5 to 10 inches every year. However, with this being said, it is also important to acknowledge the factors that go into its growth.

When looking after this plant in your home, there are many things that need to be done in order for it to grow sufficiently.

Growing Your Areca Palm: What To Avoid

It is essential to tend to your plant in the correct manner in order for it to grow big, healthy and strong. Below, we will be listing the things to avoid doing.

By following this guide, your areca palm will be sure to successfully thrive.

Low Humidity

As areca palms are native to Madagascar, it is used to humid climates, but the great thing about these plants is that they are able to adapt to their environment.

But with this said, the low humidity can still cause issues such as its leaves browning (this is a sign that the air is too dry). 

If this is the case, easily resolve the issue by spraying some water on the leaves to spruce it back up.

Not only will this bring it to life again, but your leaves will be looking as green as ever.

Problems With Light

It is very important that the areca palm receives enough sunlight – not getting the correct amount will send your palm downhill.

In order to provide your plant with the most sunlight, place the areca palm in a window which is south or west facing. Unfortunately, areca palms are extremely fussy. 

Even though they need plenty of sunlight, too much sun can turn their vibrant green leaves yellow. You may think then to move it into the shade, but then they will begin to droop. 

The best way to go around this is to give your plant plenty of sunlight and to keep a close eye. Even though there are chances of the leaves discoloration, this is not a guarantee so long as you care for it correctly.

Underwatering

Areca palms are pretty independent plants meaning they do not require too much watering, but this knowledge can cause people to not water their plant enough.

Neglecting the plant like this will only slow down its growth rapidly. A good indicator of underwatering is if the green leaves turn yellow but luckily this can be reversed.

Simply start watering your plant more frequently and watch as the leaves turn back to a healthy color.

Wrong Soil

Soil is one of the most important features to any plant. To keep the areca palm growing and full of life, it is important to have the correct draining soil; poor draining soil will have a devastating impact on the quality of the plant.

By using soil that does not drain well, your plant is at risk of developing root rot; this is something which only occurs if your plant has been overwatered.

A trick to fix this is to mix stones into the soil, allowing the excess water to drain.

Lack Of Fertilizer

It is important to keep the areca palm hydrated with liquid fertilizer. As they are heavy feeders, the plant needs to be sufficiently fertilized all through spring and early fall.

What should be noted is to not feed your plant during late fall and winter. At this stage, the areca palm is dormant.

Final Thoughts

In this article we have unpacked a lot of information on the areca palm – we have discovered what it is and, most importantly, how they grow.

To answer the question, ‘how fast do areca palms grow’, the answer is not as black and white as it may seem. 

In its natural environment, you should begin seeing one of these plants growing rapidly with around 5 to 10 inches every year.

All in all,  the areca palm can reach height of 8 feet. However, with this being said, there are still a number of factors which make this not a simple answer. 

Its growth is all down to the sunlight. For an indoor plant, it is recommended that you have your plant on a south or west facing window, but you also have to keep a close eye as the sun can be too much for it and the leaves can turn yellow.

If this happens, supply the leaves with plenty of water from a spray bottle and nurture it back to health.

Although there are a few problems which can occur, this should not be enough to put you off of the areca palm. Areca palms are beautiful plants which are beloved by many botanists.

What it takes to care for them is patience and care. As long as they are cared for, you will soon see them rise and grow into something wonderful.