Fish Tail Palm Plant Care
Caryota obtusa Griff.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Caryota obtusa is a species of flowering plant in the palm family Arecaceae. It is native to India, Laos and Thailand.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to partial shade
65–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Fish Tail Palm?
Water Fish Tail Palm every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Fish Tail Palm?
Fish Tail Palm (Caryota obtusa) belongs to the Arecaceae family within the Caryota genus. Fish Tail Palm is native to India, Laos and Thailand.
Fish Tail Palm displays a tall, single-trunk palm growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Fish Tail Palm produces creamy inflorescence with small flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Fish Tail Palm?
Caryota obtusa requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Fish Tail Palm Need?
Fish Tail Palm thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing Fish Tail Palm in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Fish Tail Palm Prefer?
Caryota obtusa grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Fish Tail Palm prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Fish Tail Palm?
Well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Fish Tail Palm to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Fish Tail Palm?
Feed Fish Tail Palm every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Fish Tail Palm?
Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Fish Tail Palm?
Fish Tail Palm can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to clustered fishtail palm plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Fish Tail Palm Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Fish Tail Palm, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Fish Tail Palm?
Fish Tail Palm is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Fish Tail Palm Need?
Fish Tail Palm grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Fish Tail Palm is native to India, Laos and Thailand. In cooler regions, grow Fish Tail Palm as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Fish Tail Palm is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Caryota genus — compare its care with other Caryota species on PlantoScan.
Caryota is part of the Arecaceae plant family — browse all Arecaceae genera and species.
Fish Tail Palm thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Caryota obtusa Griff., family Arecaceae (first published in Calcutta J. Nat. Hist. 5: 480 (1845)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Fish Tail Palm, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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