A palm unlike the rest! These interesting leaves resemble a fishtail and naturally have rips along the edge.
Caryota mitis
kair-ee-OH-tah MY-tiss
Common Name: Fishtail Palm
Family: Arecaceae
Origin: Tropical Asia
Growth: Upwards, clumping
Light: Full sun, tolerates lower
Foot Candles: 250+
Water: Keep moist
Humidity: 50% - 90%
Temperature: 18°C - 29°C
Soil: Well draining potting mix
Container: Self-watering planter, irrigated bed
Nutrients: 10-10-10 Monthly
Propagation: Seed or removal of offsets
Interiorscape Use: Large potted plant, atriums
Common Pests: Mealybugs, Aphids, Spider Mites, Scale, Thrips.
Common Issues: Root rot if sitting in water. Can suffer transplant shock and drop some of its fronds.
Comments: The Fishtail Palm very rarely produces fruit when grown indoors. Acclimates well to indoor environments and can grow quickly in the right conditions. Very interesting palm frond unique to the Caryota mitis.
Toxicity: The berries produced by this palm are poisonous. Will cause severe pain in the mouth if eaten. Burning and swelling of lips, mouth, tongue, and throat; difficulty of speaking. Handling berries will also cause redness and swelling of skin and eyes.