Caryota

Family Arecaceae. Native to India, Indochina, Asia, and the islands of the Malay Archipelago. The genus Caryota includes 12 species.

Caryota mitis - or the "fishtail" palm, is distinguished by its characteristic leaf structure - the leaf has somewhat torn-looking edges and is drooping, which makes it resemble a fish tail. In home conditions this palm usually does not exceed 1.5 meters.

Leaf color is dark green, with lighter stripes along the veins; the underside of the leaf is lighter with specks of reddish dots. Caryota produces long runners (suckers), at the tips of which daughter rosettes form. It produces a panicle inflorescence of small inconspicuous white-pink flowers. Blooms in spring at 2-3 years of age.



Temperature: Moderate throughout the year - 14-18°С, preferably not higher. The winter minimum for Caryota is 13°С. If Caryota is kept at higher temperatures around 22°С, it should be misted as often as possible.

Lighting: Bright location, with protection from direct sunlight. However, do not place this palm in a shaded spot. In winter the lighting should be very good.

Watering: The frequency of watering depends on the temperature at which the plant is kept. In general, watering should be even: abundant in spring and summer, and moderate or infrequent in autumn and winter. The soil should not be too wet, otherwise it becomes waterlogged, which is indicated by brown leaf tips. The soil should also not dry out.

Based on materials from the website www.iplants.ru