Caryota Mitis Care

Caryota mitis should be watered plentifully, as often as necessary to keep the soil thoroughly moist, but never allow pot to stand in water.Potted Caryota mitis are not likely to have well defined periods of growth and rest, but growth may be slow during the autumn and winter periods. In period when plants appear to be growing slower than usual it is advisable to allow the top 1cm (0.3 inch) of the potting mixture to dry out completely before waterings.

Pruning is a confusing procedure for palm owners. Some experts say that pruning should not be done externally and should be left to the palm while others say that pruning is essential in maintaining the proper health of a palm.For Fishtail palms however, very little pruning is required for their maintenance. If you want to maintain their current height, cut the vertical stalks to just below the top fronds.

Apply liquid fertilizer once a month from early spring to mid-autumn only.

Caryota mitis palm grow best in full sunlight filtered through a translucent blind or curtain.

When choosing the substrate, the fishtail palm shows neither fussy nor demanding, commercial potting soil is sufficient. If you want to promote healthy growth, you can mix a small amount of coconut fibers underneath. Alternatively, palm soil is also available.

Caryota mitis likes warmth and cannot tolerate temperatures below 13°C (55°F). In very warm rooms, however, increase humidity by standing the pot on a tray of moist pebbles or damp peat moss.

Use a soil based potting mixture. Caryota mitis like to have their roots constricted and should therefore be grown in pots that seems too small for them. Move these palms into pots one size larger only once every two or three years at the time they are just breaking into fresh growth.Put clay pot fragments in bottom of the pot for drainage and pack the potting mixture firmly around the roots taking care, however, do not break any of the ticker roots in the process. Once the plant is in a pot of maximum convenient size, give it an annual top dressing.

Avoid contact with the red fruit produced by Caryota mitis palm. It contains oxalic acid which is toxic when ingested, and contact with skin may result in severe chemical burns. Fruit, leaves and stems contain various alkaloids. Pulp of mature fruit contains calcium oxalate crystals. Fibrous hairs of the leaf stalk produce skin irritation.

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