The areca palm, also called butterfly palm or Dypsis lutescens, grows with several stems from one pot. We sell it from around 1 metre to over 2 metres tall, for a bright spot out of harsh sun.
This collection has four products from 100 to 230 cm tall, priced from €39.95 to €319.95. We measure height from the bottom of the pot to the tallest leaf.
100 cm, pot ø21 cm: next to a chair, by a low cabinet or in a bedroom
140 cm, pot ø24 cm: fills a corner of the living room or home office
230 cm, pot ø40 cm: a proper floor plant for a high-ceilinged room or large living room
XXL value bundle: a 200 cm Kentia, a 225 cm Strelitzia nicolai and a 200 cm Areca together
An Areca grows several stems from one pot, so it gets fairly wide. For the larger sizes, measure not only the height of the spot but also the space around it.
Position and light
The Areca palm likes partial shade. It wants plenty of light but no harsh midday sun, which causes brown or yellow leaf tips. A spot a few metres from a south-facing window, or close to an east or west-facing window, works well. In a corner that is too dark the palm thins out and barely grows. Turn the pot a quarter turn now and then so it grows evenly on all sides.
Watering and care
Keep the soil lightly moist, especially in summer, and let the top few centimetres dry out between waterings. Never leave water standing in the bottom of the decorative pot. Brown tips are often caused by dry air or limescale in tap water, so rainwater is a good choice. Cut off old leaves that have turned completely yellow or brown close to the stem. Water less in winter. Read more about repotting and feeding in our Areca palm care guide.
Pets, other palms and delivery
The Areca palm is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, which is why the single Arecas in this collection are listed as pet-friendly. Want more choice? Browse all palms or the Chamaedorea palms, which cope with less light.
Your palm comes in a nursery pot, and you can pick a decorative pot separately. In the Netherlands your order arrives in 4 to 5 working days, upright in a sturdy plant box. Delivery within the Netherlands is free from €99. If anything does get damaged on the way, send us a photo and we will send you a new plant free of charge.
No, the Areca palm (Dypsis lutescens) is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. The single Arecas in this collection are listed as pet-friendly. With the value bundle, do keep an eye on the other plants included, such as the Strelitzia nicolai.
Why is my Areca palm getting brown tips?
Brown leaf tips are usually caused by dry air, too little water or limescale in tap water. Harsh midday sun can also discolour the leaves. Water regularly, use rainwater if you can and keep the palm away from radiators.
How much light does a golden cane palm need?
A golden cane palm wants a bright spot without direct midday sun. It does well by an east or west-facing window, or a few metres from a south-facing one. In a dark corner the palm thins out and hardly grows.
What is the difference between an Areca palm and a Kentia palm?
The Areca has several stems from one pot and light green, slightly yellowish leaves. The Kentia has darker green leaves on long stalks, grows more slowly and copes better with a less bright spot. Both suit a bright room.
How often should you water an Areca palm?
Keep the soil lightly moist and water as soon as the top few centimetres feel dry. In summer that is often once a week, in winter less. Never let the palm sit in a layer of water, because the roots cannot handle it.
Is the Areca palm toxic to cats and dogs?
No, the Areca palm is not toxic to cats and dogs. It is one of the safest large houseplants for a home with pets. Still, it is wise to stop animals from eating large amounts of leaf, as that can always cause a mild upset stomach.
How big does an Areca palm get indoors?
Indoors an Areca palm grows 1 to 3 metres tall, depending on the size you start with. In the wild in Madagascar it can reach 6 to 12 metres. At XXLplant you can choose from several sizes, up to impressive XXL specimens of 2 metres and taller.
How much water does an Areca palm need?
An Areca palm likes evenly, lightly moist soil. Water about twice a week in summer and once a week in winter. The palm does not tolerate drying out completely, nor soggy roots. Feel with your finger whether the top layer is still moist before watering again.
Why does my Areca palm have brown leaf tips?
Brown leaf tips on an Areca palm are usually caused by air that is too dry or irregular watering. Mist the leaves regularly and keep the soil evenly moist. Trim brown tips carefully but always leave a thin brown edge, never cut into the green.
What is the best spot for an Areca palm?
The best spot is a bright one with indirect sunlight, for example by an east or west-facing window. The Areca palm loves plenty of light but does not tolerate harsh midday sun. A spot that is too dark makes the palm sparse and slow. Keep it away from cold draughts and radiators.
