Foxtail Palm (Wodyetia bifurcata) Care: How to Keep Your Foxtail Palm Healthy

Last Updated on June 25, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford

If you have a foxtail palm in your home, it’s important to give it the care it needs to stay healthy. In this blog post, we will discuss the best ways to take care of your foxtail palm so that it stays lush and green for years to come.

We’ll cover everything from watering and fertilizing to pest control and pruning. So if you want to learn how to keep your foxtail palm looking its best, keep reading!

In this article

Quick Care Guide

– Water your foxtail palm regularly, but do not overwater it. The soil should be moist, but not wet.

– Fertilize your foxtail palm twice a year with a high-quality palm fertilizer.

– Protect your foxtail palm from pests like scale, spider mites, and mealybugs.

– Prune off any dead or damaged fronds regularly.

Foxtail palm identification

The foxtail palm is a unique-looking plant that is easy to identify. It has long, green leaves that taper to a point, and it grows a thick stalk from the top of the leaf cluster. The foxtail palm can grow up to 20 feet tall, so it is best suited for large gardens or outdoor landscapes.

Foxtail palm seeds

If you want to grow your own foxtail palm, you can purchase the seeds online or at a garden center. The seeds are small and black, and they should be planted in late winter or early spring. Be sure to water the plants regularly, and they will start to produce fruit within a few years.

Foxtail palm height

The foxtail palm can grow up to 20 feet tall, making it a perfect choice for large gardens or outdoor landscapes. If you have limited space in your home, you may want to consider another type of palm plant.

Foxtail palm fruit

The foxtail palm produces small, black fruit that is edible but not very tasty. The fruit can be eaten fresh or cooked, and it is a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Foxtail palm leaves

The foxtail palm has long, green leaves that taper to a point. The leaves are tough and durable, and they can withstand high winds and heavy rains.

Planting foxtail palm

If you want to plant a foxtail palm in your garden, it is best to wait until late winter or early spring. The seeds are small and black, and they should be planted in a sunny spot with well-drained soil.

Foxtail palm growth rate

The foxtail palm grows slowly, and it can take several years for the plant to reach its full height. Be sure to provide plenty of water and fertilizer if you want your foxtail palm to grow quickly.

When to plant?

Where to plant?

The foxtail palm should be planted in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Be sure to water the plant regularly, and fertilize it twice a year with a high-quality palm fertilizer.

How to plant?

If you are planting a foxtail palm from a pot, first loosen the soil around the edges of the pot and then invert it onto the ground. Gently tap on the bottom of the pot until the plant pops out. If you are planting a foxtail palm from bare root, gently spread out the roots before placing it in the ground. Make sure to water your foxtail palm well after planting.

How deep should you plant a foxtail palm?

The depth of the hole should be twice as wide as the pot and just as deep. If you are planting a foxtail palm from bare root, place the roots in the hole and cover with soil.

How far apart should you plant foxtail palms?

Foxtail palms should be planted at least five feet apart.

Caring for foxtail palm

Foxtail palms should be fertilized twice a year, in the spring and fall. Use a balanced fertilizer such as 15-15-15. Follow the instructions on the package. Do not overfertilize, as this can damage your foxtail palm.

Water your foxtail palm regularly, especially during the summer months. Make sure the soil is moist but not wet. Foxtail palms do not like to be constantly wet, as this can lead to root rot.

In the winter, foxtail palms should be watered less frequently. Once a month should be sufficient. When temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, stop watering altogether until temperatures rise again.

Sun and shade needs

Foxtail palms prefer full sun but can tolerate some shade. In the summer, foxtail palms should be given at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. In the winter, they can tolerate four hours of direct sunlight per day.

If you are growing your foxtail palm in a pot, make sure to move it to a sunnier spot in the winter. If you do not have a sunny spot, consider using a grow light to supplement sunlight.

Temperature needs

Foxtail palms prefer temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate cooler or warmer temperatures, but they may not grow as well outside of their preferred range.

Watering Needs

Foxtail palms need to be watered regularly, but they should not be kept constantly wet. The soil should be allowed to dry out a little bit between waterings.

Make sure to give your foxtail palm plenty of water during the summer months, when the plant is growing the most. Foxtail palms can survive in dry conditions, but they will not grow as well if they don’t get enough water.

Soil Needs

Foxtail palms need well-draining soil that is high in organic matter. A good potting mix for foxtail palms can be made with equal parts of peat moss, sand, and bark mulch.

Your foxtail palm will also do well in a soil mixture that is specifically designed for bromeliads or epiphytes. You can find this type of soil at most garden stores.

If you are growing your foxtail palm in the ground, make sure to use a soil mixture that is high in organic matter and drains well.

Fertilizing foxtail palm

Fertilizing foxtail palms is important for keeping them healthy and growing. You can use a balanced palm fertilizer or an all-purpose garden fertilizer. Sprinkle the fertilizer around the base of the plant, taking care to avoid getting it on the leaves. Fertilize twice a year, in spring and autumn.

Pruning foxtail palm

Pruning foxtail palms is necessary for keeping them healthy and looking good. Remove any dead or damaged fronds, as well as any suckers that grow from the base of the plant. Prune in spring and autumn, using sharp scissors or a knife. Make sure to sterilize your cutting tools before use, to prevent the spread of disease.

Propagation of foxtail palm

Propagating foxtail palms is easy and fun. You can propagate them by division, seeds or cuttings.

To divide a foxtail palm, use a sharp knife to cut it into two equal parts. Make sure each part has at least one healthy frond and a good root system.

To propagate foxtail palms by seeds, collect the fruit when it is ripe and dry it out. Then, remove the seeds and plant them in a pot of moist soil.

To propagate foxtail palms by cuttings, take a stem from a healthy plant and dip it into rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in moist soil and keep it moist until it roots.

Transplanting foxtail palm

Transplanting foxtail palms is a tricky business. Make sure to do it during the correct time of year, and always use a pot that is slightly larger than the original pot. Never transplant in the middle of summer, when the plant is most active.

Water the foxtail palm well before transplant

Troubleshooting

If you are experiencing any of the following problems with your foxtail palm, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with some troubleshooting tips.

The leaves on your foxtail palm are turning yellow.

If the leaves on your foxtail palm are turning yellow, it may be a sign that your plant is not getting enough light. Try moving it to a location where it will receive more sunlight.

If the leaves on your foxtail palm are turning yellow, and you have already moved it to a location with more sunlight, it may be a sign that your plant is getting too much sun. In this case, try moving it to a location where it will receive less sunlight.

The fronds (leaves) on your foxtail palm are browning and dying. What could be the problem?

The foxtail palm is a beautiful, tropical plant that can add a splash of color to any room. However, if you’re not careful, it can be very easy to kill your foxtail palm. One common mistake people make is overwatering their plants. Foxtail palms like dry soil, so make sure you only water your plant when the soil is dry to the touch.

Another common mistake people make is giving their foxtail palm too much sun. Foxtail palms need moderate sunlight, so if you’re keeping your plant indoors, make sure it’s in a spot where it will get indirect light.

If your foxtail palm is getting too much sun or water, the leaves will start to brown and die. If this happens, move your plant to a new location or reduce the amount of water you’re giving it.

If your foxtail palm is healthy, it will produce fruit. The fruit is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked.

Growing Problems

Foxtail palms are a popular houseplant because they are easy to care for and can grow quite large. However, even foxtail palms can have growing problems. If your foxtail palm is not growing well, it may be due to one of the following causes:

Poor soil quality

Foxtail palms need well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is poor or clay-like, it may be causing your palm to not grow properly.

Overwatering

Foxtail palms do not like wet feet and can rot if they are constantly exposed to waterlogged conditions. Make sure to give your palm plenty of drainage and only water when the soil is dry to the touch.

Lack of sunlight

Foxtail palms need plenty of bright light in order to grow well. If your palm is not getting enough light, it may become stunted or lose its leaves. Try moving your palm closer to a window or adding some artificial light.

Pests and Diseases

Foxtail palms are also susceptible to pests and diseases. Some of the most common problems include:

Scale insects

These tiny bugs can be difficult to spot, but they can cause significant damage to a palm tree. Look for small brown or black bumps on the leaves and stems of the plant and treat with an insecticide if necessary.

Rust

This fungal disease can cause the leaves of a foxtail palm to turn yellow or brown and fall off. There is no cure for rust, but you can remove infected leaves and dispose of them properly.

Fungal infections

These diseases can cause the leaves, stems, or fruit of a foxtail palm to rot. Treatment with a fungicide may be necessary.

By knowing the common growing problems for foxtail palms, you can take steps to prevent them from happening in your own garden. With a little bit of care and attention, your foxtail palm will be healthy and thriving in no time!

How much does a foxtail palm cost?

Foxtail palms are a relatively expensive houseplant, typically costing between $30 and $50. However, they can last for many years with proper care, making them a wise investment. If you are looking for a beautiful and easy-to-care-for plant, then the foxtail palm is definitely worth considering!

Related: How Much Do Palm Trees Cost?

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Other palm trees:

FAQs

How to tell if a foxtail palm is dead?

If a foxtail palm appears to be dead, there are a few things you can do to determine if it is truly deceased. First, check for any signs of life, such as green leaves or stems. If the plant is still alive, then simply give it some extra water and light and wait for it to start growing again.

How tall does a foxtail palm get?

Foxtail palms typically grow to be around 15-20 feet tall, but they can reach up to 30 feet in height under the right conditions.

Is foxtail palm fruit edible?

The fruit of the foxtail palm is edible, but it is not typically eaten because it has a bitter taste. However, some people do enjoy eating foxtail palm fruit, so if you decide to give it a try, be sure to use caution as the seeds are poisonous.

Are foxtail palms poisonous to pets?

No, foxtail palms are not poisonous to pets. However, the seeds of the plant can be dangerous if ingested, so it is important to keep them away from animals if you have a foxtail palm in your yard.

How long does foxtail palm live?

Foxtail palms typically live for around 50 years, but they can sometimes last for up to 100 years. As long as you care for your foxtail palm properly, it should stay healthy and looking good for many years.

How cold hardy are foxtail palms?

Foxtail palms are considered to be a tropical plant, so they do not tolerate cold weather well. If the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, your foxtail palm may start to show signs of stress. For this reason, it is important to keep your foxtail palm in a warm environment if you live in a colder climate.

Conclusion

Thanks for reading our guide on foxtail palm care! We hope you found it helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below. And be sure to check back soon for more gardening tips and advice.