The leaves turn golden in the sun
The Areca palm owes its nickname golden palm to the golden-yellow colour its leaf stalks take on in enough sunlight.
Areca Palm
Areca Palm
Everything you need to know about the Areca Palm. Sizes and differences, origin, complete care, beautiful locations, and our XXL collection all in one place.
The most important thing in 30 seconds
- The Areca Palm, botanically Dypsis Lutescens, is a tropical palm from Madagascar, also known as Butterfly Palm
- Available in various sizes, from small to XXL, all the same species
- Prefers a bright spot with indirect sunlight and consistently moist soil
- Non-toxic, a safe choice for households with cats and dogs
- Top air purifier according to the NASA Clean Air Study
- Repot every 2 to 3 years, fertilize during the growing season
About this Golden Palm planting guide
Did you know?
Three facts about the Golden Palm that you may not have known yet.
Top air-purifier volgens NASA
According to the NASA Clean Air Study, the Areca palm is one of the most efficient plants for removing harmful substances from indoor air.
Endangered in its country of origin
Although hugely popular as a houseplant worldwide, Dypsis Lutescens is an endangered species in its native Madagascar due to habitat loss.
Golden Palm types and differences
Areca palm small
The small Areca palm is a compact version of the Dypsis Lutescens, ideal for a cabinet, side table or desk. It instantly adds a fresh, green feel without taking up much space and grows on steadily with good care.
Areca palm medium
The medium-sized Areca palm is the most popular size. It is big enough to act as a focal point and fits on the floor beside a sofa or in a corner. A full, graceful palm that gives any room a tropical look.
Areca palm XXL
The XXL Areca palm is an imposing plant for spacious interiors. At 2 metres or more with a rich crown of feathered fronds it effortlessly fills a large corner and turns any room into a tropical oasis.
Top 5 Golden Palm
Onze favoriete planten voor een Golden Palm interieur, gekozen door onze stylingexperts. Met per plant de reden waarom hij werkt.
Voeg top planten toe via het pillar_top_plants metafield op deze pagina.
Golden Palm care step by step
Follow these steps to keep your Golden Palm healthy.
- 1
Watergift
Keep the Areca palm's soil evenly slightly moist, but never soaking wet. Water about twice a week in spring and summer and once a week in autumn and winter. The palm is sensitive to drought, so do not let the root ball dry out completely. Always let excess water drain away.
- 2
Location and light
Place the Areca palm in a bright spot with indirect sunlight. It likes plenty of light, but harsh direct midday sun scorches the leaf tips. In too dark a spot the palm grows more slowly and becomes sparse. A spot by an east- or west-facing window is ideal.
- 3
Luchtvochtigheid
The Areca palm comes from a tropical climate and likes higher humidity. Mist the leaves regularly, especially in winter when heating dries out the air. Brown leaf tips are usually a sign of air that is too dry. Do not place the palm right next to a radiator.
- 4
Bemesting
During the growing season from March to September add liquid plant food to the watering can every two to four weeks. In autumn and winter the palm barely grows, so do not feed. A palm feed with enough potassium keeps the leaves a lovely deep green.
- 5
Repotting and pruning
Repot the Areca palm every two to three years in spring into a pot one size larger with airy compost. Be careful with the fine roots. Pruning is hardly needed; only remove completely brown or dead leaves at the base. Never cut into a leaf tip that is still green.
Frequently asked questions about the Golden Palm
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Golden Palm.
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. Even so, it is wise to prevent animals eating large pieces of leaf, as that can always cause mild stomach upset.
How big does an Areca palm get indoors?
An Areca palm reaches 1 to 3 metres indoors, depending on the size you start with. In the wild in Madagascar it can grow 6 to 12 metres tall. At XXLplant you can choose from various sizes, up to impressive XXL specimens of 2 metres and above.
How much water does an Areca palm need?
An Areca palm wants evenly slightly moist soil. Water about twice a week in summer and once a week in winter. The palm tolerates neither complete drying out nor waterlogging. Feel with your finger whether the top layer is still moist before watering again.
Why is my Areca palm getting 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.
Which spot is best for an Areca palm?
Best is a bright spot with indirect sunlight, for example by an east- or west-facing window. The Areca palm likes plenty of light but does not tolerate harsh midday sun. Too dark a spot makes the palm sparse and slow. Keep it away from cold draughts and the radiator.
Why is the Areca palm also called golden palm?
The Areca palm is called the golden cane palm because the leaf stems take on a golden-yellow colour when the plant gets enough light. The more light the palm receives, the clearer the golden-yellow tint on the stems becomes. In a dark spot the stems stay greener.
Does the Areca palm purify the air?
Yes, the Areca palm appears on the NASA Clean Air Study list and is considered one of the most efficient air-purifying plants. It filters harmful substances from indoor air and releases plenty of moisture, raising humidity. Several palms together strengthen this effect.
How often should an Areca palm be repotted?
Repot an Areca palm every two to three years in spring into a pot one size larger. The palm has fine, sensitive roots, so handle them gently. Use airy compost or special palm substrate for good drainage.
Plant concepts explained
- Feathered leaf
- A leaf made up of a row of narrow leaflets on either side of a central rib, characteristic of the Areca palm
- Bladsteel
- The stalk connecting the leaf to the stem; on the Areca palm it turns golden yellow in enough light
- Pol
- A group of stems growing together from one root ball; the Areca palm naturally forms a full clump
- Palmensubstraat
- Well-draining potting mix specially for palms, with extra coarse material for fast drainage and healthy roots
- Endemic species
- A species that occurs naturally only in one area; Dypsis Lutescens is endemic to Madagascar
- Transpiratie
- The release of water vapour through the leaves; the Areca palm transpires strongly and so raises humidity in a room
Resources and further reading
-
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Scientific description and taxonomy of Dypsis Lutescens
-
IUCN Red List
Official status of Dypsis Lutescens as an endangered species in the wild in Madagascar
-
NASA Clean Air Study
NASA research identifying the Areca palm as one of the most efficient air-purifying plants
Stay informed
Sign up for our newsletter and receive tips, offers and plant inspiration.
