Caryota mitis aka Fishtail Palm

Taxonomy

Genus Caryota Family Arecaceae Order Arecales Class Liliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Caryota mitis, also known as the clustering fishtail palm or fishtail palm, is an evergreen palm species native to Tropical Asia, ranging from India to Java and southern China. It was first described in Vietnam in 1790 and has since become naturalized in certain areas of southern Florida, Africa, and Latin America. This palm can be found growing in hummocks and disturbed wooded areas in Florida. The clustered stems of Caryota mitis can reach heights of up to 10 m (33 feet) and have a diameter of 15 cm (6 inches). Its leaves are a vibrant green and can grow up to 3 m (10 feet) in length, composed of triangular leaflets that resemble fish tails. During the summer, panicles of creamy-white flowers bloom on this palm. However, it's important to note that the fruits of Caryota mitis are harmful to humans and are typically dark purple or red in color. Belonging to the Arecaceae (Palmae) plant family, this palm species has bipinnate leaves that are divided into leaflets resembling fish tails, with arching branches.

Common names

Fishtail Palm, Tufted Fishtail Palm, Burmese Fishtail Palm

How to care for Fishtail Palm

Water

Fishtail Palm should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Fishtail Palm loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Fishtail Palm prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Fishtail Palm is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

More info:
Wikipedia

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More Species in Caryota Genus

Caryota Fishtail Palm

Caryota mitis Fishtail Palm