This popular palm grows equally well as a specimen tree or potted for use on an outdoor patio or deck. It has a neat, self-cleaning appearance that makes it especially attractive around swimming pools. It can be cultivated indoors in well-lighted locations.
The clumping base of the fishtail palm rises into many slender gray trunks that end in wide, dark green and upright fronds. The leaflets lining the stems take the shape of fishtails. This palm likes well-drained soils and is moderately salt tolerant. It grows well in partial sun but accepts shade and will flourish in the shadow of larger palm trees. The fishtail palm has a relatively shallow root structure. Plant it in sheltered areas or move potted plants indoors during windstorms.
The fishtail palm produces flower stalks that can grow to as long as two feet. The eye-catching flowers are creamy white to yellow and extend above the greenery. Flowers bloom initially at the top of the stalk and then proceed downward. After the stalk has finished blooming, it will die and should be removed to enhance the appearance and encourage future flowering. This is virtually the only maintenance required by this fast-growing and decorative palm tree.