October 2002
Areca Palm – Chrysalidocarpus lutescens
Origin – Madagascar
How would you like to grow fresh air in your home? It's easy. The Areca or Butterfly Palm releases copious amounts of moisture into the air, removes chemical toxins, is tolerant on an indoor environment and is lovely to look at.
One of the faster-growing palms, the Areca produces a cluster of cane-like stalks with feathery green fronds. It ranks at the top of the list as one of the "eco-friendly" houseplants. Here's why:
A medium size Areca palm (six foot) will transpire approximately 1 quart of water every 24 hours in a home setting.
To keep this palm happy, it should be placed in a semi-sunny (south facing) location. Keep the root ball damp but do not over -water. Mist regularly to provide humidity. Fertilize regularly during the spring, summer and fall. Cut your feeding schedule down to once a month during the winter months. Remove all dead stalks on a regular basis.
Why not let the Areca Palm provide you and your pets with improved air quality for the holidays?