Dypsis humilis Plant Care

Dypsis humilis M.S.Trudgen, Rakotoarin. & W.J.Baker

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Dypsis humilis is a rare species of stemless palm that was discovered in Madagascar in 2007 by a collaboration between botanists from Madagascar and Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew. Fewer than ten plants were observed in an area that is threatened by logging and other human activity.

🪴Houseplants🌴Palms
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Bright indirect to full sun

Temp

65–85°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Dypsis humilis?

Water Dypsis humilis every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

What Is the Dypsis humilis?

Dypsis humilis (Dypsis humilis) belongs to the Arecaceae family within the Dypsis genus.

Dypsis humilis displays a tall, elegant palm growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Dypsis humilis produces creamy white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Dypsis humilis?

Dypsis humilis requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the Dypsis humilis Need?

Dypsis humilis thrives in bright indirect to full sun. Avoid placing Dypsis humilis in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect to full sun

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Dypsis humilis Prefer?

Dypsis humilis grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Dypsis humilis prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

65–85°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Dypsis humilis?

Well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Dypsis humilis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Dypsis humilis?

Feed Dypsis humilis every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.

Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

How Do You Repot a Dypsis humilis?

Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

How Do You Propagate a Dypsis humilis?

Dypsis humilis can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to areca palm plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Dypsis humilis Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Dypsis humilis, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Dypsis humilis?

Dypsis humilis is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Dypsis humilis Need?

Dypsis humilis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Dypsis humilis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13b

Keep exploring plants

Dypsis humilis is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Dypsis genus — compare its care with other Dypsis species on PlantoScan.

Dypsis is part of the Arecaceae plant family — browse all Arecaceae genera and species.

Dypsis humilis thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Dypsis Species

Other Dypsis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Dypsis humilis M.S.Trudgen, Rakotoarin. & W.J.Baker, family Arecaceae (first published in Palms (1999+) 53: 140 (2009)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Dypsis humilis, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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