Too much sun or a feeding gap
Yellowing concentrated on the newest center fronds usually means harsh sun or a feeding shortfall.
Diagnosis
Too much sun or a feeding gap
What's happening
New fronds bleaching to a pale, washed-out yellow on the window side points to too much direct sun scorching tender growth. Pale, weak new spears with no recent feeding instead point to a nutrient shortfall, since the freshest growth is the first to show a lack of food, often with a yellow cast between the veins.
How to fix it
Move the plant out of any harsh direct sun into the bright, indirect light Arecas prefer. If feeding is overdue, start a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength through the growing season. New fronds that push up after the change should emerge a healthy, even green.
What fixes it
- A balanced liquid fertilizer — A balanced feed greens up pale, undernourished new growth.
If that doesn't fix it
This is general guidance based on common symptoms; individual plants vary.
Read the full Areca Palm care guide →
Reviewed June 2026 · how we check this