Natural frond aging
An occasional yellow lower frond on a healthy Areca is completely normal.
Diagnosis
Natural frond aging
What's happening
Areca Palm continually retires its oldest fronds to put energy into new growth at the center of the clump. If only one or two of the lowest, oldest fronds are yellowing and the rest of the plant looks full and green, nothing is wrong.
How to fix it
Cut the spent frond off at the base of its stem with clean snips for a tidier look, and carry on with your normal care. Just keep an eye out that the yellowing stays limited to the oldest outer fronds and doesn't start climbing into the newer 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