7 Essential Areca Palm Companion Plants & 3 to Avoid

Growing up surrounded by the lush greenery of my backyard, my fascination with gardening blossomed early on. As an avid urban gardener, I’ve ventured deep into the world of companion planting, driven by a passion to create a sustainable, eco-friendly garden oasis in my own small space. Today, I’m excited to share insights on areca palm companion plants, blending my love for greenery with the principles of sustainability and eco-friendly practices.

Best Areca Palm Companion Plants

Nasturtium

Nasturtiums are vibrant, easy-to-grow companions for areca palms, bringing a splash of color and a natural pest deterrent to your garden. Their bright flowers and lush foliage make them not only aesthetically pleasing but also beneficial in promoting a healthier garden environment.

• Why Nasturtiums? Their ability to repel pests naturally helps protect areca palms without the need for chemical pesticides.
• Planting Guide:
  1. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
  2. Sow nasturtium seeds directly in the ground, about half an inch deep.
  3. Space the seeds at least 10 inches apart to allow for ample growth.
  4. Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
  5. Add a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Nasturtiums offer a dual benefit: they enhance the beauty of your garden while safeguarding your areca palms. For more details on nasturtium companion plants, visit this link.

Purslane

Purslane is another excellent companion for areca palms, known for its succulent leaves and resilience. It thrives in similar conditions as the areca palm, making it a perfect ground cover to maintain soil moisture and prevent weeds.

• Why Purslane? Its drought-resistant nature complements the areca palm, and its dense growth helps keep the soil cool and moist.
• Planting Guide:
  1. Select a location that receives full sun to partial shade.
  2. Plant purslane seedlings or cuttings in loose, sandy soil.
  3. Space them about 6 to 8 inches apart to allow for spreading.
  4. Water the plants lightly; purslane prefers drier conditions.
  5. Fertilize sparingly, as purslane doesn’t require much to thrive.

Incorporating purslane into your garden not only benefits your areca palms but also adds a practical and edible element to your landscape. Learn more about purslane companion plants here.

Rutabaga

Rutabaga might seem like an unconventional choice, but it serves as a fantastic companion plant for areca palms due to its deep roots, which help to break up compact soil, improving drainage and aeration for the benefit of both plants.

• Why Rutabaga? The deep roots of rutabaga can enhance soil structure and nutrient availability for areca palms.
• Planting Guide:
  1. Opt for a well-drained spot in full sun to partial shade.
  2. Plant rutabaga seeds directly in the garden, about half an inch deep.
  3. Space the seeds 12 inches apart, in rows 18 inches apart.
  4. Water consistently to maintain even soil moisture.
  5. Harvest rutabaga before the soil freezes for a sweet, nutritious addition to your meals.

Adding rutabaga to your garden not only improves the growing conditions for your areca palms but also provides you with a hearty vegetable come harvest time. For more insights, check out rutabaga companion plants.

Viburnum

Viburnum offers visual interest and structural diversity to any garden space, making it an ideal companion for areca palms. Its robust form and attractive foliage and flowers provide contrast and support to the areca palm’s slender elegance.

• Why Viburnum? It attracts beneficial pollinators while offering a lush backdrop for the more delicate areca palm.
• Planting Guide:
  1. Choose a location with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
  2. Dig a hole twice the size of the viburnum’s root ball and as deep.
  3. Position the viburnum in the hole, filling in with soil and watering well.
  4. Apply a layer of organic mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.
  5. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system.

Incorporating viburnum into your garden not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also creates a more inviting habitat for wildlife, benefiting your entire garden ecosystem. Discover more about viburnum companion plants here.

Quince Tree

The quince tree offers a striking contrast to the areca palm, with its robust structure and fruit-bearing capacity. It’s an excellent choice for adding diversity and attracting wildlife to your garden.

• Why Quince Tree? Its deep root system does not compete with the areca palm, and the tree provides beneficial shade during hot summers.
• Planting Guide:
  1. Select a sunny spot with well-draining, fertile soil.
  2. Plant the quince tree during its dormancy period in late fall or early spring.
  3. Dig a hole that’s twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
  4. Place the tree in the hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly.
  5. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect the roots.

Quince trees not only bring a unique aesthetic to your garden but also contribute to a dynamic ecosystem that supports the growth and health of your areca palms. For further details, visit quince tree companion plants.

Quinoa

Quinoa, with its tall, striking stalks and broad leaves, provides an excellent backdrop for areca palms. It can enhance soil quality and support biodiversity in your garden.

• Why Quinoa? It acts as a natural mulch, reducing water evaporation and suppressing weeds around areca palms.
• Planting Guide:
  1. Choose a spot in full sun with well-drained soil.
  2. Sow quinoa seeds directly into the ground, about a quarter inch deep.
  3. Space seeds at least 10 inches apart to allow for full growth.
  4. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil moist.
  5. Harvest quinoa when the leaves have fallen, and the seeds are hard.

Incorporating quinoa into your garden not only adds height and texture but also promotes a sustainable ecosystem that benefits your areca palms and other plants. Explore more about quinoa companion plants here.

Nandina

Nandina, also known as heavenly bamboo, features delicate foliage and bright berries, making it a visually appealing companion for the areca palm. It thrives in similar environmental conditions, offering year-round interest.

• Why Nandina? Its drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements complement the care needs of areca palms.
• Planting Guide:
  1. Find a location with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
  2. Plant nandina in spring or fall, spacing plants at least 3 feet apart.
  3. Water thoroughly after planting and during dry periods.
  4. Apply a balanced fertilizer annually in the spring.
  5. Prune lightly to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.

Nandina’s attractive appearance and easy-care nature make it a fantastic choice for enhancing the environment around your areca palms. For additional information, visit nandina companion plants.

Bad Areca Palm Companion Plants

Eucalyptus

While eucalyptus trees are admired for their aromatic leaves and rapid growth, they are not suitable companions for areca palms due to their high water and nutrient demands, which can outcompete and stress the palms.

Apart from their water and nutrient demands, eucalyptus trees also release allelopathic compounds that inhibit the growth of nearby plants, including areca palms. This further exacerbates the competition for resources, leading to stunted growth and overall decline in palm health. Additionally, the dense canopy of eucalyptus trees can shade out the areca palms, depriving them of essential sunlight and further hindering their growth.

Cactus

Cacti, though fascinating in their own right, require significantly different growing conditions compared to areca palms. Their need for very dry, arid conditions could lead to watering conflicts, harming the palm.

In addition to their contrasting watering needs, cacti also pose a physical threat to areca palms. Their spiny stems and branches can injure the palms if planted too closely together, leading to potential infections and damage. Moreover, the presence of cacti in the vicinity of areca palms may attract pests and diseases that could also affect the health of the palms, making them an unsuitable companion choice.

Bamboo

Bamboo can be invasive and aggressive in its growth habit, potentially overwhelming the areca palm’s root system and competing for resources, which can hinder the palm’s growth and health.

Beyond its invasive growth habit, bamboo can create a barrier to airflow around areca palms, which may increase humidity levels and create a favorable environment for fungal diseases. The rapid spread of bamboo roots can also interfere with the areca palm’s root system, leading to nutrient deficiencies and root damage. Furthermore, the dense foliage of bamboo can block sunlight from reaching the lower branches of areca palms, causing them to become sparse and leggy over time.

Areca Palm Companion Planting Chart

Here’s a quick reference guide to the best companion plants for areca palm and why they make great companions:

Companion Plant	Benefits
Nasturtium	Repels pests, adds color
Purslane	Ground cover, retains moisture
Rutabaga	Improves soil structure
Viburnum	Attracts pollinators, provides shade
Quince Tree	Offers shade, attracts wildlife
Quinoa	Acts as natural mulch, adds height
Nandina	Drought-tolerant, offers year-round interest

Incorporating these companion plants into your garden can significantly enhance the growth and beauty of your areca palms.