Areca palm

Dypsis lutescens · Family Arecaceae

Also known as: butterfly palm, golden cane palm, palm

Light: Bright indirect to full sun
Watering: Every 4 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Pet-safe: Yes

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Care

Where to put it

Bright living room, near a large window.

Light

Plenty of indirect light; copes with morning sun.

Watering

Keep slightly moist, never waterlogged.

About the plant

A clumping palm with delicate, arching fronds that bring a tropical feel to any room. It is one of the palms most used indoors and on verandas. In a pot it usually reaches 1.5–2 metres tall.

Origin

Native to Madagascar, where it grows in humid forests and along riverbanks.

What it likes

Plenty of indirect light or soft sun
Moist, free-draining compost
Higher humidity

What it dislikes

Dry air and brown tips
Soggy compost
Cold draughts

Did you know?

The name lutescens means 'yellowish', after the golden colour its stems can take on.

Toxicity

Cats	Non-toxic
Dogs	Non-toxic
People	Mildly toxic

If any part is eaten, contact a vet or a poisons information service.

Plants toxic to pets

Native range

Africa: Western Indian Ocean

Climate: Tropical