How to Propagate Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) by 3 Easy Methods)

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Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) is propagated by plant division or from offshoots. The seeds can be germinated but the process takes too long.

Dypsis lutescens also called Butterfly Palm or Golden Cane Palm is among the popular palms on account of its smooth, yellowish, bamboo-like canes and long, feathery, drooping fronds which render an air of elegance and sophistication in any space.

Butterfly Palm grows best in bright indirect light, warmth of 15-26⁰C, humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained potting mix coupled with monthly feeding in spring and summer. Learn how to grow and care for Areca Palm.

Dypsis lutescens is easily propagated in 3 ways. We have herebelow outlined these 3 ways of propagation. Keep reading to get more details on these Areca Palm propagation methods.

1. How to propagate Areca Palm from seeds

Areca Palm seed propagation

Seed germination is difficult and may take up to 4-6 months. It also requires that the soil be kept moist through out the period. The seedlings may take 2-4 months to reach the height of 3-4 ft.

1. Fill the rooting container with free-draining potting mix and slightly moisten the soil.


2. Spread the seeds on the moist soil and cover them lightly with some soil. Do not bury them too deep to hasten germination.


3. Cover the set up with polythene cover to create a greenhouse effect; warmth and humidity are important for germination.


4. Place the set up in a well-lit, warm place at about 21-27⁰C.


5. Keep the soil moist through out the period until germination of the seeds takes place. Germination may take upto 4-6 weeks.


6. Lower the temperature slightly after germination and maintain the soil moist until the new palms are well established after which you can begin routine care.

2. How to propagate Areca Palm from offshoots

Dypsis lutescens propagation from offshoots

1. Water the palm thoroughly at least 1 day before to make it easier to seperate the offshoot and also hasten its establishment; a well hydrated plant suffers less shock and takes a shorter time to take root.


2. With a sharp sterilized knife or scissors, carefully seperate the offshoot from the mother plant. Ensure the offshoot has adequate roots before seperating it from the mother.


3. Select a 6 or 8 inches pot and ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy to prevent rotting.


4. Fill the pot with well-draining potting soil and make a hole in the center of the pot. Make sure that the hole is slightly wider than the base of the offshoot.


5. Place the offshoot in the previously made hole and lightly firm the soil around the base while taking care not to bury it too deep; maintain the offshoot at the same soil level it was in the previous pot.


6. Wet the soil thoroughly and place the set up in a well-lit, warm place away from direct sunlight.


7. Maintain the soil moist until the new palm is well established after which you can begin routine care.

3. How to propagate Areca Palm from splits

Areca Palm propagation from splits (plant division)

1. Water the palm thoroughly at least 1 day before to make it easier to divide and also hasten establishment.


2. Carefully, slip the palm out of its pot and divide it into sections by cutting through the rhizome with a sharp clean knife.


3. Gently pull apart the roots. Ensure each section has at least 3-4 stems and adequate roots to hasten establishment.


4. Select a 6 or 8 inches pot and ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting.


5. Fill the pot with free-draining potting mix and make a hole in the center of the pot. Ensure that the hole is slightly wider than the root base of the section.


6. Place the section in the previously made hole and lightly firm the soil around the base while taking care not to bury it too deep; maintain the section at the same soil level it was in the previous pot.


7. Water the soil thoroughly and place the set up in a well-lit, warm place away from direct sunlight.


8. Maintain the soil moist until the new plant is well established after which you can begin routine care.

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