Areca Palm

Dypsis lutescensAlso known as: Butterfly Palm, Golden Cane Palm, Yellow Palm, Bamboo Palm

The Areca Palm is an elegant, feathery palm with gracefully arching fronds and smooth, bamboo-like golden-yellow trunks. Native to Madagascar, it's one of the most popular indoor palms for its tropical appearance and air-purifying abilities. Can grow 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 m) tall indoors.

Moderate Care

Bright Indirect Light

Perennial

Quick Care Summary

Light
Bright Indirect Light

Temperature Range
60-80°F (16-27°C)

Ideal Temp
70°F (21°C)

Pet Safe

This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs. While it's safe to have around pets, ingestion of any plant material may still cause mild stomach upset.

Seasonal Care Schedule

Adjust your care routine based on the season for optimal plant health.

Watering Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Every 5-7 days, keep soil consistently moist
Summer	Every 3-5 days, never let soil dry completely
Fall	Every 7-10 days
Winter	Every 10-14 days, reduce but maintain moisture

Sensitive to both overwatering and underwatering. Use filtered water to prevent brown tips.

Misting Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Daily or use humidifier
Summer	Daily, multiple times in dry conditions
Fall	Daily
Winter	Daily - combat dry indoor air

Requires high humidity. Brown leaf tips often indicate low humidity.

Fertilizing Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Every 2 weeks with palm fertilizer
Summer	Every 2 weeks
Fall	Monthly
Winter	No fertilizing

Use micronutrient-rich palm fertilizer. Magnesium deficiency causes yellow fronds.

Pruning

Frequency: Remove brown fronds as needed

Best Season: Any time

Cut yellowing or brown fronds at base. Don't remove more than one-third at a time.

Repotting

Frequency: Every 2-3 years

Best Season: Spring

Use palm-specific or well-draining mix. Likes to be slightly rootbound. Be gentle with roots.

Flowering

Season
Summer in mature plants

Color
Small yellow flowers

Produces branched flower clusters, followed by yellow-orange fruits. Rare indoors.

Propagation Methods

Division of clumps
Seeds (slow germination - 6 weeks to 6 months)

Common Problems

Brown leaf tips: Low humidity, chemicals in water, or over-fertilizing
Yellow fronds: Overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiency
Spider mites: Common in dry conditions - increase humidity
Slow growth: Normal in low light conditions

Pro Tips

One of the best air-purifying plants
Morning sun is beneficial, avoid harsh afternoon sun
Group with other palms to increase humidity
Releases moisture - natural humidifier

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