Dypsis lutescens
Common name: Areca palm · Butterfly palm · Golden cane palm
Dypsis lutescens is a clumping palm native to Madagascar, with multiple golden-green canes and gracefully arching, feathery fronds. It is one of the most widely grown indoor palms and is also used as a screening plant in frost-free landscapes.
Care summary
Sun
Bright, indirect light
Water
Water when the top soil begins to dry
Soil
Rich, well-draining potting mix
Hardiness
Zones 10–11
Mature height
Up to 2–3 m (6–10 ft) indoors
Pet safe
Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Difficulty
Moderate
Propagation
Propagate by division when repotting: gently separate an offshoot clump with its own roots from the base and pot it up, keeping it warm and moist while it establishes. Seed is possible but slow and rarely practical indoors.
Fun facts
- Its stems turn golden yellow in bright light, giving rise to the name golden cane palm.
- In its native Madagascar it is considered endangered in the wild.
- The fronds arch outward like a butterfly's wings, inspiring the name butterfly palm.
- It was highlighted in NASA research on plants that filter indoor air.