Species fishtail palm

fishtail palm

Caryota mitis

Fishtail Palm (Caryota mitis) is a unique and exotic palm species with long, lush foliage growing in a distinctive fishtail shape. It is highly sought after for its striking, tropical look both indoors and outdoors. The leaflets on these small-medium sized palms split into two or three fishtail-like shapes, giving it an interesting and attractive texture. It grows well in temperate regions and can tolerate both full sun and shade. When planted outdoors, it requires regular moisture and protection from extreme conditions, as it is somewhat susceptible to cold. It is an ideal choice for both landscape design and indoor container gardening.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

9

Flowers:

White Flowers In Spring

Sun:

full sun,part sun/part shade

Soil:

Well-drained

Fruits:

Fruits In Winter Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

High

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Tropical:

Yes

watering

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.

sunlight

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.

pruning

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.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Fishtail palms typically start flowering in the late spring or early summer months, usually between May and July.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Caryota mitis typically begins in April and ends in June.

Starts Flowering

Fishtail palms typically start flowering in the late spring or early summer months, usually between May and July.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Caryota mitis typically begins in April and ends in June.

Hardiness Map