The Foxtail Palm is aptly named for its bushy, tail-like fronds that grow out of its green crown. The fast-growing palm deserves a special spot in your home as long as you don’t mind the tall height when the tree matures.
Quick answer
Foxtail palm trees are rapid growers and can achieve a height of about 30 feet
How Tall Do Foxtail Palms Grow?
Foxtail palm trees are rapid growers and can achieve a height of about 30 feet in length. The palm variety has a spread of 15 to 20 feet, with the gracefully arching fronds dipping and forming the shape of an open umbrella.
If you’re wondering, ‘how fast does a foxtail palm tree grow?’ they will usually shoot up a foot or more annually, topping out at 30 feet in about twenty years or so. It’s worth noting that although foxtail palms are vigorous plant species they take their time and mature at around twelve years.
How to Care for a Foxtail Palm Tree
The Foxtail Palm grows best in USDA zones 10 and 11, but there are several zone 9 areas that can still try to keep the palm tree as a specimen in their yard or garden. It can survive light frost and freezes down to around 29 degrees F without experiencing cold damage.
Sun Requirements
You’ll want to give the tropical plant full sun so it can reach its full potential and provide lush greenery, but the foxtail palm is fairly forgiving and can still grow where there’s partial sun. Anywhere between 6 to 10 hours of direct sun should suffice.
Soil and Fertilizer Requirements
Plant your foxtail palm in well-draining soil with organic material, such as peat, aged compost, and humus. It is worth noting that palms are fairly heavy feeders, with the foxtail tree wanting the same. Start giving your palm tree a dose of granular palm fertilizer every season and at the recommended dosage per the manufacturer’s instructions. To keep the fronds lush and green, you can supplement with magnesium or manganese.
Watering Requirements
As for watering, you will want to keep the soil consistently moist after planting and throughout the tree’s first year of life. Then, as the foxtail palm gets established you can lower the irrigation frequency. As a general rule, you should water more on hot days and during the summer season, and less in fall and winter.
Foxtail palm tree owners will love the fact that this palm specimen is self-cleaning, which means that the tree will shed old fronds without any help from you. Therefore, you won’t need to do some pruning or trimming to keep your palm tree looking its best. What’s more, the species is suited for urban environments and is highly tolerant of wind and salt.
How Close to Plant Foxtail Palm Trees?
You should observe at least a distance of 8 feet when planting a foxtail palm near your house. As for planting in rows, you can observe a space of a minimum of 6 feet if you plan on creating a natural border. Not doing otherwise can lead to a damaged structure and a crowded row of foxtail palm trees.