Overwintering guide
How to overwinter giant fishtail palm
Winter watering
Water rarely, and only in dry spells — winter wet is a bigger risk than winter cold. Make sure containers drain freely.
The mistake that kills giant fishtail palm in winter
Leaving giant fishtail palm in a pot standing in a saucer of water. Waterlogged compost freezes solid around the roots and kills plants that would have survived the cold perfectly well.
More giant fishtail palm care
- Overwintering giant fishtail palm — our other guide for the same plant
- Full giant fishtail palm care guide
- Giant Fishtail Palm temperature range
- How often to water giant fishtail palm
- How to prune giant fishtail palm
- Common giant fishtail palm problems & fixes
- Best plant identifier apps — tested and ranked
Overwintering giant fishtail palm — FAQ
Does giant fishtail palm need to come indoors for winter?
Giant Fishtail Palm is hardy to roughly USDA zone 8 — winter lows around -12°C. That means it survives outside in mild areas, but wants shelter in a hard winter. Giant Fishtail Palm can stay outside over winter in most areas, but appreciates some protection in a cold snap. Mulch generously over the root zone, move containers against a sheltered wall (pots freeze far harder than open ground), and have horticultural fleece ready for the worst nights. The roots are what you are protecting — top growth can be sacrificed and regrown.
When should I move giant fishtail palm for winter?
Mulch and move pots into shelter in late autumn, before the first hard frosts.
How often should I water giant fishtail palm in winter?
Water rarely, and only in dry spells — winter wet is a bigger risk than winter cold. Make sure containers drain freely.
What kills giant fishtail palm over winter?
Leaving giant fishtail palm in a pot standing in a saucer of water. Waterlogged compost freezes solid around the roots and kills plants that would have survived the cold perfectly well.