Dypsis lutescens
Dypsis lutescens
Areca Palm
●
Description
Dypsis lutescens, known for its graceful, feathery fronds and clumping canes, is a versatile, pet-safe palm that brightens rooms and patios alike. It thrives in bright, filtered light, steady moisture, and higher humidity, making it a favorite for creating a lush, tropical feel indoors or as a living screen in warm climates.
Common Names
Areca PalmButterfly PalmGolden Cane PalmYellow PalmBamboo Palm (misapplied)
Context
nativeRegion
Eastern Madagascar
usdaZones
10-11
companionPlants
Chamaedorea elegans (Parlor Palm), Rhapis excelsa (Lady Palm), Nephrolepis exaltata (Boston Fern), Dracaena fragrans, Epipremnum aureum (Pothos), Aglaonema spp., Philodendron hederaceum, Cordyline fruticosa
culturalUses
Popular indoor air-improving ornamental and feng shui favorite; widely used as a tropical hedge or privacy screen in landscaping across warm climates.
Care
Care Requirements
LightBright, indirect or filtered light; morning sun is fine, avoid harsh midday rays. Medium-bright indoors works but slows growth.
WateringWater when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry. Keep evenly moist, never soggy; reduce in winter. Use low-mineral or filtered water to prevent tip burn.
SoilRich, well-draining mix: coco coir/peat + perlite + fine bark. Slightly acidic (pH ~6.0–6.5). Ensure a pot with ample drainage.
FertilizerDuring spring–summer, feed every 4–6 weeks with a balanced palm fertilizer containing Mg and micronutrients; flush soil periodically to prevent salt buildup.
HumidityPrefers 50–70%+. Use a humidifier, pebble tray, or group plants if air is dry.
TemperatureIdeal 65–80°F (18–27°C). Protect from drafts; avoid below 55°F (13°C).
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitEvergreen, clumping, multi-stemmed feather palm with arching, pinnate fronds.
Mature SizeIndoors 6–10 ft tall, 3–6 ft wide; outdoors 20–30 ft tall with clumps to 10–15 ft wide.
Growth RateModerate to fast in warm, bright, humid conditions; slower indoors.
BloomingSpring to summer; small yellow-cream flowers on inflorescences near the canes, followed by yellow-orange fruits. Rare indoors.
DormancyNo true dormancy; growth slows in cooler or low-light months.
Propagation
MethodsDivision of clumps/offsets, Seed
DifficultyModerate (division is straightforward; seed is slow and variable).
Best SeasonSpring to early summer.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningRemove only brown or spent fronds and dead canes at the base. Do not cut green fronds or the growing points. Avoid over-thinning to prevent sunburn.
RepottingRepot every 2–3 years in spring when roots circle the pot; step up 1–2 inches in diameter and refresh mix. Wide, stable pots are ideal.
Pests & DiseasesWatch for spider mites, mealybugs, and scale; treat early with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Prevent root rot with drainage; leaf spot possible. Nutrient deficiencies (Mg/K) can yellow fronds—use palm-specific fertilizer.
ToxicityNon-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans.
Recent Public Plants
No public plants yet.