Caryota obtusa

Thai giant mountain fishtail palm
Fast growing and grand. Unsurpassed for exotic impact. Resembles giant tree fern. Protect from chronic winds.
Caryota obtusaCaryota obtusaCaryota obtusaCaryota obtusa
height 30–50ft
width 20–30ft
tolerates Cool Summers, Moist Soil
water
needs		 High
water
info		 This palm appreciates consistent water, but doesn’t want to have soggy feet. Once it’s established, be sure to water it when the top inch or two of the soil is dry. Usually this will mean watering deeply every five to seven days during the dry season. Planting this palm with good drainage will help to make sure it doesn’t accidentally get overwatered.
hardy
to		 28F
exposure Part Sun – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix
fertilizing Palm Fertilizer
origin SE Asia
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 16, 17, 19–24

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

Growing Notes

This solitary palm will grow only one trunk during its lifetime.
Once it’s mature, this palm will naturally shed its leaves, leaving the trunk below the palm’s crown exposed. However, its enormous leaves may need manual removal before they naturally fall.
Palms are generally heavy feeders, so if you want them growing quickly and looking their best, they should be fertilized at least three times a year. Fertilizing at spring equinox, summer solstice and fall equinox will allow for a winter rest. Be sure to feed your palm with a fertilizer that contains micronutrients, especially if you see yellowing leaves or yellow spots on the leaves.
This palm is monocarpic, meaning that once it is fully mature, blooms and sets fruit, it will die. Don’t worry, this takes several decades. The upside of monocarpic palms is that they are very fast growing, giving almost immediate impact in the garden.
Do not handle the fruits without gloves as they will irritate the skin.

Special Interest

This palm’s juicy lush look is an absolute must-have when creating a tropical garden in a temperate climate. Mix it with other broad-leafed plants like cannas, hedychiums, philodendrons, or monsteras.