John of Ponce Posted January 12, 2021 Report Share Posted January 12, 2021 I'd like to report an interesting finding. For the last couple of years I have been growing a variety of palms on my patio and pots. I have grown to love the ultra Rich Green that you see in the Areca class of palms. Recently over Christmas when I was out of town the temperature on my patio got down to 35°. My triple-headed Areca catechu was pretty severely burnt while my double-headed Areca macrocalx located right beside my catechu was killed dead outright. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PalmatierMeg Posted January 13, 2021 Report Share Posted January 13, 2021 I am not surprised. Areca macrocalyx is one of the most cold-sensitive species in the genus and at risk whenever temps fall below 50F. Areca catechu dwarf is supposedly a bit hardier than normal A. catechus although I have my doubts. I have both variations of A. catechu in the ground here in Cape Coral but no hope of ever planting A. macrocalyx and am much farther south than you. I have trouble keeping macrocalyx alive long term in pots. Also, the great size disparity of your Arecas amplifies the difference. Larger palms are better able to survive brief cold dips. Welcome to PalmTalk. I love the Areca genus too but they are tough to grow outside the tropics. Meg Palms of Victory I shall wear Cape Coral (It's Just Paradise) Florida Zone 10A on the Isabelle Canal Elevation: 15 feetI'd like to be under the sea in an octopus' garden in the shade. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John of Ponce Posted January 13, 2021 Author Report Share Posted January 13, 2021 Thank you so much for responding to my post. That was my first post. Your comments are very helpful and will help guide my palm collecting in the future. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John of Ponce Posted January 13, 2021 Author Report Share Posted January 13, 2021 I forgot to mention that i have had Dwarf Areca catechu in the ground on the south side of my home for two years. The recorded temperature for my area was 34° in the microclimate next to my house I'm not exactly sure what was the low temperature, but they never have shown one bit of damage from the cold. They truly look perfect despite cold burning of many of the other of my sensitive palms. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PalmatierMeg Posted January 15, 2021 Report Share Posted January 15, 2021 You must have a good microclimate. I planted my dwarf and semi-dwarf Arecas this past fall. Meg Palms of Victory I shall wear Cape Coral (It's Just Paradise) Florida Zone 10A on the Isabelle Canal Elevation: 15 feetI'd like to be under the sea in an octopus' garden in the shade. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John of Ponce Posted January 16, 2021 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2021 My other Areca genus palms seemed to make it through the 35 degree temp fine as well. My Areca vesteriaria "Red" and "Orange" did fine with little burn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John of Ponce Posted January 16, 2021 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2021 I had an Areca triandra that showed no cold damage or discoloration at all. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now