Butterfly Palm Dypsis lutescens

Bamboo palm is a tropical perennial native to Madagascar in the Arecaceae (Palmae) family. It can grow to 30 feet tall and 15 feet wide in its native habitat. It has been shown to reduce indoor air pollution and is one of the most popular indoor palms. Specific epithet means turning yellow in reference to the yellow flowers, stems and leaf midribs.

This tropical plant is grown as a houseplant in temperate climates.  In the home, they prefer a bright location in a warm to average room and high humidity.  They have multiple stems that arise from one base and large, arching, pinnately compound green fronds.  Panicles of yellow flowers appear in the summer and are followed by yellow-orange fruits.  One of several common names, "butterfly palm" refers to the leaves which curve upwards in multiple stems that look similar to a butterfly. Bamboo palm refers to the stems.

Grow in well-drained potting soil and keep moist but not soggy during the growing season. Increase humidity by misting or a humidifier and provide bright indirect light. Repot every 2-3 years. They will rarely bloom or produce fruit as a house plant. Outdoors in zones 10-11, the plant tolerates full sun but prefers partial shade and moist but well-drained soils. 

Quick ID Hints:

• Yellow-green petioles and leaf rachis
• Petioles have maculate, fleshy base

 Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: It is susceptible to scale, whiteflies and spider mites. Plants grown outdoors may be subject to phytoplasma disease of palms, which is spread by planthoppers and can cause severe yellowing