Dwarf Areca Catechu in South Florida

[BPK Palm Addict]

I am looking for any information on growing Dwarf Areca Catechu's in South Florida.  I live in the Keys with some very hot sun and alkaline soil.  Any info would be great.  Thanks.

[palmsOrl]

Stunning Palm BPK Palm Addict.  I am under the impression that Areca catechu prefers rich, acidic soil (and ample irrigation) so I would amend the soil accordingly when you plant it.  This species is also good in full sun from what I have seen, though I would like to hear from others on here to make sure that is a safe recommendation.  A somewhat wind sheltered aspect might also be best.  Otherwise, your climate should be just fine for growing this Areca catechu.  Enjoy!

Now that I think about it, a true dwarf (as you clearly have) of this species would be perfect for planting in a good sized greenhouse for those of us located in Central FL.  I will have to start saving for one of these.  Due to a complete lack of "winter temperatures" 45F> here so far, I am beginning to think my regular catechu will survive its first winter here in the ground with just a bit of protection.

[SHEP]

Could this palm grow in a pot?  Does it have a tap root,and require humidity? I live in Northern California, but could move plant inside during cold spells. This palm is so cute.

[brodklop]

I'm finding these can handle a lot of hot sun. Mine didn't burn in 40c temps. Other palms didn't 

[realarch]

I've seen some old rather large specimens here in Hilo that have been in pots for years. They obviously can do very well long term  in a pot.

Tim

[Jeff Searle]

They do real well here in south Florida, providing that have good soil and lots of sun. Very low 30's F will cause damage and a prolong cold front at these lows will cause it to die. But down in the Keys, your good, just plant it in a good, rich soil. Maybe Tim from KW will share his experience as well.

[Tropicgardener]

This is mine.........it is basically in full hot sun most of the time. It is planted next to my shed and the area has been built up with cement chitter (stuff that is washed out from cement trucks) as a result it is quite alkaline. It seems to handle these conditions quite well though.

 

[kwtimo]

These are a relatively easy grow here in the Lower Keys.  First, dig a very large hole, and amend your soil heavily.  I like to make a mix of Jungle Mix, store brand garden soil, silica sand and plenty of polymer coated fertilizer.  These like plenty of water, and a good amount of sun. My main concern is that mites really seem to like this palm, as well as most Areca species I work with.  So quick treatment is really important to avoid major damage.  My other concern is that snails really seem to like this palm too, especially if a heavy water demand is met.  I put down very small amounts of either Deadline or Sluggo with regularity to help keep the buggers off.  Other than that, it's a pretty easy palm to grow and very easy to enjoy.  Good luck with that.  If you are ever in Key West, stop by the Audubon House and you can see my dwarf Catechu just outside of the gift shop.  I'm real happy with it.

[Moose]

I'd do what Tim says. His experience growing rare palms in the Keys is well known. 

The first Areca catechu dwarf I'd ever seen were Ron Schaff's out in horse country in Miami Dade in 1998. They were in the ground and always looked perfect. Ron was an old time palm guy and a very good grower. There are several old palms in my garden that came from him.

[Mandrew968]

I believe I helped wrapped those for you... was the ant problem solved?

[palmislandRandy]

I tried an experiment on my dwarf that seems to be on the right track. I recently read an article regarding tree ferns, that recommends placing banana peels on the ferns for nutrition. Since these are "litter trapping" palms, I've been adding litter & banana peels with great results. I used to remove all the litter thinking it would cause decay. The palm certainly has greened up since i started this practice 6 months ago.

[96720]

What is the cold hardiness of this palm I’m in Phoenix and I think it will have no problem with our heat but now I’m wondering about cold!!!

[aztropic]

They are about as hardy as a coconut. When soil temps drop below 50F for prolonged periods,it will definitely decline,and most likely die.

Greenhouse plant only in Arizona. 

 

aztropic

Mesa, Arizona 

[PalmatierMeg]

Standard size catechus are zone 10b/11 palms. Dwarfs are reputedly slightly cold hardier but I’m not sure I believe that. They are tropical, require regular water and high humidity, which mine get here in SWFL. I question how one will survive the dry heat of AZ.

[96720]

Mine made it thru the summer although it was in my greenhouse but twice the cooler went off and it got over 120 but it was in a greenhouse!!! I love it and have my fingers crossed!!!