Carol Cloud Bailey
Family
Arecaceae
Botanical Name
Dypsis lutescens
Plant Common Name
Areca Palm, Golden Cane Palm, Yellow Bamboo Palm, Yellow Butterfly Palm
General Description
Areca palm is a popular tropical plant that is native to Madagascar. It has glossy, graceful, feathery compound leaves that have long, narrow, bright green leaflets along a yellow frond stem. In summer it produces small yellow flowers followed by yellow to purple fruits.
This pleasing palm forms multiple trunks and large clumps. It is used extensively as a landscape palm in frost-free locations and an interior specimen where not hardy. Outside, it prefers full sun to partial shade and very well-drained, fertile but acidic soil. It is drought tolerant, but looks much better with regular watering. Arecas are heavy feeders and show blatant leaf-yellowing in sandy or alkaline soils; use a complete, balanced fertilizer with minor elements regularly according to label instructions as well as using mulch. Prune by removing individual canes at ground level and divided the clumps for propagation and thinning.
When used as interior plants, provide bright to very bright, indirect light and plenty of humidity. A tray of water-filled rocks placed under the plant will help. Water until the soil is moist and not again until dry, Areca palms do not tolerate wet feet. Fertilize regularly with a balanced liquid product to prevent commonly occurring nutrient deficiencies. This palm is also susceptible to invasion by mealybugs and spidermites; use a damp cloth to wipe the leaves, particularly the undersides to remove small numbers of pest before a serious problem occurs.
Areca palms are great choices for landscape specimen planting, barriers and borders where hardy. They are beautiful as houseplants anywhere.
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Pollution, Drought
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Arching/Fountain-shaped
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
Yellow
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Fruit Color
Yellow, Purple
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Fruit Color Modifier
Bicolor
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Dark Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Houseplant, Screening / Wind Break, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
Yes
