Good plant, mediocre results — what went wrong with my Areca Palm

Areca Palm is clearly a great plant — I can see that from other people's results. Mine has been decent but not spectacular, and I think I know why.

I underestimated the importance of planting in free-draining soil to prevent crown rot in the early stages and paid for it. slow recovery from transplant shock when moved as large specimens also knocked the plant back at a critical point. It lives in a sheltered sunny courtyard or walled garden which is probably not quite right but it's the best I can do in my space. long-lived structure that becomes more impressive over decades is visible but muted. cold weather protection needed in winter for tender varieties gave me hope — there are glimpses of what it could be. Three stars for now with potential for four.