Mexican fan palm
Washingtonia robusta · Arecaceae
📷 stekkelpak · CC0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around mexican fan palm and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Mexican fan palm
- Family
- Arecaceae
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Adult size
- Up to 18 m in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- From -5 to -7°C
- Origin
- Mexico (Baja California)
- Form
- Fan palm
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Plant Washingtonia robusta away from drying winds and requires irrigation during summer in continental regions. In years 2–4, water generously once a week in July–August to establish the plant.
The common mistake
Impatience: repotting a Washingtonia bought in a small container too soon, or leaving it pot-in-pot too long in the nursery; the plant stays small and deteriorates.
The pro's trick
A dose of palm fertilizer (high in potassium) in May–June speeds up frond growth.
Care
Exposure
The Washingtonia robusta demands a location in full sun for optimal development. In Mediterranean or subtropical climates, it handles direct rays very well. The more light it receives, the more vigorously it grows and displays a majestic form.
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season (spring-summer), allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in winter. Ensure good drainage to prevent root suffocation, particularly in pots.
Soil
Well-draining soil is essential: a mix of quality potting soil with sand or perlite in pots. In the ground, Washingtonia adapts to many soils, including poor or chalky ones, but dislikes chronic waterlogging.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced or palm-specific fertilizer from May to September, every 2 to 3 months. Respect the recommended doses to avoid excess, particularly in potassium and magnesium, which are important elements for foliage health.
Pruning and maintenance
Remove dead or damaged leaves as they appear. Keep pruning to the strict minimum. Never remove green leaves: the plant needs them for its metabolism.
Diseases and pests
Watch out for spider mites and mealybugs indoors. Outdoors, heart rot can occur with excess moisture. Ensure good air circulation and maintain regular hygiene to prevent fungal issues.
Did you know?
The Washingtonia robusta owes its name to the first President of the United States, George Washington, although it originates from Mexico. This palm with spectacular fan-shaped leaves conquered urban landscapes and Mediterranean gardens in the twentieth century, becoming one of the most widely planted palms in warm temperate zones.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring, once all risk of frost has gone. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: from April to June.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Dwarf fan palmChamaerops humilis
- Chinese windmill palmTrachycarpus fortunei
- Dwarf palmettoSabal minor
- Queen palmSyagrus romanzoffiana
- Areca PalmDypsis lutescens
- Chile cocopalmJubaea chilensis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.