Fishtail Palm

Botanical Name: Caryota mitis

Fishtail Palm gets its common name from the ragged-edged, ribbed texture of the dark-green leaflets that grow on upright stems.

Caryota mitis grows in a clump, with several stems rising from its base that can easily be divided.

It is native to Southeast Asia, where it thrives in the warm temperatures and humidity of its tropical habitat. This tropical palm is one of the easiest indoor palm plants to grow, requiring little care. It is more tolerant of drier soil than overwatering. Put it in a container with a drainage hole and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Repot only when roots grow out of the bottom of the drainage hole. This palm prefers to be slightly pot-bound.

Grown as an indoor palm tree, it can reach 6 ft (1.8 m) indoors, therefore it needs some vertical space. This tree becomes more lush and attractive as it matures.

Origin: Burma, Malaysia

Height: Up to 6 ft (1.8 m)

Light: Bright light to some direct sun.

Water: Water thoroughly then allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Water less in winter.

Humidity: Average to moderate humidity

Temperature: Average to warm temperatures 65-85°F, 18-29°C

Soil: Any good potting mix.

Fertilizer: Feed once in early summer with slow-release fertilizer granules.

Propagation: Division