---
title: "How to Water an Areca Palm for Healthy Growth"
description: "Master Areca palm watering: learn how to check soil moisture and choose between top watering, bottom watering, or a water bath for optimal plant health. Avoid common mistakes."
url: "https://getplanta.com/discover/watering/arecapalm"
published: "2025-11-20T08:44:34.252Z"
modified: "2026-10-06T10:13:22.578Z"
author: "Planta"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/rp5CUm7uSG66gOsopiJoPA.webp?size=large"
---

# How to Water an Areca Palm for Healthy Growth

## How to water

Feel the soil: it can be slightly dry to a bit moist but not wet when watering it again. Squeeze a bit of soil between your fingers, if water seeps out its still wet. There are several ways to water Areca Palms - they aren’t very picky. Choose a way that suits you the best.

**If the soil is wet - snooze this action, we will remind you again in 2 days.**

![](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/rp5CUm7uSG66gOsopiJoPA.webp?size=large)

### WATER OVER THE SOIL

1. Pour water over the soil, using, for example, a watering can or put the plant directly under a tap
2. Continue adding water to the pot until it starts to run out from the drainage holes
3. If you have a tray under the pot when watering, make sure you remove all the collected water afterwards - never let your plant sit in water
4. If you watered under a tap make sure that water has stopped running out from the bottom before putting it back

> Areca palms love the perfect balance between wet and dry soil. They don’t like to dry out completely and they don’t want to be overwatered.  
> — Planta tip

![](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/J0jKu4KrSxqhL3-AAQBr2Q.webp?size=large)

## Bottom watering

1. Fill the plant tray with water
2. Make sure the soil is in contact with the water on the tray
3. Wait for about 10 minutes
4. Feel the soil to see if it absorbed enough water —> if the soil is moist throughout, remove any excess water from the tray
5. If it’s still dry —> add more water to the tray
6. Wait 20 more minutes before removing the excess

### Note

Bottom watering will not wash away salts and other minerals from the soil, so make sure to also give water over the soil every now and then.

## Water bath

1. Fill a bucket or any other vessel with lukewarm water
2. Lower the whole pot down in the water, stop where the stem of the plant starts. Make sure all of the soil is under water
3. The water will now start to bubble - wait until it stopped
4. Lift the pot up and let the excess drain off
5. Put your palm back in the cachepot or on the tray
6. After 1 hour, check that your plant isn’t standing in water, if it is it might get overwatered and rot

> Make sure that your Areca palm is planted in a pot with holes so that excess water can run out.  
> — Planta tip

## Domande frequenti

### How do I know when my Areca palm needs water?

Feel the soil to determine if your Areca palm needs water. It should be slightly dry to a bit moist before watering again, but never wet. If water seeps out when you squeeze the soil, it is still too wet.

### Can I water my Areca palm using bottom watering?

Yes, you can bottom water your Areca palm by filling its plant tray with water, ensuring the soil is in contact with the water. Allow the plant to absorb water for about 10 minutes, then check the soil. If it is moist throughout, remove any excess water from the tray.

### Should an Areca palm pot have drainage holes?

Yes, it is crucial that your Areca palm is planted in a pot with drainage holes. This allows excess water to run out, preventing overwatering and potential root rot.

### Is it okay if my Areca palm sits in standing water?

No, you should never let your Areca palm sit in collected water in its tray or cachepot. Always remove any excess water after about an hour to prevent the plant from becoming overwatered or developing rot.

### Why should I occasionally water my Areca palm from the top if I usually bottom water?

Bottom watering does not flush out salts and other minerals that can build up in the soil. To prevent this, it's a good idea to water your Areca palm over the soil every now and then to wash these elements away.

## How to Top Water an Areca Palm

1. Pour water over the soil, using a watering can or by placing the plant directly under a tap.
2. Continue adding water to the pot until you see it begin to run out from the drainage holes at the bottom.
3. If you have a tray under the pot, make sure to remove all the collected water immediately after watering.
4. If you watered under a tap, ensure that water has completely stopped running out from the bottom before returning your Areca palm to its spot.

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