Arecaceae
Dypsis lutescens
Bring a fresh, tropical statement to your space with the Areca Palm. Its full, arching fronds instantly elevate receptions, living rooms, and meeting areas—while staying easy to care for in bright, indirect light. A timeless floor plant that looks premium, softens interiors, and stays beautifully green with consistent watering and good drainage.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Areca Palm
Botanical Name: Dypsis lutescens
Former Name: Chrysalidocarpus lutescens
Plant Type: Palms / Foliage houseplant
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0376
Alternative Names:
Golden Cane Palm
Butterfly Palm
Yellow Palm
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Arecales
Family: Arecaceae
Genus: Dypsis
Species: Dypsis lutescens
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to the eastern coastal regions of Madagascar. Widely cultivated and naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including parts of Asia, Africa, Florida, Central America, and indoor environments globally.
4. Visual Characteristics
Clustering palm with multiple slender, bamboo-like stems topped by feathery, arching pinnate leaves. Each frond can reach 1–2 m long, composed of numerous narrow, lanceolate leaflets. Foliage is bright to deep green; new fronds emerge pale green.
5. Size & Dimensions
Indoor height: typically 1.5–2.5 m; outdoor can exceed 6 m in ideal conditions. Width/spread: 1–2 m. Average growth rate: moderate to fast under optimal light and moisture.
6. Light Requirements
Prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Tolerates partial shade but growth may slow. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct midday sun which can scorch leaflets.
7. Watering Needs
Keep soil evenly moist but well-drained. Water thoroughly when the top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce frequency slightly in winter; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
8. Soil & Potting
Use a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. A mixture of peat moss or coco coir, perlite or coarse sand, and standard potting soil is ideal. Ensure pots have drainage holes.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Optimal daytime temperatures: 18–24 °C; minimum not below 15 °C. Prefers high humidity (above 50%). Increase humidity with misting, a pebble tray, or a humidifier in dry indoor air.
10. Fertilization
Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced (20-20-20) water-soluble fertilizer at half-strength. Cease or reduce feeding in fall and winter when growth slows.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Low to moderate. Regular pruning of yellow or dead fronds keeps the plant tidy. Good air circulation helps prevent pests and diseases.
12. Growth & Propagation
Propagate by division of offshoot clumps during repotting. Seeds can be sown in a moist, well-draining medium but germination is slow and variable.
13. Common Problems
Yellowing fronds: overwatering or poor drainage. Brown leaf tips: low humidity or fluoride in water. Pests include spider mites, mealybugs, and scale; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
14. Benefits & Uses
Effective indoor air purifier—removes toxins like formaldehyde and xylene. Adds a tropical aesthetic to interiors, suitable as a floor specimen or grouped display.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic to pets (cats, dogs) and humans, making it a safe choice for homes and offices.
Dypsis lutescens
Bring a fresh, tropical statement to your space with the Areca Palm. Its full, arching fronds instantly elevate receptions, living rooms, and meeting areas—while staying easy to care for in bright, indirect light. A timeless floor plant that looks premium, softens interiors, and stays beautifully green with consistent watering and good drainage.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Areca Palm
Botanical Name: Dypsis lutescens
Former Name: Chrysalidocarpus lutescens
Plant Type: Palms / Foliage houseplant
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0376
Alternative Names:
Golden Cane Palm
Butterfly Palm
Yellow Palm
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Arecales
Family: Arecaceae
Genus: Dypsis
Species: Dypsis lutescens
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to the eastern coastal regions of Madagascar. Widely cultivated and naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including parts of Asia, Africa, Florida, Central America, and indoor environments globally.
4. Visual Characteristics
Clustering palm with multiple slender, bamboo-like stems topped by feathery, arching pinnate leaves. Each frond can reach 1–2 m long, composed of numerous narrow, lanceolate leaflets. Foliage is bright to deep green; new fronds emerge pale green.
5. Size & Dimensions
Indoor height: typically 1.5–2.5 m; outdoor can exceed 6 m in ideal conditions. Width/spread: 1–2 m. Average growth rate: moderate to fast under optimal light and moisture.
6. Light Requirements
Prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Tolerates partial shade but growth may slow. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct midday sun which can scorch leaflets.
7. Watering Needs
Keep soil evenly moist but well-drained. Water thoroughly when the top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce frequency slightly in winter; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
8. Soil & Potting
Use a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. A mixture of peat moss or coco coir, perlite or coarse sand, and standard potting soil is ideal. Ensure pots have drainage holes.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Optimal daytime temperatures: 18–24 °C; minimum not below 15 °C. Prefers high humidity (above 50%). Increase humidity with misting, a pebble tray, or a humidifier in dry indoor air.
10. Fertilization
Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced (20-20-20) water-soluble fertilizer at half-strength. Cease or reduce feeding in fall and winter when growth slows.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Low to moderate. Regular pruning of yellow or dead fronds keeps the plant tidy. Good air circulation helps prevent pests and diseases.
12. Growth & Propagation
Propagate by division of offshoot clumps during repotting. Seeds can be sown in a moist, well-draining medium but germination is slow and variable.
13. Common Problems
Yellowing fronds: overwatering or poor drainage. Brown leaf tips: low humidity or fluoride in water. Pests include spider mites, mealybugs, and scale; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
14. Benefits & Uses
Effective indoor air purifier—removes toxins like formaldehyde and xylene. Adds a tropical aesthetic to interiors, suitable as a floor specimen or grouped display.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic to pets (cats, dogs) and humans, making it a safe choice for homes and offices.