Dypsis Lutescens

Dypsis lutescens is a small to medium-sized palm, growing to a height of 6 to 12 meters. It has multiple stems emerging from the base. The leaves are arched, 2-3 m long, and pinnate, with 40-60 pairs of leaflets. It produces offsets, and these can be cut off when mature enough as a propagation method.

It is grown as an ornamental plant in gardens in tropical and subtropical regions, and elsewhere indoors.

Areca palm trees are commonly referred to as the Butterfly palm, and has many other common names. But, the butterfly palm is the most descriptive as to the areca's aesthetics. The leaves curve upwards in multiple stems to create a butterfly look. They are sometimes used as privacy wall or fence. The areca palm is sometimes confused with many other plants in the genus, because of the palm family name,"areca." The areca palm, above all other indoor palm trees, is most commonly found in households.

In its introduced range, this plant acts as a supplier of fruit to some bird species who feed on it opportunistically, such as the Pitangus sulphuratus, Coereba flaveola and Thraupis sayaca species in Brazil.

Areca lutescens is the palm that is most frequently found on the house plant market. The palm is now correctly known as Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, but it is still generally sold under the name Areca. The leaves of the young plants are rather floppy and irregular, but they become more sturdy and regular as they grow older. Areca species are characterized by black spots which form at the foot of the bright yellow-green stem which looks a bit like bamboo with rings where the old leaves used to be. Area lutescens originates in Mada¬gascar, where it is always warm and the golden feather palm is therefore not adapted to low temperatures. Put it in a warm spot where even at night the temperature does not drop below 15°C (59°F). Areca grows best in a very light position out of the midday sun. The potting soil should be kept as evenly moist as possible, so water regularly, but never use water straight from the cold tap as it will give the plant a shock. Mix with warm water to make it tepid or use water which has been standing for some time at room temperature