Fishtail Palms

Fishtail Palms Care

Caryota urens

What is the plant

Fishtail palms (Caryota urens) get their fun name from the close resemblance of their foliage to a fish’s tail. Because these palms, like others, require warm temperatures, they are grown as houseplants in most regions. However, you can put fishtail palms outdoors in the late spring and summer to enjoy warm temperatures for a season. Fishtail palm houseplants are a beautiful and interesting addition to sunrooms, patios or any brightly lit indoor room.

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Lighting

Full Sun

Hardiness zone

9b - 11

Difficulty

Medium

Toxicity

Poisonous

How to Care for the Plant

Water
If you're growing the Fishtail palm in a warmer climate, do not let the palm dry out as it will begin shedding leaves. The Fishtail also loves humidity
Pruning
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.
Fertilizer
Feed your fishtail once a month, use an all-purpose liquid fertilizer for palms. It is advisable to apply the fertilizer after watering in order to avoid root burn which could be a death sentence to a Fishtail.Over-feeding the plant can also be harmful and fatal if not remedied early. A sign of receiving too much fertilizer is withering of foliage. If this happens, halt fertilization and remove all damaged leaves. You can resume applying fertilizers again in 2 months.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
These palms can thrive in full or partial sunlight making it possible for you to place them beside or near taller palms or trees. They are also an ideal indoor plant because of their ability to grow with only moderate sun exposure.To give this plant the best living conditions though, give it enough indirect sunlight exposure especially during the early morning and late afternoon. If you're growing it as an indoor plant, occasionally take it outside for air, cleaning and sunlight.
Soil
Fishtail Palms grow best when planted in a fast-draining porous soil containing a large amount of organic matter
Temperature
Fishtail Palms prefer temperatures between 75-85 degrees during the day and 60-70 degrees at night. Try to keep a Fishtail Palm out of cold drafts and away from air conditioners. Nighttime temperatures should never go below 45 degrees.