Caryota mitis
Caryota mitis
Fishtail Palm
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Common Names
Fishtail PalmClustered Fishtail Palm
Context
nativeRegion
Southeast Asia (India to Malaysia and the Philippines)
usdaZones
10–12
companionPlants
Alocasia, Philodendron, Chamaedorea
culturalUses
Traditionally grown as an ornamental, occasionally for thatching or fiber in some regions.
Care
Care Requirements
LightBright, indirect light is ideal; tolerates some shade but not full sun indoors.
WateringWater when the top 2-3 cm of soil are dry. Prefers evenly moist soil but avoid waterlogging.
SoilWell-draining, rich potting mix with some organic matter; tolerate slightly acidic to neutral pH.
FertilizerBalanced, diluted liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during growth; reduce in dormancy.
HumidityHigh humidity is preferred; mist regularly or use a humidifier in dry indoor climates.
TemperatureThrives at 18–27°C (65–80°F); protect from cold drafts and temperatures below 10°C (50°F).
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitMulti-stemmed, clustering palm with bipinnate, fishtail-shaped leaves.
Mature Size3–10 m (10–33 ft) tall, often smaller indoors; spreads by clustering.
Growth RateModerate to fast, especially in ideal, warm conditions.
BloomingProduces panicles of small flowers, usually after several years; flowering signals the demise of individual stems.
DormancyNo true dormancy, but slower growth in cooler or lower light months.
Propagation
MethodsSeed, Division of clumps
DifficultyModerate
Best SeasonSpring or early summer
Maintenance & Notes
PruningRemove dead or yellowing fronds; cut spent flower stems at the base.
RepottingRepot every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its pot; cluster growth may require division.
Pests & DiseasesVulnerable to spider mites, mealybugs, scale, and fungal leaf spots.
ToxicityToxic; all parts contain raphides that can cause irritation if ingested or handled.
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