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Clustering Fishtail Palm (Caryota mitis) growing in South Florida
Grade Florida #1

Clustering Fishtail Palm — South Florida Plant Guide

Caryota mitis

Family: Arecaceae · Palm

Legal status pending editorial verification. Confirm with your county before installation.

Landscape Uses

specimentropical accentpoolsidefoundation plantingscreening

Style Tags

tropicalresortexoticlush

South Florida Growing Guide

Light Requirements

Full SunPartial SunPartial Shade

Water Requirements

Low3/10

Once established (12–18 months), Clustering Fishtail Palm is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Moderate water needs. Water regularly during establishment (2 years). Once established, tolerates South Florida's seasonal rainfall patterns. Supplement during extended dry periods.

Soil and Fertilization

sandyloamlimestone

Fertilizer: Palm specialty 8-2-12-4Mg slow-release granular.

Schedule: February, May, October with palm specialty fertilizer 8-2-12-4Mg.

Salt Tolerance

Low (3/10) — plant away from salt air exposure
Mature Height
1525 ft
Mature Width
815 ft
Growth Rate
moderate
Water Demand
3/10
Florida Grade
Florida #1
Installed Cost
$$$
USDA Zones
10a, 10b, 11
FLEPPC Status
None
Iguana Rating
5/10

Where to Buy in South Florida

Find Clustering Fishtail Palm at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does Clustering Fishtail Palm grow in South Florida?

Clustering Fishtail Palm has a moderate growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.

Is Clustering Fishtail Palm safe for pets?

Clustering Fishtail Palm is not safe for pets. Fruit sap contains calcium oxalate crystals — toxic to pets if ingested. Fruit drop can be a hazard.

How much water does Clustering Fishtail Palm need in South Florida?

Low water needs (3/10). Once established (12–18 months), Clustering Fishtail Palm is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Can Clustering Fishtail Palm tolerate salt air in South Florida?

Clustering Fishtail Palm has low salt tolerance (3/10) and is not recommended near areas with significant salt air exposure.

Is Clustering Fishtail Palm available in Miami-Dade County?

In Miami-Dade County, Clustering Fishtail Palm is classified as: allowed. Allowed.

County Availability in South Florida

Miami-Dade County

Allowed

Allowed. Non-restricted.

USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.

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Broward County

Allowed

Allowed. Used in Broward residential and commercial landscapes.

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.

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Palm Beach County

Allowed

Allowed. Cold sensitivity limits exposed Palm Beach County sites.

USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.

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Collier County

Allowed

Allowed. Limited availability in Collier County.

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.

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Monroe County

Allowed

Allowed. Low salt tolerance — inland or protected sites.

USDA Zone 11. Tropical maritime, highest salt exposure of all 5 counties.

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Full ordinance references and permit requirements available to Professional subscribers. Always verify current county requirements before installation.

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Ask about Clustering Fishtail Palm

Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.