Overview
Caryota mitis is a clump forming conservatory greenhouse in the genus Caryota, part of the Arecaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 4-8 metres tall and 2.5-4 metres wide, reaching full size in around 20-50 years. Caryota mitis grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1c. It is drought resistant. Suggested uses include architectural, city and courtyard gardens and patio and container plants.
About
Caryota mitis, known as the clustering fishtail palm or fishtail palm, is a species of palm native to Tropical Asia from India to Java to southern China, now sparingly naturalized in southern Florida and in parts of Africa and Latin America. The species was originally described from Vietnam in 1790. In Florida, it grows in hummocks and in disturbed wooded areas. It grows to around 4-8 metres tall and 2.5-4 metres wide, carrying evergreen foliage. Grow it in full sun and loam and sand soil. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, west-facing, east-facing and north-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Caryota mitis
About the genus
Caryota is a genus of palm trees. They are often known as fishtail palms because of the shape of their leaves.
Wikipedia contributors, "Caryota", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Caryota
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Caryota
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1c
Plant details
Caryota mitis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Palms
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Caryota mitis
- Propagation
- Seed sown in spring at 27°C
- Pest resistance
- Scale insects, Glasshouse red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Caryota mitis?
Caryota mitis prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Caryota mitis need?
Caryota mitis grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Caryota mitis grow?
Caryota mitis reaches a height of 4-8 metres and a spread of 2.5-4 metres. It takes around 20-50 years to reach full size.
Is Caryota mitis hardy in the UK?
Caryota mitis has an RHS hardiness rating of H1c, meaning it needs a warm, frost-free position of 5–10°C and is best grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Caryota mitis?
Seed sown in spring at 27°C.