Low-Maintenance Tropical
Light Preference/Tolerated (Bright Indirect Light, Medium Light, Low Light)
Below Average Watering Needs
Mature Height 15-20 Feet
Pet Friendly

Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) may be one of the most recognizable houseplants. The long fronds of dark green grow from the base of the plant and more resemble bamboo than a palm tree. Areca Palms are easy for even the newest houseplant gardener and can be used to decorate a low-lit corner of the room.

Best Locations For Growing Areca Palm

Palms are not generally easy to grow indoors. Areca is the exception. Any light level is acceptable as long as high humidity can be provided. Bathrooms and kitchens are often good choices for growing humidity lovers. Moving Areca Palm outdoors for the summer is always a good choice. It allows the plant to get the optimal conditions it needs for vigorous growth during the active growing period.

Areca Palm Sunlight Requirements

Areca Palm will grow best in bright light from a southern exposure. Lower-light locations such as in an apartment, basement, or office will be tolerated without much reduction in growth. Areca Palm moved to an outdoor location will need to be gradually acclimated to high-light levels. Direct sun will bleach the leaves, and this tropical will need shade during the hottest part of the day.

Areca Palm Care

Plant Areca Palm in an indoor potting mix with coconut coir or fine Orchid bark for moisture retention. Ensure that the container you use has excellent drainage, and do not let the plant sit in excess water for more than 15 minutes. Older fronds will turn brown over time and should not be pruned away until they fall naturally from the plant. All of the fronds are needed for photosynthesis, even the brown ones. This is especially true when growing Areca palm in very low light. Protect tropical plants from air conditioning or heating vents and drafty windows and doors.

Watering Areca Palm

Areca Palm does not like to be overwatered and appreciates a period of dryness between waterings. Once a week, check to see if the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry. Water well, allowing excess water to drain thoroughly. Rainwater or distilled water is preferred. You can use tap water that has been left to sit for 24 hours so the chlorine can dissipate. Areca Palm will indicate if the humidity levels are too low: the fronds will get brown along the edges and crisp. Daily misting with distilled water will bring the humidity level up around the plant.

Feeding Areca Palm

Palms are heavy feeders during the active growth period. Apply a liquid fertilizer from April to September. A balanced houseplant feed with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 should be applied once a month instead of watering.

Areca Palm Information

Light Exposure: Bright Indirect Light, Medium Light, Low Light

Care Requirements: Easy

Watering Requirements: Below Average - Let the soil dry completely, then, water deeply.

Pet Friendly: No

Kid Friendly: No

Air Purifier: Low

Habit: Clumping

Growth Rate: Moderate

Mature Height: 15-20 feet

Mature Spread: 8-10 feet

Flowering: Yes

Flower Color(s): Yellow

Flower Shade/Description: Pale Yellow

Fragrant: Yes

Foliage Type:

Foliage Color(s): Green

Foliage Description: Green

Temperature: 60° - 75°F (16° - 24°C)

Humidity: Average (40% - 60%)

Common Name: Areca Palm

Other Name(s): Butterfly Palm

Scientific Name: Dypsis lutescens

Plant Type: House Plant

SKU:: Palm_Areca-HP

Container Sizes

Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

For more detailed information, please click here.

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping

Standard Colors: 2-3 business days

Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice

Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations

Plant Shipping

Time of Order:

Summer Shipping

If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.

We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location

Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.

It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.

Areca Palm