Areca palm, golden feather palm, yellow cane palm, Butterfly palm

The plant produces clusters of reedlike stems that carry arching fronds.

Flowers of the plants are inconspicuous and have no ornamental value.

If used as an indoor plant, it does well in direct sunlight filtered through a translucent blind or curtain.

Water sufficiently as often as necessary to keep the soil thoroughly moist. Care should however be taken that the water does not stagnate in the pot. This otherwise could lead to root decaying and death of the plant. Keep the soil moist.

Areca palms are sensitive to salts and minerals in their water and show a spotting like freckles on their foliage. It is seldom attacked by pests. It is sometimes known to be infested with Mealybugs, scale insects and mites. You can identify them by looking at the underside of the leaves or on the branches, tiny flat spots in dark brown, green, white or even grey colour.

The plant procudes clusters of reedlike stems that carry arching fonds on 2 feet long stalks. The fronds of a 5 feet high area palm can be 3-4 feet lond and could be divided into many stiff, glossy, yellowish green segments up to 2 feet long and 1/2 inch wide. Older stems are marked, like bamboo canes, with notches where fronds were attached to them.

Growth is very slow. The spread is however very wide. If it is to be planted in the garden, the distance of planting should be at least 4 feet from each other.

Apply standard liquid fertilizer to actively growing plants every two weeks.

The plant does not require any pruning. However, the bottom frond which turn yellow due to aging can be removed from the plant.

Propagation is done from seeds. It can also be done from the base suckers.

Do not let the plant to sit in water. This could lead to root rot.

The plant can be grown as an ascent plant. It can also be grown in groups to from a cluster. It can also act as an excellent screening plant.