Dypsis lutescens (Areca Palm) is a popular palm tree that is native to Madagascar but grown around the tropical regions of the world as an ornamental. The Areca Palm can also be grown indoors in cooler climates and is scientifically proven to purify the air.
Suitable for Temperate, Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Dypsis lutescens has another botanical name called Chrysalidocarpus lutescens which is rarely used in nurseries or commercially. Areca Palms are also called the Golden Cane Palm, Yellow Palm, Butterfly Palm and the Bamboo Palm although it is not related to bamboo.
The Butterfly Palm term refers to the leaves which curve upwards in multiple stems to create a butterfly-like look.
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Growth
Dypsis lutescens is a tropical evergreen palm tree that reaches a maximum height of 12 metres (39 feet) and a width of 5 metres (15 feet). Areca Palms rarely reach the maximum size outside of their natural habitat in Madagascar and are generally slow growing at around 15-25cm (6-10 inches) per year.
When grown in warmer regions the main consideration is that sometimes exposure to extremely hot sunlight can burn the upper leaves. This occurs more often on younger plants so protection from harsh afternoon sunshine is recommended until fully established.
Areca Palms are not frost tolerant and can suffer damage at temperatures below 5°C / 41°F, so they are grown indoors in cold and temperate climates. Consideration should be given to any indoor location as they require plenty of sunlight but should avoid positions where they could receive cold drafts or be subject to drastic change in temperature.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
For additional information visit our Growers Notes page or the list of the best gardening websites or check out the article about how to use your waste at home as a natural fertiliser.
FAMILY:
Arecaceae
CLIMATE:
Sub-Tropical and Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
5-35°C / 41-95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 12m (39 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 5m (15 feet)
pH:
6.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial Evergreen.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low.
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
8-10 years.
GERMINATION RATES:
45-65%
GERMINATION TIME:
Soak for 48 hours and then 4-6 weeks.
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 2
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
No
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage – 4°C (Fridge) 1 year
FACTS ABOUT DYPSIS LUTESCENS (Areca Palm)
In its native region, the leaves are used as a source of fibre to create fishing nets.
Leaves of Areca Palm trees can reach a length of up to 3 metres (10 feet) long and contain between 40-60 pairs of leaflets. In Summer, when fully mature, trees can produce 60cm (24 inches) long panicles of yellow flowers that eventually turn into oblong-shaped fruits that gradually change from yellow to dark purple as they ripen.
A 1989 NASA Study found that Dypsis lutescens was successful at filtering out toxic chemicals such as Formaldehyde, Xylene and Toluene from the air.
