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. It is drought resistant.
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
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
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
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.