With lush, fresh green foliage in the shape of a fishtail, the Fishtail Palm (Caryota mitis) is a challenging yet very attractive palm of manageable proportions. Unlike other exotic houseplants like the cactus spurge, the fishtail palm is non-toxic as long as it's not for consumption.

The fishtail palm likes to be outside in the summer

What should be considered when watering a Caryota mitis?

The fishtail palm should never dry out completely and should therefore be watered regularly as soon as the substrate has dried slightly on the surface. However, the water should be dosed in such a way that no excess water remains in the saucer.

Does the fishtail palm have to be repotted annually?

The fishtail palm only needs to be repotted every few years. It is even the case that this palm species sometimes shows stronger growth when there is little space in the plant pot than in a plant pot that is too large. Shards of pottery or a similarly coarse material can be placed in the lower quarter of the plant pot to prevent waterlogging.

Can the Fishtail Palm be cut back?

When removing withered leaves, you should not cut too close to the trunk, but leave a stub about 3 to 5 cm long. The natural habit of the fishtail palm does not actually require any pruning measures. Side shoots can be carefully removed for propagation purposes.

How can you control pests on a Caryota mitis?

The fishtail palm, like the cactus spurge and other plants from warmer regions of the earth, is often attacked by spider mites when cared for as a houseplant. Since these pests depend on a dry climate, frequent water spraying may be sufficient as a preventative and control measure. You should also check the fishtail palm regularly for an infestation of thrips, otherwise they can multiply quickly and be responsible for dying leaves.

What to do if the fishtail palm shows symptoms of disease?

Dried out leaf tips or leaves that have dried up as a whole can not only be due to insufficient watering, but also to low humidity. Yellow leaves, on the other hand, can indicate a location that is either too sunny or too dark.

How to proceed when fertilizing the fishtail palm?

During the summer months, Caryota mitis is supplied with a special palm fertilizer every month. If this palm is cultivated indoors at consistently warm temperatures all year round, a weak dose of fertilizer can be applied about every two months, even in winter.

Under what conditions is a Caryota mitis ideally overwintered?

Planted specimens of the fishtail palm can withstand short-term frost temperatures of up to minus 7 degrees Celsius with a certain amount of winter protection and after appropriate acclimatization. If, on the other hand, the fishtail palm is in the house over the winter, attention should be paid to the following site conditions:

  • as bright as possible
  • less fertilizer and water than in the sunny summer
  • increase humidity by placing water bowls or jars of moist peat next to the fishtail palm

tips

In most cases, you will not see the magnificent seeds of the fishtail palm when you cultivate them indoors. However, you can also propagate this type of palm by removing the side shoots that are sometimes formed.

Category:

Trees