Based on the direction those roots are coming from and the size of your palm, I'd also agree that those roots are not coming from your palm. If your neighbor has some large trees that could be the actual source of the roots. I've seen people have no problem planting things close to Arecas so I don't think their root systems are extremely extensive, but even if they are coming from your Areca (which could be possible if the roots just didn't have anywhere else to go) there are some plants that will help make that part of your yard look awesome despite the roots. I would definitely consider planting some bromeliads. You'll need a nice and light soil and some people even put pebbles to keep them in place since bromeliads generally grow on trees not on the ground. But there are some larger bromeliads that look great in the ground and can grow really well. The best part is their root systems are very small so they don't require a lot of space in the soil to grow huge. Those will add a lot of color underneath your palm when planted in a large mass. I would only plant very nice and vigorous plants there since those will be the ones that are able to compete with the Areca. You can always resort to potted plants. The Bromeliads as a border plant could cover up the pots and you can get pots that look really nice which will add to the tropical look also. Mandevillas don't make great long term potted plants because of how ridiculously well they can grow in frost free climates, but they might be something you want to consider planting every year. Croton have been some of the most reliable potted plants for me because they take a very long time to outgrow their pots. Mine have been in the same pots for years and they are still very happy and are growing bigger every year. They will add a lot of color and can help cover up that fence. Agaves will eventually get huge and one of the best parts about them is they do very well in pots because they won't need water and they don't need a lot of nutrients. Some species get really big and will cover up that spot in just a few years. Others like agave desmettiana variegata won't need a huge pot because they are short, but robust, growers. Good luck! -Alex

This species does poorly as a house plant in general... needs a LOT of light and fresh water, and much higher humidity than most homes have... try to keep it outdoors in spring, summer and fall, just having it indoors in winter, and you might find some new healthy leaves coming in (can't do anything to change the damaged leaves). Also suspect salt build up in soil (extremely common problem with all sorts of indoor plants). Take outside and water it for a five full minutes to try to leach out the salts. Do NOT fertilize it, unless mid summer outdoors and using somewhat diluted liquid based fertilizer

Rotting Palms  Phytophthora Cinnamomi  Dieback First I would stop using chemical fertilisers. I have found that they deplete the soils over the years. Use only organic fertilisers like, cow, chicken, sheep, fish and kelp. These fertilisers build up the humus in the soil. I lost two royal palms and was very worried about losing the rest of my palms. The fungal disease is called Phytophthora cinnamomi (dieback). I used Nutri-Life 4/20 microbes. www.nutri-tech.com.au. This will build up the soil microbes and I have not had a problem since. You will need a large clean bucket or garbage bin with a lid an aerator kit (and heater). See www.greenharvest.com.au they are $39.00. An aquarium aerator and heater will also do the job. See brewing photos. Brew Nutri-Life 4/20 to instructions. http://smallfootprints.com.au/blogs/eco-blog/archive/2008/11/12/organic-gardening-improving-soil-fertility-with-beneficial-bacteria-and-fungi.aspx Let me know how you go. Jo Pritchard  Karratha WA jopatch@westnet.com.au

If your palm is outdoors in the ground, I wouldn't worry. Potted palms kept indoors/on patios are more likely to be harmed by infestations of mealy-bugs or scale, or by ants getting in and building nests about the roots, or by worms getting into the potting mix and playing havoc with the drainage in the pot. I would not suspect anything crawly of being harm to the palms themselves, more likely some sort of slayter or such. But if you are concerned, and the pot is small enough to manage this, you could try drenching it by dropping it in a bigger container of water, and leaving 15 minutes until all bubbles stop rising. That may drown your creepy-crawlie or at least bring it to the surface. If it does bring anything to the surface you can perhaps pluck it off or spray with pyrethrin. The exercise will at least give the plant a good drink as well as giving your muscles a workout. Let the pot drain away though & don't let it sit in a saucer of water after. Of course, if you can CATCH one of the creepies, your local nursery or council may be able to ID it.