A native of the Indonesian rainforests, Areca Vestiaria (Red Crownshaft Palm) is a gorgeous, exotic palm that sports a red crownshaft (located between the leaf crown and the trunk). Its pinnate (resembling feathers) leaves range in color from bright green to maroon. The red coloring tends to be more prominent at higher elevations.

This popular, clumping palm grows up to 25 feet tall and 15 feet in diameter. When established, yellow flowers blossom from under the crownshaft, followed by oval-shaped, dark red fruit. Another distinctive feature of this southeast Asian palm are the stilt roots that grow out of its slim trunk.

Areca Vestiaria (Red Crownshaft Palm) Growing Tips*

Areca Vestiaria (Red Crownshaft Palm) prefers partial to full shade. And although you can grow it in pots indoors, it tends to do better in sheltered, high-humidity, outdoor locations. Also, while it is easy to grow, it tends to mature slowly, but will pick up speed in a nutrient-rich environment.

With that in mind, follow these general palm-tree growing tips to ensure your Red Crownshaft Palm has a long and healthy life.

• Situate the palm tree in low-traffic areas to avoid being brushed against too often. This weakens the leaves.
• Repot when the palm becomes completely pot-bound. This will slow down its growth if you want your palm tree to remain indoors for as long as possible. Consider transplanting tall-growing palms outside to allow them to reach their full height. Allocate up to 50 feet of space out from the trunk for the root system to spread.
• Plant in well-draining soil; soggy soil encourages fungus growth. For potted palm trees, an all-purpose potting soil, works well. Thoroughly loosen the soil where you intend to plant outdoor palm trees, removing weeds and rocks to ensure good drainage.
• For potted plants, use a fertilizer designed especially for palm trees. Have your soil tested to determine what nutrients, if any, it needs to ensure the best growing environment for your outdoor Areca Vestiaria (Red Crownshaft Palm).

*These Growing Tips are general in nature. Environments and conditions vary. For specific advice on your growing environment, talk to one of our specialists at a Ko’olau Farmers near you.

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