Areca Palm
Dypsis lutescens
Also known as: Butterfly Palm · Golden Cane Palm · Yellow Palm
The most widely planted tropical palm in Southwest Florida — lush, fast, and instantly transformative.
Southwest Florida
Growing Areca Palm in SWFL
Areca Palm thrives in SWFL's subtropical humidity and full sun, delivering dense, feathery fronds that create instant privacy screening or a lush tropical backdrop. It grows in multi-stemmed clumps that spread 6–10 feet wide, making it ideal as a pool surround, entry screen, or understory layer in larger landscapes. Salt tolerance is moderate — best suited for protected coastal settings rather than direct beachfront. Our Homestead-sourced stock arrives full and field-conditioned, not pale and overgrown from sitting in a warehouse.
Plant Specifications
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to part shade |
|---|---|
| Water Needs | Moderate — do not allow to dry out completely |
| Salt Tolerance | Moderate — protected coastal locations |
| Cold Hardiness | Zone 10a — frost sensitive, protect below 32°F |
| Mature Height | 15–25ft |
| Mature Spread | 8–12ft (multi-stem clump) |
| Growth Rate | Moderate-fast (1–2ft/year in SWFL) |
Nursery stock photo
Live Inventory
Available Sizes
Frequently Asked Questions
In SWFL conditions with regular fertilization and adequate water, Areca Palms grow 1–2 feet per year. They establish quickly after planting and begin filling in within one growing season. Starting with a 15G or 25G specimen gives the fastest results for immediate screening.
Yes — Areca Palm is one of the most effective pool screening palms in SWFL. Its dense, multi-stem form creates layered screening without the sharp fronds of other palms. Plant 5–8 feet apart for a continuous privacy hedge effect, or cluster in groups of 3 for a specimen impact.
Areca Palm has moderate salt tolerance and performs well within half a mile of the Gulf in protected locations. For seawall or direct beachfront positions, Green Buttonwood or Sabal Palm are better choices. Areca Palm excels in courtyard, pool, and interior estate settings.
Rock & Rose sources Areca Palms directly from Homestead, FL — Florida's wholesale nursery hub. Field-grown stock in SWFL conditions means the palms arrive hardened to our climate, not pale from a distribution warehouse. Contact us for current sizes and availability.
Areca Palm is in stock.
Call to confirm sizing and current availability.