They range from 6' to 8', have lots of clustering branches and a nice heavy main trunk. I've been eyeing the one at the left for my yard.Lucky to live in a semi-tropical climate, I am able to grow this palm outdoors. It is hardy to zone 9b or about 25 degrees Farenheit. Clustering Fishtails also do well in large pots where they can be moved inside or otherwise protected during the winter. Since they grow well in part sun or full shade, Fishtails are also grown successfully indoors.
All fishtail palms have triangular shaped leaves (like a fish's tail) with a jagged edge. They can become tattered in high winds. Simmons Oak Farms grows them out in the open and these look pretty darn great! When they were smaller, they tended to look a little bit wind-whipped!
Fishtails like consistant moisture. Their seeds are irritating to the skin so be sure to wear gloves when handling them and when trimming this palm.
This is a myocarpic plant - that means that, like a century plant, it dies after it blooms. The good news it that Fishtail Palms don't bloom for about 15 years - and only the branch that actually bloomed dies. The other suckering branches keep on growing. The branches are fairly thin, so trimming them is easy for the homeowner.
A mature clump of Caryota mitis will be about 15' wide by 20-25' tall.
Uses: Houseplants, potted outdoors, planted in a group as screening, or singularly as a focal point. Plant it close enough to pathways that the unique leaves can be admired.
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