- 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.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
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