All palm species are referred to as fan palms, the fronds of which appear hand-shaped with numerous, fan-like individual leaves. In our latitudes, the fan palm is mostly grown as a container plant, which has to be overwintered on the terrace in summer and frost-free in winter.

The Washingtonia filifera has slightly sharp-edged leaves

Representative species of fan palm

  • Trachycarpus fortunei
  • Washingtonia filifera
  • Washingtonia robusta

Washingtonia species come from the Mediterranean region, while the hemp palm Trachycarpus fortunei, which belongs to the fan palms, is native to the Asian high mountains. Some varieties have very pointed tails or even thorns, so that a certain risk of injury cannot be ruled out.

Outdoors, fan palms can reach impressive heights of up to 20 meters and more. As a container plant, the fan palm can grow up to four meters high with proper care.

Caring for fan palm species outdoors or indoors

Fan palms are one of the low-maintenance palm species. They need to be watered adequately and fertilized occasionally. Regular repotting is also advisable.

Fan palms can also be grown outdoors in a sheltered location. In most cases, however, they are cultivated as houseplants or in tubs.

Fan palms are conditionally hardy

Fan palms are conditionally hardy. They tolerate temperatures down to minus eight degrees - but only for a shorter period of time.

If the fan palm is overwintered outdoors, it is mainly the wintry wetness that causes problems. Cover the bottom with a blanket of mulch and tie the fronds together at the top. This protects the sensitive heart of the palm from rain and snow. To be on the safe side, you should also wrap the palm with fleece.

Fan palms that are overwintered indoors should be placed in a cool spot. Ideal hibernation temperatures are between 10 and 15 degrees. The location must be as bright as possible. The fan palm likes direct sunlight in the morning and afternoon hours.

Livistona is not a fan palm

Even if it is often counted among the fan palms, the Livistona is an umbrella palm. Their care is slightly more complex than that of fan palms.

tips

Like almost all palm species, neither fan palms nor Livistona are poisonous. One problem, however, is the space requirement. You should only care for these palm trees if you can provide enough space in the room or on the terrace.

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Trees