Areca palm care guide
Dypsis lutescens
Also known as: Golden cane palm, Butterfly palm
Pets and children
We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
How often to water Areca palm
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 5 days
- Water thoroughly once the topsoil is dry, as a guide, and mist the fronds about daily in summer.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 7 days
- Drying slows in autumn, so as a guide wait a day or two after the topsoil dries.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 10 days
- Water sparingly about three to four days after the soil dries, and keep misting the fronds.
Light and placement for Areca palm
A window with bright light filtered through a sheer curtain is generally best; strong direct sun scorches the fronds, and too little light yellows them from the bottom up.
Overwintering Areca palm
Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above
Bring it indoors when nights fall below about 10°C; it tolerates roughly 5°C, but keep it away from cold windows and dry heater air and mist to add humidity.
Fertilizing and repotting Areca palm
Fertilizer
From May to September, slow-release fertilizer about every two months or diluted liquid feed about every two weeks; none in winter.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Areca palm
- Spider mites thrive in dry heated air and leave the fronds speckled and faded.
- Overwatering rots the roots and the frond tips turn brown.
- Direct sun bleaches and scorches the fronds.
Tips for growing Areca palm
- Trim brown frond tips at an angle, leaving a sliver of green, so the cuts do not show.
- An occasional shower over the fronds, undersides included, helps keep spider mites away.
- It fills its pot quickly; repot into one size larger every two to three years.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
