Dypsis

( DIP - sis )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus is filled with slender, evergreen palm trees that produce yellow flowers that bloom on long panicles. Many species within the genus are native to small areas in Madagascar, and due to poaching and seed collecting are now endangered or extinct. These palms are commonly called Areca Palms, Butterfly Palms, Golden Cane Palms, or Bamboo Palms. These tropical palms are frequently used as focal points or specimens to add tropical feel to landscapes, and can also be grown in containers.

Dypsis Species and Varietals

The genus Dypsis includes over 170 species, and is a member of the plant family Areceae. Dypsis palms grow well outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 10-11. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Dypsis baronii (Sugarcane Palm)
This species of palm tree is native to Madagascar and is widely grown as an ornamental elsewhere, both indoors and outdoors. These plants form multi-stemmed trees and are wonderful for planting around pools or tropical-style ponds. Stems grow in clusters of between 3 and 5, and reach about 25 feet tall at maturity. Its common name was given because the trunk of the tree looks like that of Sugarcane plants with scars on them.

Dypsis lutescens (Golden Cane Palm, Areca Palm, Yellow Palm, Butterfly Palm, Bamboo Palm)
This species is native to Madagascar, but has naturalized itself in many other areas of the world. It is a commonly grown ornamental or houseplant. In the ground, these trees can reach up to 30 feet tall. As houseplants, they keep a much smaller stature. This species is considered invasive in Cuba, Réunion, the Canary Islands, the Caribbean, and Florida in the United States.

Caring for Dypsis

Dypsis palms are often grown as indoor plants, but can thrive outdoors in the right conditions (USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11). Plant these palms in partial to full shade outdoors. These are naturally understory plants, and do best with filtered light. Avoid direct sunlight, especially in the late afternoon hours, as this exposure can sunburn leaves. If planting outdoors as a hedge or privacy screening, space plants 3 to 6 feet apart. Single specimens should be given 4-10 feet of space from structures or other plants. Ensure that soil in the planting area is well-draining. If it is heavy, consider amending with organic material before tree installation. These trees tolerate a wide range of soil types, and prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil (with a pH of between 6.0 and 7.5). Apply a layer of mulch around the base of these trees to increase soil moisture retention and suppress weed growth. Provide consistent moisture to these palms, but ensure that soil is not becoming waterlogged. During the rainy season, reduce waterings. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. To prune these palms, simply remove damaged, diseased, or dead growth or any yellowing fronds at the base of the plant to keep a tidy appearance in springtime or early summer. These trees require very little pruning, and perform best when left to their own devices. Avoid over-pruning, as this can stress the plant out. In areas where winters are mild, these trees can stay outdoors year round. In areas that drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months, these trees will need to be grown in a greenhouse or grown in a container that is brought into a protected area over the cooler periods of the year. These palms can survive for several decades in the garden before needing to be replaced.

Caring for Dypsis in Containers
Dypsis palms are happy in the ground, but can also be grown in containers, especially in zones where these trees cannot remain outdoors during the cooler months of the year. Choose a container that is at least a few inches wider and deeper than the nursery pot or root ball. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite, and top with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, waterings can be lessened. Dypsis palms grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot.

Caring for Dypsis Indoors
Dypsis species are commonly grown indoors as houseplants due to their tropical outdoor growing requirements. They are considered easy to care for, and are able to thrive in even low light conditions. Ideally, these palms should be situated in spot in the home that receives bright-indirect light but is shaded during the late afternoon hours when the sunlight is strongest. Avoid placing these plants in direct sunlight, as this exposure can scorch leaves. Use a well-draining potting mix made specifically for palms or other houseplants. If drainage is poor, amend soil with perlite or sand; avoid dense, water-retentive soils as they will lead to root rot issues. Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy; this translates to waterings about every week or two. Avoid overwatering, and empty water catchment saucers regularly. In wintertime, reduce watering slightly. These palms prefer moderate to high humidity, and regular misting or using a humidifier nearby can go a long way in keeping them looking healthy and performing well. Fertilize once a month during the spring and summer months to support new growth, and reduce feedings to every 6-8 weeks in the fall and winter. Take care not to over-fertilize, as this may cause leaf burn and salt buildup in the soil. Repot Dypsis plants every 2-3 years, or when roots begin to poke out of drainage holes.

Propagation

Dypsis can be propagated either by using division or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the division method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your Palm, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Dypsis by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in spring. To propagate by division, follow these steps:

Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the roots. Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
Start to tease apart the roots with your fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments, ensuring that each one has at least one thick root section.
Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divided palms and water thoroughly.
Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout.