Areca palm care
Everything you need to know about caring for your Areca palm (Dypsis Lutescens): from the right spot and watering to feeding and frequently asked questions.
Areca palm care
Areca palm care tips in a nutshell
| Guarantee | Fresh from the grower | |
| Delivery type | Houseplant delivered in growing pot | |
| Latin name | Dypsis Lutescens | |
| Location | Bright (indirect) light | |
| Water requirements | Approximately once or twice a week | |
| Toxic | Non-toxic | |
| Air purifying | Yes | |
| Maintenance | Low |
Dypsis Lutescens (Areca palm)
100 cm
21 cm
In stock, delivery time 1–5 working days
Dypsis Lutescens (Areca palm)
130 cm
21 cm
In stock, delivery time 1–5 working days
“The Dypsis Lutescens naturally grows as a clump of several slender stems. That clumping habit, combined with its graceful, feathery fronds, gives the Areca palm its signature full, lush look.”
Frequently asked questions about the Areca palm
Quick answers to the most common questions about water, light, feeding and care.
How often should I water my Areca palm?
The Dypsis Lutescens likes lightly moist soil. First feel the top 2-3 cm of potting mix: if it's dry, you can water, usually around once or twice a week during the growing season and less in winter.
Areca palms are sensitive to chlorine and fluoride, so it's best to let tap water sit for a day before using it. Always make sure excess water can drain away well to prevent root rot.
Can the Areca palm sit in direct sunlight?
Not all day, no. The Dypsis Lutescens loves plenty of light, but strong midday sun can scorch the fronds. Choose a bright spot out of direct sun, for example a few steps back from the window.
If the palm is too dark, it will grow more slowly and the fronds will be less full. A bright room with filtered daylight is ideal.
Why does my Areca palm have brown leaf tips?
Brown leaf tips on the Dypsis Lutescens are usually a sign of dry air, or of chlorine and fluoride in tap water. A build-up of salts in the soil can also be the cause.
Mist the fronds regularly, use water that has been left to stand, and flush the soil thoroughly every now and then. Only remove fronds that have turned fully brown; don't trim a partly brown frond, as that causes the whole frond to die off.
Is the Areca palm toxic to pets?
No, the Dypsis Lutescens is non-toxic to dogs, cats and other pets. That makes it a lovely, safe choice if you share your home with a four-legged friend.
Keep in mind that a cat may still enjoy nibbling on the fronds, so place the plant slightly out of reach if needed to prevent damaged leaf tips.
How much humidity does the Areca palm need?
The Dypsis Lutescens originally comes from a humid tropical climate, so it likes higher humidity than average. Especially in winter, when the heating dries out the air, you'll notice it on the leaf tips.
Mist the fronds regularly with a spray bottle, place the plant near other plants, or use a humidifier. That way the palm stays fresh and full.
How can I propagate my Areca palm?
The Dypsis Lutescens naturally grows as a clump with multiple stems, which makes propagation easier than with single-trunked palms. When repotting, you can gently separate a side shoot with its own roots from the root ball.
Plant the new shoot in fresh, well-draining potting mix and keep the soil a little moister for the first few weeks, so the young palm can root well.
How fast does the Areca palm grow, and how big does it get?
The Dypsis Lutescens is one of the faster-growing indoor palms and, with the right care, can reach around 2 metres tall indoors. The plant forms a clump of several slender stems with graceful, feathery fronds.
If your palm is growing more slowly, that's often down to too little light or feeding during the growing season. With a bit more light and a monthly dose of fertiliser, growth usually picks up again on its own.
