Chinese fan palms (Livistona chinensis) are popular landscape plants in warm, humid climates and are also fairly suitable as indoor potted palms. These palms are also known by the common name fountain palm due to the way their fronds arch up and then spill downward like water from a fountain. Each frond can grow 40 to 60 inches long. Show
It is best to plant Chinese fan palms in the spring. These slow-growing palms have a bushy appearance when they are young. But in roughly a decade, their single, slender, grayish-brown trunk will have grown tall enough to be classified as a tree.
The Spruce / Kara Riley The Spruce / Kara Riley Chinese Fan Palm CareChinese fan palms are fairly hardy and are not overly particular about their growing conditions, which makes them a good choice for beginner gardeners. Still, providing the right amount of light, warmth, and water is a must for growing a healthy plant. Whether you grow these palms in a container or in the ground, they require good soil drainage. WarningChinese fan palm is listed officially as an invasive plant in Florida, Hawaii, and Bermuda, as well as in other wet, warm areas around the world. It can readily escape gardens and colonize to form thickets that block out native plant species. Use caution when planting this palm in these regions or in any environment that is extremely favorable. LightChinese fan palms grow best in full sun to partial shade, meaning that they need at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight on most days. Young palms prefer some shade, especially from the hot afternoon sun. Indoors, these palms do best located by a bright window with indirect light. SoilThese palms can tolerate a variety of soil types, including sandy and clay, if there is good drainage. They thrive in rich loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH. For container-grown plants, use a quality potting mix made especially for palms. WaterLightly moist but not soggy soil is ideal for Chinese fan palms. Overwatering can cause root rot and other diseases, which can ultimately kill the plant. Established Chinese fan palms do have some drought tolerance, but you must water them during dry spells and/or very hot weather. During the winter months, allow the soil to dry out for container-grown plants because the palm isn’t actively growing. Increase water during the spring, summer, and fall. Temperature and HumidityUnlike many other palm species, Chinese fan palms actually have some resistance to cold and frost. They can survive temperatures as low as 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, though this will likely damage some foliage. They thrive in warm, humid weather. To raise humidity and prevent foliage from drying out, regularly mist the palm. Indoors, protect your palm from drafts as well as airflow from heating and air-conditioning vents. FertilizerFertile soil will promote faster and healthier growth on these palms. Apply a palm fertilizer two or three times from late winter to early fall (the plant's growing season), following label instructions. Types of Fan PalmHere are several other plants that also use the common name of fan palm:
PruningChinese fan palms typically don’t require much pruning. They will develop their cascading shape on their own. However, to keep your palm looking tidy, it’s a good idea to prune off the dead fronds at the bottom of the crown once a year or as often as you wish. Wait until the fronds have fully turned brown before removing them because fronds that are in the process of depreciating are still providing nutrients to the plant. Propagating Chinese Fan PalmAlthough Chinese fan palm is relatively easy to grow from seed, it is a long process, so most people propagate it by taking cuttings. This is best done from a medium-size plant growing in a container. Here's how to do it:
How to Grow Chinese Fan Palm From SeedAlthough the process is very slow, it is possible to grow Chinese fan palm from seeds collected from the small fruits left behind after the inflorescence fade. (These flowers, which appear in spring, are not showy and are sometimes not noticed behind the huge leaves.) The seeds from the fruit can be planted in a rich mixture of potting mix and perlite or sand. Just barely cover the seeds. Kept moist and warm, the seeds should eventually germinate and develop into seedlings you can transplant into individual pots (see above). But be patient, as developing a mature plant from a seed is a years-long process. Potting and Repotting Chinese Fan PalmIf you want to grow your Chinese fan palm in a container, select a pot that is slightly larger than the plant's root ball. The pot also should have ample drainage holes. An unglazed clay container is ideal because it will allow excess moisture to escape through its walls and drainage holes. You won't need to re-pot these slow-growing palms often, which is ideal because their roots are fragile and can easily be damaged in the process. You’ll know it’s time for a larger container when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes and up above the soil line. When this occurs, select a larger pot that provides more space for the root ball. Gently ease the palm’s root ball out of its old container, and plant it at the same depth in the new one. Fill around it with fresh palm potting mix, and firm up the soil. Then, water the palm thoroughly. Common Pests & Plant DiseasesThese plants generally don’t have any serious issues with pests or diseases. However, they are susceptible to scale insects and spider mites, which can damage the foliage and potentially kill a plant. Insecticidal soap or neem oil spray can be an effective treatment to treat infestations. Common Problems With Chinese Fan PalmAside from susceptibility to some insects (see above), the Chinese fan palm sometimes develops discolored leaves. This is usually a sign of some kind of nutrient deficiency (usually, a lack of potassium). Changing the fertilizer used to one formulated for palms will usually help. FAQ
Is the European fan palm the same as windmill palm?Windmill Palm, European Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis)
How big do European fan palm trees get?European fan palm is a slow-growing, clumping palm that grows 8 to 15 feet tall and spreads 6 to 10 feet wide. This is the only palm native to Europe and it is hardier than most palms.
Is European fan palm fruit edible?The European Fan Palm is an indoor and outdoor palm tree. It is widely used in rockery, hedges and pots. The fruit and the heart of the plant are edible.
Do European fan palms have thorns?Choose a location that is far away from high-traffic areas, as European fan palms have spines that run up and down their trunks that can be painful to the touch. Furthermore, European fan palms do well when grown in containers, whether they are kept indoors as a houseplant or outdoors in a container garden.
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