Caryota (Fishtail Palms) - Care tips

Caryota (Fishtale Palms)

When we want a tropical landscape, vacation feelings and white sand beach atmosphere, palms are the first thing that comes to mind! We mostly hear about Areca… But have you ever heard about Caryota? Also known as Fishtail Palms, for the appearance of their leaves that remind of a real fish tail, this genus contains about 13 species that originate from Asia, northern Australia and the South Pacific. The fun thing about Caryota is that for most of the species, they don't droop like other plants, but grow on stems that are upright. Their appearance is really tree-like and they can grow several feet tall, the average height is 2 metres for indoor varieties, so be aware to find a big corner that needs greenery! Moreover, the older your Caryota gets, the lusher and bushier it can become too

Caryota plant care tips

Light and placement for Caryota

For your lovely palm tree, bright indirect sunlight during the growing season is the best. That will make our green beauty thrive quickly and create a beautiful dark green and thick foliage! Also, the Caryota Mitis can grow in shady places and is adapted to bring some greenery in an office for example.

Water

Your Caryota is not really a thirsty green lady, but she’ll appreciate a constantly moist soil, so a little splash of water once a week is totally sufficient for her! In winter, you can slow down on the watering to prevent the soil from getting soggy. In winter, she’s not growing constantly so she will consume less water.

Nutrition

During the growth season, between spring and summer, regularly give some PLNTS Nutrition to your lovely palm, like this you will support her optimally so she can thrive and get beautiful foliage pretty quickly!

Caryota plant

Propagating Caryota

Propagating Caryota is complicated as this is a tree-like plant. The only real way in fact is by planting seeds in spring or summer. Cover them with a little bit of potting soil, because they don't like being entirely buried. Once it’s sprouted, you have your future new green babies ready to meet you! To propagate correctly, you can divide the stem that rises from the clumps at the base. Repot the offsets and voila! Here are your new babies!

Most common pests on Caryota

The most common pest on Caryota is spider mites. So if you spot little ‘thingy’ walking on the leaves of your palm tree, or a little web is starting to be built, you can be sure spider mites make a feast of your plant! If you want to be sure of what is going on with your green lady, you can check our PLNTSdoctor page to recognise and eliminate your plant pests! If you are interested in biologic pest control, you can take a look at our blog: ‘Which natural and biological pest control against which pest?’.

Are Caryota poisonous for your pets or children?

Despite the harmless appearance of your favourite palm tree, be aware that the berries it can grow are truly poisonous. Pets and children are more at risk than others. When a person encounters these berries, they experience an itchy, burning sensation and dermatitis. Pets and young children are most at risk, so be careful with the plant.

Caryota plant for sale

At PLNTS.com, we have the beautiful Caryota Mitis and the incredible dark green foliage with the fishtail leaves! This beauty is easy-going and will for sure add some depth and exotic vibes to your indoor jungle! At PLNTS.com, we cover all your indoor jungle dreams!