Are you interested in learning how to grow and care for fan palms? If so, you’re in the right place!
Fan palms are medium-sized palm trees that can grow upwards of 10 feet tall when grown in containers. The trunks are sleek, can be as wide as 11 inches wide, and are topped with a crown of emerald, fan-like leaves.
The leaves themselves are rough to the touch, and grow to be 3 feet long. They are attached to the tree via serrated petioles or stems.
These plants grow creamy and yellow-ish seed pendants, also called inflorescences.
The flowers develop into oval shaped fruits that start off green, but that eventually turn to a blue-ish gray when they are ripe. Fan palms can either grow with a single trunk, or have multiple, clustering trunks. Often the clustering species turn out smaller than the single trunk species.
They are popular as houseplants because of the tropical and exotic look they can provide to indoor and outdoor spaces alike.
And because they can be reliably grown with minimal maintenance. If this sounds like the type of plant you’ve been looking for, then keep on reading. Below you’ll find everything you need to know to successfully grow fan palms on your own.
Plant Facts
| Scientific name | Varies |
| Common names | Fan Palms |
| Family | Arecaceae |
| Plant Type | Houseplant |
| Height and Width | 10-20 feet tall and wide, indoors |
| Origin | Asia, Africa, Central and South America, Europe |
| Flower colors | Varies |
| Foliage color | Green |
| Sun Exposure | Varies – usually full sunlight |
| Soil Type & pH | Well-draining soil |
| Special features | Can be grown indoors or outside, tropical plant, easy to propagate from cuttings |
How to Grow a Fan Palm Tree
Single trunk fan palms in the wild can grow upwards of 50 feet tall. However, there are also smaller, clustering varieties that can be grown in containers, and indoors. These species are the ideal option for introducing a tropical vibe to whatever space they are planted in.
Propagation
There are two ways to propagate these plants. Propagating from seed is not normally recommended for beginners, as the process is very time-consuming, but nonetheless possible.
If you do choose to propagate from seed, it’s best to start the process in the Springtime. Shallowly plant the seeds in a potting mix optimized for palm trees, and water thoroughly. To speed up the germination process, you may consider storing your seeds on a heated seedling mat, or in a sealed seedling chamber.
You can also propagate by removing a sucker from the parent plant. Carefully remove the mature parent plant from its container. Loosen the soil from the root ball with lukewarm water, trying not to disturb the other parts of the parent plant’s roots.
Using a sharp and clean knife or pruning shears, remove a sucker that is about 10 inches long, and that has healthy roots attached to it. Replace the parent plant to its container, and plant the sucker into a new container. Firm up the soil around the freshly planted sucker, and water thoroughly.
Soil
These plants thrive in rich, loamy soil types. However, they have been known to tolerate other, less ideal soil conditions, like clay or sand. They prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH level.
When growing in containers, it’s best to select a potting mix that is high-quality and designed with palm trees in mind, and any container used for the plant must have ample drainage holes on the bottom.
Pruning
To maintain a good structure, and tidy aesthetic, occasional pruning can be important for your fan palm. When pruning your fan palm, it’s best to focus on removing the yellow, brown and dying lower branches.
It’s strategic to wait until the fronds are completely brown and dried up, because even as they are dying off, they are still helping provide valuable nutrients to the palm.
Repotting and Transplanting
These houseplants are slow growing, and will not require a ton of repetitive repotting. However, when you bring a fan home from the nursery, you will probably want to repot it into a better cont container. Likewise, if the palm begins to outgrow its container as it matures, and becomes root bound, it’s best to repot the palm tree.
Make sure to select a container that is slightly larger than the current size of the palm’s root ball. Be as gentle as possible with repotting your plants. Their roots are delicate and are easily damaged.
After you remove the root ball, and transplant it to a new pot, add some fresh potting mix. Firm up the soil so that the palm can stand up straight. And water the plant very thoroughly.
How to Care for Fan Palm Trees
Fan palm care is relatively simple. Once you have decided on the species you want to grow, it’s all about providing the plant with the growing conditions it needs to be successful.
Water
These houseplants enjoy moist soil. During the hotter parts of the year, it may be necessary to water more often. It will just depend on the temperature, and how quickly the soil is drying out.
During the winter months, when the tree has gone dormant, you do not need to water as regularly. The reason is that during this time, the tree is not actively growing. Overwatering your plants may result in root rot, which, when allowed to worsen, may eventually kill your palm tree.
Mature and well-established plants can tolerate some periods of drought and minimal watering. However, they should not go extended periods without water.
Sunlight
Mature plants grow best in direct sunlight, but they can also tolerate partial sun. Full sun is considered to be 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day. Younger, more sensitive plants prefer partial shade, especially during the hottest parts of the year.
You may consider giving your palm’s container a quarter turn every week. This will help expose all sides of the palm to light, and incentivize even growth.
Temperature and Humidity
These plants thrive in warm and humid temperatures. With that being said though, they are also known to be able to tolerate cold and frost. They can survive in temperatures as low as 15 or 20 degrees Fahrenheit, however, their foliage will become damaged.
If you are growing your plants indoors, it’s best to shoot for a 40 to 50% relative humidity level. Getting the right humidity can be finicky at times. To avoid guessing, we recommend you use a humidity monitor.
Fertilizer
These plants tend to grow rather slowly indoors. You can use diluted normal houseplant fertilizer once a month or during the growing season from spring to early fall.
A modest fertilizer treatment from late winter to early fall helps fan palm plants stay alive.
If you want to avoid using store-bought chemical fertilizer, you can always add organic mulch around your fan palm to give it a nutritional boost.
Pest and Diseases
In general, these tropical plants are not overly susceptible to one type of insect pest or plant disease. However, they have been known to attract insects like spider mites, whiteflies, and scale insects.
If you suspect an insect infestation, we recommend washing the palm tree thoroughly before applying an insecticidal product like neem oil. You may continue to apply neem oil in order to prevent insects from returning as well.
Common Varieties and Cultivars
There are dozens of types of fan palms you can grow. Here are some of the most popular.
Livistona chinensis (Chinese fan palm, fountain palm)
Among the diverse fan palm tribe, the Chinese fan palms stand out with their graceful fountain-like silhouette. Its crown of glossy, emerald-green palmate leaves, deeply divided like fingers, gracefully cascades downward, creating a lush cascade.
Reaching up to 40 feet in warmer climates, this elegant palm, also known as the fountain palm, thrives in dappled sunlight, adding a touch of tropical serenity to any landscape.
Makalani Palm (Hyphaene petersiana)
The Makalani Palm, also known as the Real Fan Palm, is a palm tree indigenous to the low-lying areas of central Africa. In the wild, it has been found growing in woodland flood plains, on the banks of rivers, and along the fringes of swamps.
This species of palm tree is used by the Ovambo people of Africa to make a traditional palm liquor. The pith is also edible, along with the white endosperm which makes an edible liquid similar to coconut milk.
European Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis)
The European fan palm (Chamaerops humilis) is a multi-stemmed palm suitable for indoor use. It is crowned by beautiful blue green fan-shaped leaves that can grow to be 2 feet long. It is the only palm tree native to Europe.
FAQs
Why is my Fan palm turning brown?
The browning of Fan Palm fronds can be attributed to various factors, including inadequate watering, environmental stress, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.
How do you revive a dying fan palm?
To revive a dying Fan Palm, address the potential issues by ensuring proper watering, providing adequate light, addressing nutrient deficiencies with appropriate fertilization, and pruning away brown or dead fronds. Additionally, inspect for pests or diseases and treat accordingly to promote the plant’s recovery.
Conclusion
Fan palms are a great way to bring the tropical vibes you loved on your dream vacation home with you. There are a ton of different species to fit your intended growing usage and local climate.
Some tips for fan palm care include providing the right amount of light, warmth, and water, as well as ensuring good soil drainage. When grown and maintained in the ideal conditions, fan palms make for a beautiful and relatively low maintenance healthy plant.
See more:
- Growing and Caring for Bamboo Palm
- Growing and Caring for Areca Palms
- Growing and Caring for Lady Palm
- Growing and Caring for the Madagascar Palm
- Growing Majesty Palm Indoors
- Parlor palm care
References
References:
University of Florida: Washingtonia robusta: Mexican Fan Palm
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST670
University of Florida: European Fan Palm
North Carolina State University: Washingtonia robusta
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/washingtonia-robusta/
North Carolina State University: Chamaerops humilis
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/chamaerops-humilis/
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