About
Caryota mitis is an evergreen palm characterized by its clustered trunks and long, rich green leaves that can reach lengths of up to 4 meters. The leaves consist of triangular leaflets that create a distinctive appearance. In the summer, the plant produces panicles of creamy-white flowers.
About the genus
Caryota consists of evergreen palms characterized by either single or grouped trunks that support large, 2-pinnate leaves at their tops. In summer, these palms produce small cream-colored flowers arranged in extensive panicles.
Growing conditions
- 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
- 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
- Mediterranean climate plants, Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants
- Native to
- SE China to Indo-China & Malesia
- Toxicity
- Harmful if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs, cats): Harmful if eaten, skin irritant - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost in bright filtered light with high humidity. When in growth water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Water sparingly in winter
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in spring at 27°C
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to scale insects and glasshouse red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free