How to Grow and Care for Fishtail Palms Indoors

How to Grow and Care for Fishtail Palms Indoors Caryota mitis

If you’ve ever been mesmerized by the gently flowing tail of a fish underwater, you’ll love fishtail palms. They have large leaves with a shape reminiscent of the graceful caudal fin of a goldfish or betta fish.

But before you rush out and buy one, I’m going to level with you. These palms aren’t that easy to grow indoors. They do much better in outdoor environments, in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 to 11.

That’s not to say that you can’t succeed at growing a gorgeous specimen, but it’s going to take some diligence on your part. But isn’t part of the fun of houseplant parenting the challenge of it?

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Once you figure things out, you’ll be rewarded with what I think is one of the most stunning palms out there.

You can do it. To help you achieve success, here’s what you can expect up ahead:

If you want the breezy feel of a tropical vacation, but you don’t feel up to the challenge of caring for a fishtail palm, you might want to consider an areca or a lady palm instead.

But if you’re ready for the task ahead, fishtail palms are worth the work. Ready to learn more? Let’s begin!

What Is a Fishtail Palm?

Fishtail palms belong to the genus Caryota, which includes over a dozen species.

The one that is best adapted and most popular as a houseplant is C. mitis. It’s native to tropical regions across Asia, from India to the Philippines, where it grows in forests and disturbed areas.

And it has been naturalized in tropical areas across the world, including parts of North America, Latin America, and Africa.

It has even become invasive in Australia, Florida, and Hawaii.

The botanical