It is almost impossible to find one wodyetia bifurcata and not be surprised by its size and leaves. Not in vain, it is considered one of the most beautiful palm trees in the world and is an extraordinary addition to any garden looking for a slightly more tropical touch.
If you look closely, you won't be surprised that it has earned the nickname foxtail, because its green foliage takes on a shape that reminds us of the tail of that animal. In addition, it has a feathery appearance. Would you like to have it in your garden? Let's see what care it needs!
Wodyetia bifurcata or foxtail palm
Native to northern Australia, this variety of palm tree is highly appreciated inside and outside its country of origin for its attractive appearance. Perfect for tropical and subtropical style gardens. Furthermore, as with all palm trees, It does not require too much care to look its best.
Regarding its characteristics, we can highlight the following:
- Trunk. Unlike other palm trees that end up developing a very thick trunk, the foxtail can measure between 10 and 12 meters, and always rises on a thin, ringed trunk, in shades ranging from gray to brown.
- Leaves. The foliage of this palm tree is the most attractive. Its leaves are divided into segments or pinnae that grow from the top of the trunk, with a feathery appearance and a shape similar to a fox's tail. They can grow up to two or three meters in length.
- Flowers. As with many palm trees, flowering is something that often goes unnoticed. In this case the flowers are small, usually white or pale yellow, and are grouped in clusters between the upper leaves. Hence, if we are in front of a very tall palm tree we do not even realize that it has bloomed.
- Fruits. The fruits of the Wodyetia bifurcata are not of interest for human consumption, but they are for birds. They are red or orange, small and ovoid in shape.
- fast growth We are used to palm trees growing slowly and slowly, but this variety escapes that common characteristic of its species. Its growth is faster and it can reach its maximum height in a few years.
What care does Wodyetia bifurcata need in a garden?
This is a very resistant and easy-to-care variety. If you give it the conditions it needs in terms of light and watering, in a few years you will have an impressive palm tree.
To achieve better results, these are the essential care that you should give to the new protagonist of your garden:
Lighting conditions
Being originally from Australia, you can imagine that this palm tree likes to receive a lot of light. In fact, it has no problem withstanding the direct impact of the sun for hours. If it receives a minimum of six hours of light a day, its growth will accelerate.
What it doesn't do well at all is the shadow. It can tolerate some partial shade, but if it does not have enough light it will never develop as it should.
Ideal temperature for the foxtail palm
Heat is not a problem for this variety of palm tree, since it is accustomed to warm, tropical temperatures. And when this happens, you know that the cold can become an enemy.
Wodyetia bifurcata suffers greatly if exposed to frost, and could even die. Therefore, what we advise you is that the protect yourself during the winter if you live in a very cold area.
Apply mulch at its base (without touching the trunk) so that the roots do not receive so much cold. You can protect the body and foliage with an anti-frost cloth or simply with plastic.
When dealing with how to protect palm trees from the coldGetting it right can make a big difference to your well-being, so don't let it pass you by.
Watering the Wodyetia bifurcata
The best thing for her is that you apply a regular watering during the period of active growth, which occurs between spring and summer. The ideal is that the substrate is always slightly moist, but without ever being soaked.
Taking advantage of irrigation you can apply a little special fertilizer for palm trees. This is more than enough to do once a month in the spring and summer months.
In winter the palm tree enters a resting phase and you can space out watering much more. In fact, if you live in an area where it usually rains, the water it receives naturally will be enough.
Culture medium
Excess moisture is not good for the roots of the foxtail palm, so you will notice that your plant is much better if it is in a soil with good drainage capacity.
The simplest thing in these cases is to mix the garden soil with a little sand, perlite or coconut fiber so that the substrate is lighter and drains moisture better.
Growing Wodyetia bifurcata in a pot
You don't need to have a huge garden to enjoy the beauty of this plant, because you already know that Palm trees also grow well in pots.
In this case, make sure that the container has good drainage and that you use the highest quality substrate. If you take good care of it it will grow quickly, so you must pay attention to do the transplants that may be necessary.
Foxtail Palm Pruning
Pruning a palm tree becomes excessively complicated when it is already several meters high. In fact, the most advisable thing is leave this task in the hands of gardening professionals.
However, this palm tree does not need regular pruning more than to eliminate those leaves that are dry or damaged. For the rest, it is better to let it grow freely.
The Wodyetia bifurcata is a palm tree with a spectacular size and appearance. Do you have one at home, how has your experience with it been? Tell us in the comments!