I couldn't help but notice these poor foxtail palms for sale at a Houston-area garden center. Why do I feel bad for them? I know these won't survive our next winter.

Another insect that is plaguing the coconut, areca and foxtail palms is the rugose spiraling whitefly. This whitefly feeds by sucking the sap from the host plant's leaves.

Another non-Caryota fishtail palm that demands mention is foxtail palm, which has become a common sight in Central Florida during the past 20 years.

Now, instead of a half-dozen cold-hardy palms, intrepid gardeners are trying their hands with royal, Bismarck, Christmas, foxtail, bottle and even a few scattered coconut palms.