The Fishtail Palm, also known as Caryota mitis, is a striking clustering palm named for its unique, ragged leaflets that look like a fish’s tail or fin. Fast to fill in and naturally dense, it forms a lush, multi-stemmed clump that’s widely used across South Florida for tropical privacy screens, accents, and bold green backdrops.
Why Florida Customers Choose Us
Fishtail Palm Breakdown
Appearance:
Instantly recognizable for its distinctive bipinnate, jagged-edged leaflets shaped like fishtails — a look no other palm offers.
It grows as a clustering palm with multiple stems rising from the base, developing a full, bushy form that creates a dense green wall as it matures.
Growth Rate:
Moderate to fast in good light.
Continually sends up new shoots from the base, filling in to a thick clump over time.
Size:
Outdoors it typically reaches 15–25 feet tall with an 8–12 foot spread, and can reach up to 30 feet in ideal conditions.
Stays smaller (around 6–10 feet) when grown in containers or indoors.
Sunlight Requirements:
Full sun to shade.
It adapts to a wide range of light, though growth is fuller and faster in brighter conditions and slower in deeper shade.
Water Needs:
Moderate.
Drought-tolerant once established but prefers consistently moist, well-draining soil. Keep evenly moist — not soggy — for the lushest growth.
Soil Preferences:
Thrives in rich, well-draining soil.
Adapts to most Florida soils with good drainage and benefits from organic matter.
Maintenance:
Low.
Remove older or spent stems and any dead fronds to keep the clump tidy. Largely pest-free with proper watering.
Landscape Use:
Ideal for privacy screens, living fences, and property lines, as well as tropical accents, poolside plantings, and large containers.
Its density makes it especially popular for screening between neighbors.
Climate Tolerance:
Moderately cold tolerant; best in USDA zones 9B–11.
Thrives in warm, humid climates and is happiest in the warmer areas of South Florida.
The Fishtail Palm is a bold, fast-filling clustering palm that brings instant tropical character and dense, natural privacy to the landscape. Its one-of-a-kind foliage and lush, multi-stemmed form make it a standout choice for screens, accents, and statement plantings year-round.
Florida Delivery Available
We have in-stock Fishtail Palm ready to ship throughout Florida. Multiple sizes available with professional installation options. Order online or text/call 561-898-2028 for expert advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Plant & Care for Fishtail Palm in Florida
Choose Sun + Clearance
Palms prefer full to partial sun. Allow room for frond spread and future trunk growth.
Plant Slightly High
Dig a wide hole and plant with the root ball level to slightly above grade. Palms do not like being buried.
Backfill + Water In
Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly to settle. Avoid compacting too aggressively.
Consistent Watering (Critical)
Water deeply and consistently during the first few weeks. Most palm issues come from under-watering early on.
Fertilizer + Pruning
Remove only fully brown fronds. Apply a slow-release palm fertilizer after the palm has settled in.
Professional Installation Available: Not comfortable planting yourself? We offer expert installation services throughout Florida. Our team has 15+ years of experience ensuring your plants thrive. Call 561-898-2028 to add installation to your order.
What Florida Customers Say
Excellent communication and awesome product! At an incredible price too! We're really happy with our new palm trees 🌴 Thank you so much!
Exceptional service!!! Awesome customer service. Dany was very helpful and answered my questions promptly. My palm tree was delivered quickly. They will be my 1st choice when looking for unique and nice looking plants. The Best in the Business..100% recommended 😃😃😃
Installed 11 4.5ft clusia plants in my front lawn, quality work finished in great time, thank you!
