Family: Arecaceae
Scientific name: Caryota mitis
Common name: Fishtail palm
Origin: South East Asia

This graceful palm species originally comes from the tropical regions of Southeast Asia and is particularly notable for its decorative foliage. A leaf can be up to 3 meters long in the tropics and consists of leaflets that appear to have been torn off on one side. The triangular and ragged shape is reminiscent of a fish tail, hence the common name. It is a popular houseplant which is quite easy to keep. The growth is relatively fast and as a houseplant the height can grow up to 2 meters in the long term. Provide sufficient water and a light location without direct sunlight. In its natural environment, the palm blooms with purple flowers followed by purple fruits. These fruits are poisonous, but as a houseplant the species is unlikely to produce flowers and fruits. 

Sowing instructions: First soak the seeds in water for 24 hours and then sow in seed and cutting soil. Keep the soil slightly moist at all times and store at 22-26 degrees Celsius. Germination often takes a few weeks, but can follow as long as the seeds are hard.  The seeds can germination even after a few months.

Sowing time: Whole year
Difficulty: Intermediate
Minimum temperature: 12 degrees Celsius