Foxtail Palm Plant Care
Wodyetia bifurcata A.Irvine
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Wodyetia is a genus of the palm family Arecaceae, containing the single species Wodyetia bifurcata. The species, commonly known as foxtail palm, is native to a very small area of northeastern Queensland, Australia, but has been widely cultivated around the world.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–100°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Foxtail Palm?
Water Foxtail Palm every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–100°F (16–38°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Foxtail Palm Native To?
What Is the Foxtail Palm?
Foxtail Palm (Wodyetia bifurcata) belongs to the Arecaceae family within the Wodyetia genus. Foxtail Palm is native to a very small area of northeastern Queensland, Australia.
Foxtail Palm displays a solitary trunk palm growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Foxtail Palm produces creamy white inflorescence.
Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Foxtail Palm?
Wodyetia bifurcata 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 Foxtail Palm Need?
Foxtail Palm thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Foxtail Palm Prefer?
Wodyetia bifurcata grows best at temperatures of 60–100°F. Foxtail Palm prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–100°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Foxtail Palm?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Foxtail Palm to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Foxtail Palm?
Feed Foxtail 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 Foxtail Palm?
Repot every 2-3 years. 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 Foxtail Palm?
Foxtail Palm can be propagated through seeds.
Is the Foxtail Palm Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Foxtail 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 Foxtail Palm?
Foxtail Palm is susceptible to spider mites, palm aphids. 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 Foxtail Palm Need?
Foxtail Palm grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Foxtail Palm is native to a very small area of northeastern Queensland, Australia. In cooler regions, grow Foxtail Palm as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Foxtail 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 Wodyetia genus — compare its care with other Wodyetia species on PlantoScan.
Wodyetia is part of the Arecaceae plant family — browse all Arecaceae genera and species.
Foxtail 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: Wodyetia bifurcata A.Irvine, family Arecaceae (first published in Principes 27: 163 (1983)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Foxtail 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 13a, 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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