Create your own tropical oasis with foxtail palmthriving in sunshine and humidityor propagate one indoors.
A well-grown tree can have massive fronds up to 12 feet long.
It produces clusters of colorful red fruits, which add to its ornamental appeal.
Denny Schrock.
It comes in single-trunk and multi-trunk varieties.
Its quick growth means you could enjoy a good-sized tree in just a few years.
Select a location that receives full sun and has fertile, well-draining, sandy soil.
These palms are moderately salt-tolerant, so they’re a good choice for coastal areas.
Plant at least 6 feet apart if planting a row of foxtail palms.
Dig a hole twice as wide and about as deep as the nursery container.
Press down on the soil to remove air pockets and water it well.
Apply a layer of mulch 4 inches deep.
They should need little care with the right weather, light, and soil.
Soil and Water
Foxtail palms appreciate well-drained sandy soil that’s slightly acidic.
They aren’t suited to spots that see standing water for extended periods.
Once established, the trees aredrought-tolerantand don’t usually require watering to survive.
When first planted, water regularly for one to two years.
After they’re established, water once a week or more, depending on how dry the soil gets.
Temperatures should not go below 60oF for them to stay healthy.
Keep in mind that Foxtail palm is challenging to grow indoors unless you have a greenhouse.
This tropical plant loves humidityuse a humidifier to provide extra moisture indoors.
Pruning
Because foxtail palms are self-cleaning, there’s rarely a need to prune their leaves.
Keep the roots moist for a few days before transplanting.
Keep the plant out of sunlight for the first few days to give the roots a chance to set.
Both of these problems are a result of poor drainage or overwatering, causing the roots to become mushy.
Be judicious about how much you water foxtail palms.
Other issues includeleaf blightand brown spot.
Both can be treated with a fungicide.
Some trees suffer from iron or potassium deficiencies, which can be remedied with fertilizer.
Brown or rotting leaves are symptoms of these problems.
Insects that can be a problem for these trees includemealybugs, banana moths, whiteflies, and ambrosia beetles.
Fill the container with well-draining sandy planting medium or potting soil.
Lay the seed horizontally and cover it with only 1/4 inch of the medium.
Cover the container with plastic to maximize humidity and heat.
As they grow, move each seedling to its own container, selecting a heavy-duty pot with drainage holes.
At this point, they can live as houseplants or be moved outdoors.
Foxtail palms can grow up to 30 feet in height and 15 feet wide.
