Description
- Common names:
- Areca Palm, Butterfly Palm, Golden Cane Palm, Yellow Palm, Bamboo Palm, Palma de Bambú, Palma Areca, Palmera de Frutos de Oro
- Botanical name:
- Dypsis lutescens, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens
- Description:
- A graceful tropical palm with feathery, arching fronds and bamboo-like clustered stems. Perfect for adding lush, resort-style ambiance to bright indoor spaces while purifying the air.
Features
- Pet & Babies safety:
- Non-Toxic & Pet-Friendly
- Rarity:
- Common Household Favorite
- Form factor:
- Upright Bush, Architectural, Clustering, Feathery Foliage
- Air Purifier:
- Excellent Air Purifier (9/10)
- Origin:
- Madagascar and South India
- Aesthetic advantages:
- Living Room, Office, Entryway, Bedroom, Corner Statement Piece, Modern, Tropical, Coastal, Bohemian, Scandinavian
Care Guide
Care level:
Easy Care+
This palm is forgiving and adapts well to indoor conditions, making it perfect for those with some basic plant experience. It tolerates minor mistakes in watering and adjusts to typical home environments without requiring a strict routine.
Light:
Bright / Indirect Light+
Place near an east or west-facing window where it receives bright, filtered sunlight throughout the day. Direct sun can scorch the delicate fronds, causing brown tips, while too little light leads to slower growth and sparse foliage.
Water:
Keep Soil Moist+
Water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch, keeping the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and yellowing fronds, so ensure proper drainage.
Humidity:
Prefers High Humidity+
This tropical palm thrives in humidity levels above 50-60%, which mimics its native subtropical environment. Increase humidity by misting regularly, placing on a pebble tray with water, or using a room humidifier to prevent brown leaf tips.
Temperature:
Prefers Warmth+
Thrives in warm temperatures between 18-27°C / 65-80°F, reflecting its subtropical origins. Avoid cold drafts, air conditioning vents, and temperatures below 13°C / 55°F which can cause leaf damage and slow growth.
Hardiness zones:
Zones 10-11+
Hardy outdoors year-round only in USDA Zones 10-11 where temperatures remain consistently warm. In cooler zones, it thrives as a houseplant and can be moved outdoors to a shaded patio during warm summer months.
Fertilizing:
Feed Monthly+
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during the growing season (spring through early fall). Reduce or stop fertilizing in winter when growth naturally slows.
Repotting:
Repot Every 2-3 Years+
Repot every 2-3 years in spring when roots begin growing out of drainage holes or the plant becomes top-heavy. Areca palms actually prefer slightly cramped conditions, so only size up one pot size at a time.
Cleaning:
Wipe Leaves Regularly+
Gently wipe the fronds with a damp, soft cloth every few weeks to remove dust and help the plant photosynthesize efficiently. Clean leaves also enhance the palm's natural glossy appearance and help prevent pest infestations.
Propagation:
Division+
Propagate by carefully dividing the clustered stems during repotting, ensuring each division has healthy roots and several fronds. Plant divisions in moist, well-draining potting mix and keep in a warm, humid environment until established.