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Fishtail Palm Tree Care
View Full Planting & Care Instructions
Sunlight Plant your Fishtail Palm in an area that receives full-partial sun (4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day).
Watering Water your Palm 2-3 times per week for the first month, then once a week for the remainder of the first year after planting. Keep the soil moist but well-drained, watering more in times of drought and less when there is rainfall.
Fertilizing If necessary, use a palm-specific fertilizer for your Palm. Slow-release fertilizer is best to allow the smaller root system to uptake what it needs. Apply close to the base and start in spring/follow specific fertilizer instructions.
Fine, Feathery Fronds Thrive on Neglect
Why Fishtail Palm Trees?
Redefined by its bi-pinnate leaves that look just like fishtail fins, the Fishtail Palm (aptly named) wows. Unlike regular palms’ feather-like fronds, the Fishtail Palm’s foliage is tightly organized in a herringbone fashion.
Its deep-green leaflets sprout from common points on each branch, are identical to each other and have full, feathery edges. This lends a one-of-a-kind look to the clumping, multi-stemmed Fishtail Palm, setting it apart from most other varieties you've seen.
Even better? It's cold hardy. The Fishtail Palm prefers temperatures above 55 degrees, but this steady-grower has no problem when the temperatures dip, and can even survive light frosts. This is significant because not all palm trees can tolerate the cold!
Basically, this sleek and hardy tree is tough and will withstand wind, drought, and prolonged periods without direct sunlight. It will do well all on its own, developing a lovely, semi-vase-shaped growth habit. Look no further for a palm that will bring warmth and interest into your space - without substantial upkeep.
Plus, the Fishtail Palm is a favorite container plant because it does so well indoors, needing little humidity.
And since it’s shallow-rooted, the Fishtail does not need frequent re-potting. Water the plant regularly, place in well-draining soil, prune occasionally, and you’ll gain a one-of-a-kind, indoor palm tree with very little upkeep.
Why FastGrowingTrees.com is Better
But the best part is that we've planted, grown and shipped your Fishtail Palm with care, right from our nursery.
There's no need to visit a big box store to get your favorite plant or lug around a heavy container in your backseat. Everything you need - easy growth, lush green fronds, and a plant that thrives year after year - is just a click away.
Especially since our Fishtail Palm has been nurtured for months ahead of shipping, planted in nutrient-rich soil with care, and delivered directly to your home...hassle-free.
Order now—catch one of our Fishtail Palms before it's out of stock!
Looking for more palm trees to add to your collection? Check out our guide to popular types of palm trees.
Planting & Care
1. Planting: The Fishtail Palm grows best in full sun or partial shade (about 4 to 8 hours of sunlight daily). When grown in full sunlight (6+ hours of sunlight), it will usually require regular supplemental watering to keep the soil from drying out.
Choose a planting location with well-draining soil. The fishtail palm will grow in most soil types. Dig a hole at least twice the size of the tree’s root ball. Place the tree’s roots into the hole and gently spread out the roots. Add a mixture of organic matter to the soil around the tree’s roots and tamp the soil down to remove all air pockets. After planting, water the tree thoroughly.
If you're planting in a container, choose a pot that is at least two or three inches larger in diameter than the tree’s root system. Place the potted palm outdoors in bright, indirect sunlight or next to a south-facing window indoors so it receives adequate light.
Take care when handling your plant as the sap is a known irritant to skin. All parts of the plant are poisonous.
2. Watering: Water the palm when the first two inches of soil dries out but do not let the soil completely dry. The tree only requires repotting when its roots start to emerge from the pot’s drainage holes.
When grown indoors, the tree does appreciate a weekly spritzing with water to increase the humidity around the tree and keep its fronds from drying out. The fishtail palm prefers an indoor humidity level of 50 percent or higher.
3. Fertilizing: Feed the palm monthly using liquid, all-purpose fertilizer. Follow the directions on the fertilizer for application ratios. It's usually a good idea to use the fertilizer right after watering to reduce the risk of root burn.
4. Pruning: Prune away damaged or dead fronds at ground level and discard. The palm rarely requires any trimming to maintain its looks.
Shipping Details
Estimated Shipping Time: Most orders ship immediately. As noted on the website, some items are seasonal, and may only ship in spring or fall. Once your order is shipped, you'll receive an email with a tracking number.
| Amount of Order | Shipping Charge |
|---|---|
| Less than $129 | $19.95 |
| $129 + | FREE SHIPPING! |
Product Details
| Mature Height: | 6-10 ft Indoors 20-25 ft Outdoors |
| Mature Width: | 4-5 ft Indoors 10-15 ft Outdoors |
| Sunlight: | Full-Partial |
| Growth Rate: | Moderate |
| Botanical Name: | Caryota mitis |
| Does Not Ship To: | AZ |
| Grows Well In Zones: | 4-11 patio / 9-11 outdoors |
| Your Growing Zone: | # |
Growing Zones: 4-11 patio / 9-11 outdoors
(hardy down to 30℉)Customer Reviews & Photos
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United StatesFishtail palm
Arrived safe and sound after a trip across the country during some rough winter weather. Very well packaged. Very nice looking plant, now enjoying its new home in California.
United StatesFishtail palm
It’s beautiful!!! Love it. Watch me grow. Fishtail palm.
United StatesGreat Fish Tail palm
looks great I bought 2
United StatesFun and attractive
This palm arrived very healthy, but I didn’t have the pot I wanted for it right away. It is now planted in its pot, and looking very happy.
United StatesA very special tree
Nice plant. Looks great when it grows and being well taken care of. Thank you.