The Fishtail Palm (Caryota mitis) is a lush, clustering palm named for its unique, ragged leaflets shaped like a fish’s tail — a texture no other palm offers. Fast to fill in and naturally dense, it forms a multi-stemmed clump widely used across South Florida for tropical privacy screens and bold green backdrops.
Why Florida Customers Choose Us
Fishtail Palm Breakdown
Appearance:
Multiple slender stems rising from a clump, each with large bipinnate fronds made up of wedge-shaped, jagged-edged leaflets.
Mature stems produce hanging flower stalks followed by round red fruit; each stem flowers from the top down over several years and is then replaced by new shoots from the base.
Growth Rate:
Moderate to fast in good light and moisture.
Continually sends up new shoots, so the clump keeps thickening.
Size:
20–25 feet tall and 10–15 feet wide as a mature clump.
Available in 15-gallon (4–5 feet), 25-gallon (6–8 feet), and field-grown (10–18 feet).
Sunlight Requirements:
Part shade to full sun.
Takes full South Florida sun with steady water; in light shade the fronds stay a deeper green.
Water Needs:
Moderate.
Likes evenly moist soil and regular irrigation, especially in full sun; tolerates short dry spells once established.
Soil Preferences:
Rich, moist, well-drained soil with organic matter; mulch well.
Maintenance:
Medium.
Cut out stems that have finished fruiting and remove old fronds; thin the clump occasionally to keep it open. Feed with palm fertilizer 2–3 times a year. The fruit pulp can irritate skin, so wear gloves when cleaning up beneath it.
Landscape Use:
Tall privacy screens, tropical backdrops, poolside and courtyard plantings, and large specimens for shaded or sunny beds.
Climate Tolerance:
USDA zones 10b–11.
Fronds are damaged at freezing; plant in a sheltered spot in colder inland areas.
For a privacy screen with real texture, nothing fills a corner faster or looks more tropical than a well-watered Fishtail clump.
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 😃😃😃
Do not look any further. These guys are awesome. Punctual, WAY more affordable plants than Home Depot, and the quality of plants delivered were far superior than any nursery I've been to. Great to deal with and very professional. Our installer went above and beyond to insure our satisfaction and he was a true professional.
