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Plant Profiles / Golden cane palm

Photos: Wikimedia Commons

IndoorOutdoorPet friendlyStatement plant

Golden cane palm

Dypsis lutescens · Areca palm, butterfly palm

A lush, clumping palm with arching golden-green fronds on yellow canes. Instant tropical screening indoors and out.

Bright indirect to part sunLight

WeeklyWater

EasyCare level

Care at a glance

Light

Bright indirect to part sun

ShadeFull sun

Bright light; protect from harsh afternoon sun.

Water

Weekly

DryWet

Keep lightly moist.

Humidity

Average to high

LowHigh

Likes humidity.

Temperature

10–35°C (50–95°F)

CoolWarm

Frost tender.

Growth

Fast, clumping

SlowFast

Grows 2–3 m in pots; 6 m outdoors.

Soil

Free-draining

LeanRich

Potting mix.

Fertiliser

Every 2 months

RarelyOften

Palm fertiliser.

Pet safety

Non-toxic

SafeToxic

Non-toxic to pets.

About this plant

Native to Madagascar, golden cane palms grow fast and form dense clumps, making them popular privacy screens. Indoors they need bright light and humidity.

Best spots

Bright indoor rooms, balcony screens, pool areas and tropical gardens.

Plant facts

Botanical name	Dypsis lutescens
Family	Arecaceae
Origin	Madagascar
Plant type	Clumping palm
Mature size	2–6 m
Growth rate	Fast
Foliage	Arching golden-green fronds
Flowers	Small yellow
Toxicity	Non-toxic to pets
Propagation	Division or seed