If you’re looking for a palm tree that can add a tropical touch to your garden, Wodyetia might just be the perfect choice. This palm tree is native to Australia and is also known as the Foxtail Palm due to its bushy leaves that resemble a fox’s tail. Here’s everything you need to know about Wodyetia:
Contents
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Arecales |
| Family | Arecaceae |
| Genus | Wodyetia |
Appearance
The Foxtail Palm can grow up to 30 feet tall and 10 feet wide, with a single trunk that is grayish-brown in color and ringed with old leaf scars. The leaves are pinnate and can grow up to 8 feet long, with leaflets that are 2-3 feet long and 1-2 inches wide. The leaves are arranged in a circular pattern at the top of the trunk, giving the tree its distinctive bushy appearance. The tree also produces small flowers that are yellow-orange in color and can bloom year-round.
Care Guide
Wodyetia is a relatively low-maintenance palm tree, but it still requires some care to thrive. Here are some tips:
Water
Wodyetia prefers well-draining soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the tree deeply once a week, or more frequently if the weather is hot and dry.
Fertilization
Feed Wodyetia with a slow-release palm fertilizer in spring and summer, following the package instructions. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can damage the tree.
Soil
Wodyetia prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend the soil with compost or peat moss before planting, if necessary.
Sunlight
Wodyetia prefers full sun to partial shade. Plant the tree in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones
Wodyetia is hardy in USDA zones 10-11. If you live in a colder climate, you can grow Wodyetia in a container and bring it indoors during the winter.
Common Pests & Diseases
Wodyetia is relatively pest- and disease-resistant, but it can be affected by some common palm tree problems:
Fusarium Wilt
This fungal disease can cause the leaves of the tree to turn yellow and wilt. There is no cure for Fusarium wilt, so infected trees should be removed and destroyed to prevent the disease from spreading to other trees.
Spider Mites
These tiny pests can cause the leaves of the tree to yellow and dry out. Treat spider mites with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Scale Insects
These pests can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Treat scale insects with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Wodyetia is native to tropical rainforests in northeastern Australia, where it grows in well-draining soil in full sun to partial shade. The tree is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
Question and Answer
Q: How fast does Wodyetia grow?
A: Wodyetia is a relatively fast-growing palm tree that can grow up to 2-3 feet per year under optimal conditions.
Q: Can Wodyetia grow in a container?
A: Yes, Wodyetia can be grown in a container and makes a great indoor plant.
Q: How often should I prune my Wodyetia?
A: Wodyetia doesn’t require frequent pruning, but you can remove dead or damaged fronds as needed to keep the tree looking neat.
Q: Is Wodyetia toxic to pets?
A: Wodyetia is not known to be toxic to pets, but it’s always a good idea to keep pets away from plants to avoid accidental ingestion.
Related Plants
- Areca Palm
- Coconut Palm
- Queen Palm
- Sago Palm
References
- “Wodyetia bifurcata.” Floridata. Accessed 10 August 2021. https://floridata.com/Plants/Arecaceae/Wodyetia+bifurcata/388
- “Wodyetia bifurcata.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 10 August 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280250&isprofile=0&
- “Wodyetia bifurcata – Foxtail Palm.” University of Florida Extension. Accessed 10 August 2021. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/ST/ST55600.pdf
