How to Grow and Care for Foxtail Palm at Home

Foxtail palm, Wodyetia bifurcata, is a popular home landscaping tree in the southern U.S., growing well in humid, warm zones 10 and 11. This fairly small tree grows to just 30 feet with a canopy of bright to dark green, rounded, fluffy fronds, said to resemble a fox's tail.

This palm is a fairly low-maintenance tree when grown in a warm, sunny climate. Foxtail palm is fairly salt tolerant, making it a good candidate for coastal locations. It grows about a foot per year reaching mature height in 20 years.

Like other palm trees grown as houseplants, foxtail palm trees grown indoors will be smaller than those outdoors. Indoors it will be mature at about 15 feet tall. Note that seeds are toxic if ingested.

Where to Plant Foxtail Palm

Native to Queensland, Australia, foxtail palm grows best in tropical and subtropical zones. This palm can be grown outdoors in the US in growing zones 10 to 11, in full sun to part shade locations.

Notable, the mature size of the tree grows to 30 feet tall, with a canopy spread of 20 feet, so it's important to allow adequate space when planting close to a home or building. The tree also drops its long fronds naturally, so you'll want to avoid growing it in spots where anything might be damaged by falling fronds.

Foxtail palm can also be grown in containers, however, it struggles as a houseplant in conditions with inadequate light and humidity and thrives best in northern climates if grown in a greenhouse.

How to Plant Foxtail Palm

If you want to add a foxtail palm to your landscape, it's easier and quicker to begin with a nursery-grown tree.

• Choose a planting location in full sun with well-draining sandy soil. You can plant it anytime of year, but spring and early summer are best.
• Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the tree's container.
• Set the tree in the hole so the trunk rests at the same level as in the nursery pot.
• Backfill in, pressing down the soil to remove air pockets.
• Water well and add a 3 to 4-inch layer of mulch.

Foxtail Palm Care

• Plenty of bright, direct sunlight
• Sandy, well draining soil
• Minimum temperature of 60 degree F.

Light

Foxtail palms grow quickly if provided at least 6 hours of bright direct sunlight daily. The tree tolerates part shade but won't grow as fast and may be more vulnerable to fungal diseases.

If you want to try growing this palm as a houseplant, give it as much light as possible. It is difficult to grow foxtail palm indoors unless you have a greenhouse.

Soil

Well-draining sandy soil amended with nutrients, like well-aged compost, works best for this palm tree. Loosen heavy clay soils with sand or plant the tree in a raised mound. The tree prefers acidic soil pH of 5.6 to 7.8.

Water

Water young trees regularly until established which takes up to two years. Mature palms are drought-tolerant and require irrigation only in cases of extended dry periods.

Potted palms need containers with plenty of drainage holes, as waterlogged soil leads to root rot. Container-grown plants also require more frequent irrigation.

Temperature and Humidity

Warm temperatures and lots of humidity make this palm particularly well-suited to the south Florida landscape. Temperatures need to remain at 60 degrees F. or higher to maintain a healthy tree.

If you choose to grow this palm as a houseplant, provide temperatures in the 65 to 85 degrees F. range and give the plant as much light as possible. Consider adding a humidifier to increase moisture in the air.

Fertilizer

Feed foxtail palm in the spring with a fertilizer formulated specifically for palm trees. A 3 to 4 inch layer of mulch discourages weeds and protects the trunk from mower damage.

Pruning

Foxtail palm is self-cleaning and does not require pruning, however you may want to remove dead fronds before they drop. Use a sharp hand pruner to cut the frond at the base being careful to avoid damaging the trunk.

Propagating Foxtail Palm

Propagation can be done by removing suckers or offshoots from the parent tree. However, you will need to dig up the tree and carefully remove offshoots from the base using a sharp knife or hand pruner.

Pot the offshoots in small containers in rich-but-well-draining soil mix. Water them thoroughly and place them in a warm spot out of direct sunlight. New fronds should start to form in several weeks.

How to Grow Foxtail Palm From Seed

Growing from seed is the most common way to propagate foxtail palm, but germination can take anywhere from 2 to 12 months, so stay patient.

Collect seeds from the ripe fruits, soak them to soften, then remove and plant in a nutrient-rich, well-draining potting mix. Cover containers with plastic to retain moisture and keep in a warm location out of bright direct sunlight until sprouting occurs.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

Foxtail palms are susceptible to many of the same common pests and diseases that affect other palm species. Giving your tree the best growing conditions and keeping it watered and fertilized regularly will boost the health of the tree and help it survive problems.

Watch for Pest Pressure

Pests include palm leaf skeletonizers, spider mites, mealybugs, banana moths, whiteflies, and ambrosia beetles and can cause the foliage on your palm to take on a ragged, wilted, or discolored look.

Harsh Chemicals

Palm trees are vulnerable to damage from harsh chemicals, so treat pests with an organic insecticide at the first sign of a problem.

Fungal Diseases

Fungal diseases also crop up including root rot which can lead to plant failure. This is caused by waterlogged soil so plant your tree in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. At the first sign of trouble, like yellowing or wilting fronds, treat the tree with an appropriate fungicide.

Common Problems With Foxtail Palm

Common problems usually occur due to nutrient deficiencies. Young trees may need to be fed monthly during the growing season depending on available soil nutrients. Feed annually in spring with a slow release fertilizer specifically formulated for palm trees.

Brown or Rotting Leaves

The tree may have iron or phosphorous deficiences.

Small or Deformed Leaves

These conditions also are caused by nutritional deficiencies. Manganese shortage causes a condition called 'frizzletop.' Leaves emerge stunted and yellow taking on a withered or scorched look as they mature.

Boron deficiency results in leaves that appear hooked or bent with foliage missing at the tips.