Gardening Plant Encyclopedia Tree Foxtail Palm This tropical tree needs all the sunshine and warmth it can get. By Viveka Neveln Viveka Neveln Instagram Viveka Neveln is the Garden Editor at BHG and a degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise earned over 3+ decades of practice and study. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing for both print and digital media. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on July 21, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Denny Schrock. Foxtail Palm Overview Genus Name Wodyetia bifurcata Common Name Foxtail Palm Plant Type Tree Light Sun Height 20 to 20 feet Width 10 to 15 feet Foliage Color Blue/Green Season Features Winter Interest Special Features Attracts Birds, Low Maintenance Zones 10 Propagation Seed Planting Foxtail Palm Though it's native to Australia, foxtail palm is well-adapted to growing in areas like South Florida, where winter temperatures stay warm. That's made this palm a go-to variety for tropical landscaping. Its quick growth means you can enjoy a good-size tree in just a few years. Foxtail palm is often planted by itself, but it looks best when grouped or clustered as three or more. This creates the look of a tropical oasis and the perfect spot to place a garden bench or arbor with plantings of lush and colorful tropical plants. 11 Tropical Houseplants You Can Grow for Their Fabulous Flowers Foxtail Palm Care Must-Knows Plant foxtail palms in a spot with full sun; they do best when they get at least six hours of direct sun per day. They tolerate part shade but don't grow as quickly as they do in sunny spots, and can be more susceptible to attack from fungal diseases. Foxtail palms appreciate well-drained sandy soil and aren't suited to spots that see standing water for extended periods. So instead, grow them in raised mounds in areas with a lot of clay or where water may stand. Once established, the trees are drought-tolerant and don't usually require watering to survive. However, they'll grow fastest and look best if given supplemental water during a drought. These palms are moderately salt-tolerant, so they're a fun choice for coastal areas. Keep the fronds looking lush and dark green by applying a fertilizer formulated for palms in the spring. Follow the directions on the product packaging for application rates. Spreading a 3- to 4-inch-deep layer of mulch over the soil at planting time helps cut back on competition from weeds and protect the trunks from lawn mower or string trimmer damage. Because they like a lot of light, foxtail palms can be tricky to grow indoors unless you have a conservatory or greenhouse. But they make beautiful specimens if you have adequate light to keep them alive. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit