Caryota Mitis - Fishtail Palm

The Caryota Mitis, better known as the fishtail palm or the little fish palm, is a fascinating plant that gets its name from the unique shape of its leaves, which are reminiscent of the graceful tails of fish. This evergreen palm, which originates from the lush tropics of Southeast Asia, between India and the Philippines, is not only admirable for its exotic appearance, but also for its adaptability as a houseplant.

Although the Caryota can reach impressive heights of up to 12 metres in its natural habitat, it remains more modest in stature indoors, making it ideal for enlivening both home and office environments. Despite its tropical roots, the plant is surprisingly tolerant of lower light conditions, allowing it to flourish in shadier parts of a room. This makes the Caryota Mitis a versatile and graceful addition, bringing a touch of tropical elegance to any room with its deep green, fin-like leaves.

The Caryota Mitis - Fishtail Palm likes a sip of water

The Caryota Mitis, or Fishtail Palm, thrives with a well-designed watering system that supports its unique needs. Ideal watering keeps the soil consistently slightly moist without allowing the roots to become waterlogged or stand in water, which is crucial to preventing root rot. Adjusting the amount of water given to the size of the plant and the light conditions will improve its health and growth. In brighter conditions, the Caryota will need more water, while in darker locations, less water is required.

Adding small amounts of water on a regular basis, according to the season, will ensure that the Caryota Mitis gets the right amount of moisture it needs. In summer, watering once a week is preferable, while in winter this can be reduced to once every two weeks, to keep the plant in optimum condition. Regularly checking the soil moisture, by simply sticking a finger in the soil, provides a good indication of when it is time to water again. This creates a nurturing environment that allows the Caryota Mitis to thrive and unfold its exotic beauty.

Summer

During the summer it is very important that this plant, when it is outside, is kept well moist. Especially during the warm days it should be watered every day, so that the root ball is well moist. On the less warm days this can sometimes be skipped for a few days. This is so important because otherwise the plant 'drinks' moisture from its leaves, causing it to become dry and eventually die. This should of course be prevented.

Winter

When winter is just around the corner, the rules are reversed! If the Caryota Mitis - Fishtail Palm is outside, it must remain dry so that the moisture does not freeze and damage the plant. The Caryota Mitis - Fishtail Palm does not suffer from a dry root ball during this period, it is in a kind of hibernation!
When the plant is kept indoors during the winter it should be kept slightly moist, so not soaking wet (as in summer), but just so that the root ball feels slightly damp.

General rules

In addition to the above guidelines, it is best to follow these rules:

First, give the plant a little water. If the soil is dry within 2 days, it means it needs a little more water. Adjust the amount of water until it still feels slightly moist between 2 and 5 days after watering, and almost dry after 5 days. If it feels very wet after 5 days, wait until it is almost dry and water again, but reduce the amount.

Spraying

We recommend that you spray the Caryota Mitis - Fishtail Palm with water weekly. However, we do not recommend this during hot summer days, so that you do it either in the evening after sunset, or on days when the sun shines little, because the water droplets bundle the incoming sunlight into small points that become very hot. These cause the leaves to dry out, or even burn through.
Aside from the detrimental effect of bright sunlight on wet leaves, misting has beneficial effects for your Caryota Mitis - Fishtail Palm. Namely, it removes dust from the leaves, allowing them to better absorb sunlight and appear more beautiful, and it prevents certain types of pests.

Where is the best place to place the Caryota Mitis - Fishtail Palm?

An intriguing addition to any interior, the Caryota Mitis thrives in a balance of light and shade. This particular palm prefers a spot in partial shade, with indirect sunlight being the key to optimal growth and maintaining the healthy green color of the leaves. Too dark a spot will make the Caryota crave light, resulting in reduced leaf production, while too bright sunlight can cause the leaves to discolor.

Temperature also plays a significant role in the well-being of the Caryota Mitis. With a comfort zone ranging from a minimum of 7°C at night to an ideal 15°C during the day, this palm craves an environment that mimics the warmth of its tropical homelands. Although the plant does not place high demands on humidity, an occasional misting during drier periods, such as in winter, can help maintain vitality and keep pests away from its beautiful leaves.

Light

The Caryota Mitis - Fishtail Palm is a plant that likes a fair amount of sunlight. It likes to be in full sun or half shade, taking in all the light. Is it indoors? Then it wants a spot near a window or where there is some light. The Caryota Mitis - Fishtail Palm requires at least 1 to 3 hours of direct sunlight per day

Wind

Make sure that the Caryota Mitis - Fishtail Palm experiences as little wind as possible. Wind can damage the leaves, causing them to die off more quickly. A little wind is not a problem.

Temperature requirements

Minimum 0 ℃ during the day
At night minimum 0 ℃

Repotting, why and when?

Repotting the Caryota Mitis plays a crucial role in the maintenance and growth of this unique houseplant. Ideally, the Fishtail Palm should be moved to a larger pot every two to three years, or immediately after purchase, to give the roots more space and encourage growth. This process is best carried out in the spring or early summer, when the plant is in its most active growth period, so that any damage to the roots can quickly recover.

When choosing a new pot for your Caryota, it is essential to select a pot that is not only larger but also has drainage holes. This is to ensure adequate drainage and to prevent the roots from sitting in overly wet soil, which can lead to root rot. Using a moisture-retentive but well-draining universal potting soil or vulcastrat can help to optimise water management, giving your Caryota Mitis every opportunity to flourish in its new home.

General rules

When the Caryota Mitis - Fishtail Palm has taken root (often every 2-3 years) we recommend repotting it in the spring. If it is always indoors, it does not matter. If it is outdoors, it is not a problem to repot it in the summer, but we advise against it in the autumn and winter, because it will not grow and take root optimally. This can make it somewhat weak, and it may suffer damage from frost.

When you choose to repot your Caryota Mitis - Fishtail Palm, choose a nice pot that is twice the size of the root ball. Place a layer of hydro grains at the bottom of the new pot, for better moisture control. It will thank you for that. Fill this layer with some Mediterranean potting soil. This type of soil ensures that the Caryota Mitis - Fishtail Palm roots optimally and is fed. Then you can place the root ball on the ground. Make sure that the top of the root ball is slightly below the edge of the pot. Aim for a difference of 2 to 6 cm. This difference ensures that the water does not run off the root ball when you water it.
Every year you should replace the top layer of soil, because it hardens and 'wears out' in nutrients, due to regular watering and because of the sunlight on the upper edge of the root ball.

Provide the Caryota Mitis - Fishtail Palm with good nutrition

The Caryota Mitis, a beautiful eye-catcher in any interior or office space, flourishes with sufficient love and care, including the right nutrition. This tropical beauty from Southeast Asia needs extra nutrients during the growing season, mainly in spring and summer, to develop and maintain its unique and lush leaves. A balanced nutrition once every two weeks with a food specially tailored to palms such as Pokon Palm Food, ensures that the Caryota retains its characteristic deep green color and powerful appearance. It is important to carefully read the instructions on the packaging for the correct dosage to prevent overfeeding and acidification of the soil.

Feeding should be done sparingly; overfeeding can do more harm than good to the plant. Adhering to a weekly feeding schedule during the growing season will ensure that your Caryota Mitis receives all the essential nutrients it needs for healthy growth and development. Remember to reduce or pause your feeding routine during the fall and winter, as the plant enters a dormant period. With proper care and feeding, this exotic palm will be a living work of art that adds luxury and tropical flair to your space.

When the leaves change color

The leaves can get black leaf tips. This can mean that too much water has been released. Brown or yellow leaves can mean that too little water is being released. We then recommend checking this and possibly adjusting the watering. We also recommend making the plant a bit more beautiful by simply cutting off the ugly tips with scissors.

It is also possible that the Caryota Mitis - Fishtail Palm has been moved from a place with a lot/little light to a place with a different amount of light. This can also cause the leaves to discolour. The new leaves will be more resistant to direct sunlight.

How and when to prune the Caryota Mitis - Fishtail Palm?

The leaves of the Caryota Mitis - Fishtail Palm will eventually wither. If this is the case with a leaf, you can simply cut the stem near the trunk. It is not a problem to cut off an entire leaf with the stem of the plant. This is the way the plant forms its trunk.

How can I propagate the Caryota Mitis - Fishtail Palm?

The Caryota Mitis, better known as the Fishtail Palm, not only has an intriguing appearance but also a unique method of propagation. This elegant plant propagates by seed, a process that requires a touch of patience and attention, but also presents an exciting challenge for tropical plant lovers. A warm and humid environment is essential for successful germination, with seeds placed in well-draining soil to create the ideal germination conditions. Maintaining consistent moisture is crucial, with the soil kept moist but not soaked. Although the Caryota Mitis may have a slower growth rate and seed propagation takes time, it rewards the patient caretaker with its beautiful, unique appearance that brings the tropical atmosphere into your home.