The fan palm (Washingtonia) is probably one of the most attractive palm trees in the house and garden. The fan-shaped leaves provide a Mediterranean flair. The care of the fan palm is not very complex. You can take care of it as a houseplant or as a container plant on the balcony or terrace.

The fan palm is very easy to care for

How is a fan palm properly watered?

During the months of growth, a fan palm needs a lot of water. Therefore, water penetratingly. It is essential to avoid waterlogging.

If the fan palm is cared for in the room, make sure that the humidity is high enough. If necessary, place bowls of water near the plant.

Do fan palms need to be fertilized?

Fertilize from spring to the end of summer. A good liquid fertilizer is sufficient. Of course you can also use a special palm fertilizer.

Depending on the type of fertilizer, fertilizer is applied at weekly or monthly intervals.

How are fan palms pruned?

Even if the fan palm grows very tall - you must not simply cut it. If you clip the top, the palm tree will die.

You can cut off brown or yellow fronds before you bring the fan palm to its winter quarters. Do not leave remnants of the fronds on the trunk as they provide good breeding ground for pests.

When is repotting announced?

Repotting is always done when the pot has become too small. This can be seen from the fact that roots are growing out of the drainage hole or the root ball is pushing upwards. Even if the stability of the fan palm is no longer guaranteed, it is time to repot.

What diseases and pests can occur?

Diseases hardly ever occur. Rotten roots or trunk of the palm are always mistakes in care. Waterlogging from too frequent watering is usually the cause.

Scale insects occur relatively frequently, but are often recognized very late. If the leaves turn brown or yellow, you should check the fronds for pest infestation and take remedial action if necessary.

How is the fan palm overwintered?

Fan palms are only conditionally hardy. They tolerate temperatures down to minus eight degrees for a short time. When wintering outdoors, the heart of the palm must be protected.

tips

Fan palms prefer a very bright, sunny location. If the place is too dark, the palm reacts with brown or yellow leaves.

Category:

Trees