Dypsis lutescens - Areca palm

Dypsis lutescens or more commonly, the Areca Palm or Butterfly Palm. It’s one of our absolute favourites for adding a bit of that lush, Victorian conservatory feel to a modern flat. It has these wonderful, arching fronds that really soften the corners of a room. If you’re looking for a "statement plant" that isn't too fussy but looks incredibly elegant, this is the one for you.

The Essentials

• Origin: These beauties hail from the warm, humid forests of Madagascar. In the wild, they can grow quite tall, but indoors they stay at a much more manageable height.

• Light: They fancy a bright, indirect spot. Think of a room that gets plenty of natural light, but keep them out of harsh, direct midday sun, as it can scorch those delicate fronds.

• Watering: They prefer to stay consistently moist but never soggy. I usually recommend watering when the top centimetre of soil feels dry to the touch. They’re a bit sensitive to fluoride in tap water, so if you can use rainwater or filtered water, they’ll reward you for it.

• Humidity: Being from the tropics, they love a bit of moisture in the air. A regular misting or a pebble tray nearby will stop the leaf tips from turning brown and crispy.

• Temperature: They like to stay cosy. Keep them away from cold draughts or radiators; a steady room temperature is perfect.

• Toxicity: This is the best bit for pet owners—the Areca Palm is non-toxic to cats and dogs. It’s also a fantastic air purifier, so it’s doing you a favour while it sits there looking pretty!

Top Tip: If you notice the very tips of the leaves turning slightly brown, don't panic! It’s usually just a sign that the air is a bit too dry. Give it a good misting and it should be right as rain.

Sold without decorative pot, colour and size may vary slightly.

Local plant delivery or collection available in Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland.