Areca palm
Dypsis lutescens (Palmae)
Also called Golden Butterfly Palm, Cane Palm, Golden Feather Palm, Yellow Palm.
Cats and dogs
Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Not expected to poison cats or dogs. Eating any plant can still cause vomiting or an upset stomach, so keep it out of reach of chewers.
Source: ASPCA entry "Areca Palm", checked October 3, 2026.
Light
- Low light 3+ mol
- Medium light 6+ mol
- Bright indirect 10+ mol Best
- Direct sun 12+ mol
Does best in bright, indirect light, such as near an east-, west- or south-facing window. Clemson notes most indoor palms need bright natural light year-round and should not sit in direct sun.
Direct sun: best kept out of it.
On our scale it grows well from about 10 mol/m²/day and holds on down to roughly 2.2 (how these numbers are set).
Care
Care level: Moderate. Water: Keep it moist but not soggy in the growing season; water when the soil surface dries and empty the saucer.
Prefers high humidity and is very prone to spider mites (NC State, Clemson).
More pet-safe plants for similar light
- Gloxinia bright indirect light
- Mistletoe cactus (Rhipsalis) bright indirect light
- African violet bright indirect light
- Aluminum plant (Pilea cadierei) bright indirect light
- Baby rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) bright indirect light
- Baby's tears (Soleirolia) bright indirect light
Sources
- Toxicity: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, "Areca Palm"
- Light and care: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, "Chrysalidocarpus lutescens"
- Light and care: Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC, "Indoor Palms"