- **Type**: Tropical evergreen palm (multi-stemmed)

- **Height**: 6 to 12 feet (1.8 to 3.7 meters) indoors; up to 20-30 feet (6-9 meters) outdoors in ideal conditions

- **Width**: 3 to 8 feet (0.9 to 2.4 meters) indoors; 10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters) outdoors

- **Growth Habit**: Upright, clumping, with arching, feathery fronds

- **Foliage**:

- Pinnate, feather-like fronds, 3 to 6 feet long (0.9 to 1.8 meters)

- Bright green to yellowish-green, with 40-60 leaflets per frond

- Glossy texture, evergreen year-round

- **Flowers**:

- Small, yellow blooms on branched inflorescences, up to 2 feet (60 cm) long

- Rare indoors; appear in warm outdoor conditions (spring/summer)

- Not a primary feature; mildly fragrant

- **Fruit**:

- Small, oval, yellow-orange drupes, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, turning black when ripe

- Rarely produced indoors; mildly toxic if ingested

- **Light**: Bright, indirect light indoors (near east/west windows); partial shade to full sun outdoors (filtered light best)

- **Soil**:

- Well-drained, rich; prefers a mix with peat, sand, and loam

- Slightly acidic (pH 6.0 to 6.5)

- **Watering**: Moderate; keep soil consistently moist but not soggy, allow top inch to dry between waterings

- **Hardiness**: USDA Zones 10 to 11 (30°F or -1°C; grown as a houseplant elsewhere)

- **Humidity**: High (50-70%); thrives with misting or a humidifier indoors

- **Wildlife**: Attracts few pollinators; not deer-resistant outdoors; non-toxic to pets (unlike some palms)

- **Care**:

- Fertilize monthly in spring and summer with a palm-specific mix (e.g., 8-2-12), diluted

- Prune brown or yellow fronds at the base; avoid over-trimming

- Repot every 2-3 years indoors; thrives in slightly crowded pots

- **Pests/Diseases**:

- May attract spider mites, scale, or mealybugs indoors

- Susceptible to root rot in overwatered conditions; leaf spot in low air circulation

- **Uses**: Indoor houseplant, patio container, tropical garden accent, or privacy screen outdoors

- **Growth Rate**: Slow to moderate; adds 6-12 inches per year indoors

- **Special Features**:

- Native to Madagascar; prized for its lush, feathery look

- Air-purifying indoors, removing toxins like formaldehyde and xylene

- Multiple canes give a full, bushy appearance

The Areca Palm’s graceful, golden-green fronds bring a tropical elegance to indoor spaces or warm-climate gardens, thriving with bright light, humidity, and minimal fuss. Let me know if you’d like more care tips or styling ideas!