Caryota mitis - Fishtail Palm
Description
Caryota mitis, commonly known as the Fishtail Palm or Clustering Fishtail Palm, is a striking and unique tropical palm known for its distinctive fishtail-shaped leaflets and clumping growth habit. This palm is highly valued for its ornamental foliage and ability to form dense clusters, making it an excellent choice for adding a tropical touch to gardens and indoor spaces.
Flowers
The Fishtail Palm produces small, cream-colored flowers that grow in large, branched inflorescences. The flowers are followed by clusters of round, dark red to black fruits. Flowering typically occurs once the plant reaches maturity.
Foliage
The leaves are bipinnate and arching, with leaflets that have a jagged, fishtail-like shape, giving the plant its common name. Each frond can reach up to 3 meters in length. The leaflets are bright green, creating a lush and dense canopy.
Fruit
The fruit is a small, round drupe that turns from green to dark red or black as it matures. The fruit is not edible and can cause skin irritation, so it should be handled with care.
Form and Size
The Fishtail Palm typically grows to a height of 3-10 meters with a spread of 2-4 meters. It has a clumping growth habit, forming multiple slender trunks topped with crowns of arching fronds. The trunks are smooth and grey, marked by prominent leaf scars.
Growing Conditions
- Soil: Prefers well-drained, rich, organic soil. Thrives in moist, fertile conditions and can tolerate a range of soil types.
- Sunlight: Grows best in partial shade to full shade. Can tolerate some direct morning sun but should be protected from harsh afternoon sun.
- Water: Requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. More frequent watering is needed during dry periods.
- Climate: Suitable for tropical and subtropical climates. Prefers warm, humid conditions and is frost-sensitive.
Uses
- Landscaping: Ideal for tropical-themed gardens, shaded borders, and as a privacy screen. It can also be used in large containers for patios and verandas.
- Indoor Plant: Thrives as an indoor plant in bright, indirect light. Adds a touch of tropical elegance to interior spaces.
- Ornamental: The unique fishtail-shaped leaflets and clumping form provide a dramatic and exotic look, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any garden or landscape.
Maintenance
- Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Remove any yellow or damaged leaves to maintain appearance.
- Fertilizing: Benefits from regular applications of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season.
- Pest and Disease: Generally pest-resistant but can be susceptible to scale insects and spider mites. Ensure good air circulation and avoid waterlogging to minimize disease risk.
Notes
The Fishtail Palm is a versatile and low-maintenance plant that adds a distinctive tropical flair to any garden or indoor space. Its unique foliage and clumping growth habit make it a favorite among plant enthusiasts and landscape designers. Be cautious when handling the fruit, as it can cause skin irritation.
Companion Plants
- Calathea spp. (Calathea)
- Alpinia zerumbet (Shell Ginger)
- Codiaeum variegatum (Croton)
- Philodendron hederaceum (Heartleaf Philodendron)
Common Name
Fishtail Palm, Clustering Fishtail Palm
Botanical Name
Caryota mitis
Family
Arecaceae
Origin
Native to Southeast Asia
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Please note that all Plants on this site are a range of plants we grow through out the year.
Availability changes all through out the year. please check with us via our Sunshine Coast Garden Centre page for Pricing & Availability
Product Availability
Plants & Pots come and go all year around.
- Plants are seasonal and sometimes we run out but have more batches coming along.
- Some Plants are not always in-stock however we can either order it in. pending availability
- Available numbers change every hour of the day in store and where we grow so please check in with us on how many you are looking for
- we have access to thousands of plants. if you are looking for a specific plant please let us know and we will see if its coming into stock soon or if we can order it for you.
- we will sometimes keep plants on our website to show you the description of how it grows and its specific characteristics. they may not be in stock all the time however we will keep it up online so when it comes in we wont have to reload products
Where are our plants Grown and how do we grow them
- Plants are grown locally on the Sunshine Coast
- All outdoor plants are sun hardened and ready to grow
- Indoor plants are grown under 50% Shade and will transfer perfectly to indoor use
- Orchids are also grown under 50% Shade and are best brought indoors during flowering for show then returned back into a shaded area until the following flowering time
- we are Qualified horticulturists, greenkeeper as well as Qualified landscape Construction with over 35 years experience in the industry. We use Quality products and materials to grow all our plants.
How to Look after your plants like we do
- When using any Garden Care products or Fertilisers we always recommend reading the label before use
- We recommend using Earthlife crushed rock mineral on all plants when planting in the ground or in Pots.
- When planting in Pots in Our garden centre we use either Rocky Point Premium Potting mix or our own custom potting mixes blend to plant all our plants
- If planting in the ground we also recommend that you use good quality Bagged garden soil around your plants at the time of planting
