The Palm Cane is a beautiful, golden-hued plant that is native to Madagascar. It grows to a height of 20-30 feet and has long, slender leaves that are arranged in a feather-like pattern. The Palm Cane is an excellent choice for use as an ornamental plant in the garden or as a houseplant. It is relatively easy to care for and is tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions.
Benefits:
-Grows to a height of 20-30 feet
-Has long, slender leaves
-Arranged in a feather-like pattern
-Tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions
How to care:
The Palm Cane is a relatively easy plant to care for. It prefers a sunny location but will tolerate partial shade. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils but prefers a well-drained, sandy soil. Once established, the Palm Cane is drought tolerant. It is also relatively resistant to pests and diseases.
Water requirement:
It is important that your areca palm never dries out and is never left in standing water. This might take a bit of practice. It will depend on your plant’s size and the volume of the container. In general, it is best to water little and often. The soil should remain moist, so as soon as the upper layer of soil is dry, water it again. Use slightly acidic, low-fluoride water like rainwater, distilled water or mineral water without fluoride. In winter, areca palms stop growing and will require less water.
Pruning:
Areca/ cane palms need not be pruned. However, do remove yellow, dead or dried leaves. These often appear at the edge, as the plant always forms new leaves in the centre. To remove these leaves, cut them at the base, close to the main stem.
How did Propagation:
Areca / Cane palm produces offshoots that are easy to propagate. Separate the daughter plants from the mother plant and place them in a separate pot. Do this in spring when the growth phase is beginning. Make sure the offshoot has already formed its own roots and is at least 30cm long. Keep the offshoot above 20°C in a bright location, with moist soil. Initially, it may help to put a plastic bag with some air holes over the plant to increase humidity. Once the first palm leaves have formed, treat the plant like an adult, and, if necessary, transplant your palm again. Fertilise your plant only after the first four months, once the offshoot has time to form roots.
You can also propagate areca/ cane palm from seed, but it takes longer. Sowing is best done in spring. Soak the areca/cane palm seeds in water for about two days, before placing your seeds into all-purpose soil and lightly covering them with a layer of compost. Place the pot in a warm, bright place, and keep the soil moist and the temperature above 18°C. To increase humidity further, cover the pots with cling film or a plastic bag with a few small air holes. The seeds will only begin to germinate after about 40 days – so be patient!