fishtail palm

Fishtail palm thrives in humid climates in its native Southeast Asia. It should be watered when the top 2" of soil feels dry to the touch. During the warmer months, this means watering approximately once a week. Be sure to water deeply and evenly, saturating the soil until water runs through the drainage holes of the pot. In the winter, reduce watering to once every 2 weeks in the cooler months. Always check the soil before watering; if it's still damp, skip the watering. Too much or too little water can cause the fishtail palm to decline.

Fishtail palm (Caryota mitis) is best grown in an area with full sun or bright, indirect light. It prefers at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day, with the best sunlight being provided during the morning and late afternoon.

Fishtail palm should be pruned when it has become overgrown, or when fronds are drying. Pruning should be done in the early spring, just before the spring fresh growth. Pruning should be light, removing only 3-5 leaves at a time and avoiding pruning more than 1-third of the plant. Pruning in excess can weaken the overall health of the plant and stunt growth. Pruning older fronds on the lower portion of the foliages can help keep the palm well-shaped.