Outdoor verdict
Foxtail palm lives outside only in a mild winter, about 27F (USDA 10a+). A real freeze marks it. Young plants can wait in a pot. A mature one wants the ground only if the winter clears that number.
A self-cleaning feather palm with a bushy, fox-tail crown. Wild plants are confined to a tiny part of Queensland; cultivated plants need true subtropical heat.
Cold hardiness
Survives about 27°F / -3°C. Outdoor range USDA 10a–11b. Hover or click a zone, state, or country. Click a state to open palms that grow there.
Highlighted USDA zones 10a–11b. Green countries can be grown outdoors.
United States
In range Too cold
World
Native Can be grown
Alaska and Hawaii are state outlines with their overall zone range. A country is painted if its mildest inhabited winter is at least one USDA step milder than this palm’s hardiness.
Winter care
Drainage matters more than a blanket. Soil: Sandy, fast-draining. Water: Water when the top inch is dry (mesic to xeric). Wrapping does not buy an extra zone. If the winter is colder than the kill number, keep it in a pot.
Scientific facts
- The only species in Wodyetia.
- Fronds are plumose: leaflets radiate around the rachis, unlike a flat coconut frond.
- Sustained cold below about 27°F kills the bud. Zone 9b is a gamble, not a climate.
Region of origin
North Queensland, Australia
Native countries
Historical discovery
Known to the Kuuku Ya'u people; the genus honors Wodyeti, the last male speaker of that group. Tony Irvine described the species in 1983, a late formal debut for such a popular landscape palm.
Names
Common names
Foxtail palm
Synonyms
- None widely used
Full care guide
The foxtail palm, also known as Wodyetia bifurcata, is one of the most sought after palm trees for its beautiful and exotic leaves. The foxtail palm is natively from the area of Queensland, Australia. This palm can tolerate temperatures down 27 degrees Fahrenheit thriving in hardiness zones 10a and above. It’s also one of the fastest growing palm trees available.
Growth Rate:
This is an extremely fast growing palm. Under optimal conditions, the fox tail palm can grow by 2-3 feet per year!
Fruit and Flowering:
As it matures, the foxtail palm blooms with clusters of vivid red or orange fruits. Its cream colored flowers eventually produce a small fruit that is not edible. The fruits are toxic for consumption for most animals and humans.
Light Requirements:
If planted outside the foxtail palm requires partial shade to full sun.
Water Requirements:
Moderate watering. Keep it consistently moist but not waterlogged to avoid root rot.
Maintenance Level:
Medium maintenance overall, the foxtail palm appreciates regular watering and high quality palm-specific fertilizer 2-3 times a year. Pruning dead fronds helps maintain its aesthetic appeal, but is not necessary.
Foxtail Palm Common Issues
Common Diseases/Pests
Thankfully, this palm isn’t prone to many diseases or pests. Watch out for spider mites or mealybugs on occasion.
Leaves Browning and Dying
If your Foxtail palm’s leaves are brown and brittle check the moisture of the soil. If the soil is dry, your palm is likely underwatered.
Solution: Water your foxtail palm and fully saturate the soil.
Plant Care
Maintain a regular watering schedule and consider occasional palm-specific fertilizer for optimal growth.
Whether you choose to grow this palm in a garden or indoor space, the foxtail palm adds a touch of tropical elegance wherever it grows. With a little care the foxtail palm can become the centerpiece of your tropical landscape.
Foxtail palm questions
Will Foxtail palm live outside?
Yes, if winter stays above about 27F (USDA 10a+). Below that number it belongs in a pot.
What do nurseries mislabel Foxtail palm as?
Common names wander. The accepted name is Wodyetia bifurcata. Read the Latin on the tag before you buy.
Pot or ground for Foxtail palm in a cold state?
Start it in a pot if you want. The ground is fine only where winter stays above about 27F.
Can I grow multiple Foxtail palms close together?
Yes, Foxtails can be planted relatively close together. Ensure they have enough space for proper growth without overcrowding.
Are Foxtail palms suitable for seaside locations?
Yes, they tolerate salt spray and windy conditions making them a good choice for coastal landscapes.
Related palms
The mix-up, the substitute, then nearby hardiness.
