The areca palm tree (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens or Dypsis lutescens), hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11, is prized by home gardeners for its silver-green trunk and feathery fronds, and it makes an attractive houseplant that requires little maintenance. However, areca palms are sensitive plants, and yellowing leaves can indicate a cultural problem, pest infestation or root rots.
Areca palms are thirsty plants, and if the soil dries out completely your palm may begin to yellow and wilt. While areca palm roots should never be allowed to set in water, since this can lead to root rot, their soil should be consistently moist. Water the soil as soon as it feels dry to the touch, and make sure you do so thoroughly and evenly. If only one side of the pot gets water, part of the root system will be setting in dry soil. This can cause sections of your plant to die back. If only the tips of your palm dry out, try misting them, but do not remove the dried tips. This can slow the growth of the plant.
Type of Water
The type of water used is as important as watering frequency with areca palms. Arecas are very sensitive to salts and minerals. Home water softeners use sodium to displace the calcium and magnesium present in hard water. This sodium remains in the softened water and can cause the leaves of areca palms to yellow. If you use a water softener in your home, don’t use tap water to water your plants. Instead, water your areca from a rain barrel or use bottled water.
Two-spotted spider mites are a common pest of indoor areca palms. Spider mites feed on the plant sap and damaged foliage turns yellow or speckled due to this feeding. You may also find webbing on plant parts. In cases of severe infestation, spider mites can cause defoliation. Misting your areca palms with water can help prevent infestations, since dusty conditions tend to lead to mite outbreaks. Some pyrethroids may increase the level of nitrogen in leaves, and should be avoided because rapid new growth can increase mite populations. Instead, the University of California recommends using insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils to control severe spider mite infestations. Follow the label instructions for rate and frequency of application, and make sure you fully cover the leaves to make sure the oil or soap contacts the mites.
Several types of fungi can lead to root rots, which cause the leaves of your areca palm to yellow. Root rot typically causes either blackening or mushiness of roots. This later turns to yellowing and wilting of the leaves and then plant death. Fungi such as fusarium, Pythium, Rhizoctonia, and Phytophthora species can cause these symptoms. To manage infection, keep moisture levels as low as possible to stop the growth of fungal pathogens.
Areca palms that are lacking in potassium will begin to show yellow spotting on older leaves. These may lead to the premature death of the affected leaves. You can correct this problem by applying medium to light applications of a palm fertilizer frequently. Make sure the fertilizer you use contains a potassium percentage that is at least equal to the percentage of nitrogen. Avoid using Epsom salts or magnesium sulfate on your areca palm. These can lead to potassium deficiency.
- Millennium Lawn, Landscape and Nursery: Areca Palm Tree
- University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension: Softened Water is Hard on Houseplants
- University of California Extension: Spider Mites
- University of Florida: Mid-Florida Research and Education Center -- Areca Palm Production Guide
- Perry’s Perennial Pages: Dypsis (Chrysalidocarpus) Lutescens
- Denver Plants: Areca Palm or Butterfly Palm
- Floridata: Dypsis Lutescens