The Spruce / Krystal Slagle
Fishtail palms are famous for their large and uniquely shaped leaves.
They thrive in moist, humid conditions and require any amount of light.
Its only strict requirement is that it needs well-drained soil.
The Spruce / Krystal Slagle
Fishtail palm berries contain oxalates and are toxic to pets and humans.
Place them near a window that receives morning sun followed by indirect light the rest of the day.
Soil
These palms require moist, well-draining soil.
The Spruce / Krystal Slagle
Choose a cactus mix or create your own well-draining soil by adding horticultural sand into some potting soil.
This supports moisture retention in the soil without making it soggy.
Water
Providing an environment with adequate moisture is key, but avoid overwatering.
The Spruce / Krystal Slagle
Ideally, the soil should stay slightly damp, neither dry nor soggy.
Water every few days or whenever the soil feels dry to the touch.
Timing will vary depending on your humidity levels and indoor temperature.
Test the soil with a moisture meter or by poking a finger in about an inch.
If damp soil clings to your fingertip, wait for another day then check again.
Temperature and Humidity
A range of 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for fishtail palms.
Keep indoor plants away from harsh drafts and air vents.
Humidity levels of 50 percent or higher can help meet this palm’smoisture requirements.
Fertilizer
Fishtail palms respond well to fertilizer given each month during their growing season.
For the amount of fertilizer to use for each utility, follow product label instructions.
Trim away any dead foliage and snip the tops off of the stalks that have grown too tall.
Every couple of years should suffice.
To repot, gently tip the palm on its side and tap the pot to loosen the roots.
Slide the palm out, and place it in a container that is just one size larger.
This will give it room to grow without too much extra space for water to collect.
Overwintering
Keeping your palm indoors means that there isnt much you should probably do to overwinter it.
Simply withhold fertilizer and monitor the soil moisture levels.
It may not require as much water during this time.
Fishtail palms kept outside during warmer months should be brought inside when temperatures drop to around 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Common Pests and Plant Diseases
Fishtail palms are often affected byscaleandspider mites.
Use insecticidal soaps or oils to control the problem.
Just like other houseplants, indoor fishtail palms can also be affected byfungal leaf spot.
This is usually not a fatal disease.
It can be prevented and treated with good plant hygiene and the use of fungicides.
Palms will die within months of showing symptoms.
The disease can be controlled through antibiotics professionally injected into the trunks of these palms.
Indoor plants typically do not flower but they still add a tropical touch to any space.
What Does Fishtail Palm Flowers Look and Smell Like?
The flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators but may not have a discernable scent.
How to Encourage More Blooms
Unfortunately, fishtail palms rarely bloom when kept indoors.
If you wish to encourage your palm to flower, your best bet would be to place it outdoors.
Be sure the plant receives warm temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and ample humidity levels.
During its growing season, fertilize it monthly to ensure it has all the necessary nutrients needed to bloom.
However, However, this palm’s flowering period often spans five to seven years.
But some varieties only produce a single trunk, and therefore the whole tree dies after blooming.
Here are some common problems you may encounter and how you’re able to fix them.
If you have a humidity gauge, be sure to check the percentage.
The air in most homes, especially during the winter, is too dry for fishtail palms.
The other possibility is underwatering the plant.
Soggy or Wilting Foliage
This is a sign of wet soil.
Soggy soil can lead to root rot, so it is important to fix this problem quickly.
Withhold water until the soil begins to dry.
Fishtail palms can grow in shady areas, as long as the soil is well-draining.
Fishtail palms are not very hardy for outdoor planting although they can tolerate a very light frost.
Keep fishtail palms as an indoor plant in colder climates.
North Carolina Cooperative Extension.
Caryota mitis.University of Florida.
Fishtail Palms.San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Animals and Plants.
