Fan palm tree needs proper care in order to grow well. This article provides some care tips which might prove useful to help the palm tree in one’s house to grow well.
Palm trees are evergreen, tropical, and unique flowering plants. They belong to the family of Arecaceae or Palmae. One will find these palm trees mainly in the tropical regions, the warm temperate regions, and the subtropical regions. There are 2500 palm tree species in the world. One of their kind that is the fan palm tree is present in many types, depending on the area where they are growing. Here are some of the common types and a few care tips for the same.
Various Types and their Care
California Fan Palm Tree
Also known as the Washingtonia filifera, they grow mainly in subtropical areas. Their trunks are massive and barrel shaped. They are ringed with the scars of the old leaves. They produce several branching flowers that are white or yellow in color. These plants are not suited for rainy areas. They love well-drained soil. If the water is retained, then the roots of the plant will decay away. The seedlings of this tree should be well protected from the winds and any major changes in the temperature. Once the seeds are planted, it will take them at least 15 weeks to germinate. The soil in which one plants the seeds, can be a mixture of sand, loam, and peat. Once the saplings start to grow, make sure that as a part of fan palm care, it gets enough sunlight. There is no need to worry about the tree being infected, as there are no such diseases which have been heard of yet.
Chinese Fan Palm Tree
The other name of this tree is Livistonia chinensis. One will find them mainly in China and south of Japan. The leaves of this tree are divided into at least 75 segments that droop down gracefully, making the tree look like a fountain. These palm trees can grow in drought-like situations as well. Furthermore, these trees grow best when they are planted outdoors. They need enough sunlight to grow. However, one can plant the saplings in partly-shaded areas too. Soil condition that is needed is a mixture of clay, sand, and loam. These plants can go without water for a few days, but do keep the soil moist all the time as this will only help in the growth of the plant. Unlike the other palm trees, these trees are prone to certain diseases. But these are minor ones, which can be treated with fertilizers and certain pesticides.
Mexican Fan Palm Tree
They are also known as Washingtonia robusta. They grow mainly in Mexico, Baja, Southern California, and Arizona. The height of this palm tree is usually 40 to 50 feet but some might even grow up to a height of 80 feet. They are straight and have a single trunk. The old leaves stays on if they are not removed. They can even grow in drought-like situations. These trees need alkaline soil to grow on. The seeds can be sown during the spring seasons and it takes them at least 4 weeks to germinate. It’s only after the 6th month that the seedling starts growing faster and one would also notice 4 leaves coming out. These type of trees need moist soil but while planting the seeds, make sure that the surface of the soil is not wet but bit dry. After the first year, start giving fertilizers to the plant and prune it, at least once a year for better growth.
European Fan Palm Tree
They are also known as Chamaerops humilis. One will find them mainly in the Mediterranean regions of Europe. They are slow growing trees that grow up to 10 feet tall. They can withstand cold temperatures. They can also be used indoors because of their beautiful hues of color. Like the Mexican plant, these plants also grow in soils which are alkaline in nature. They can grow in clayey or sandy soil. They can grow in partly-shady and partly-lighted areas. These trees can also tolerate a drought-like situation. Although diseases in these trees are not known, sometimes they might be infected by some bacteria or maybe the leaves might turn yellow due to pests. In such cases, one can use fertilizers and also some pesticides to get rid of any kind of pests. Prune the leaves at least once a year for a better look and to help the new leaves grow better.
Fiji Fan Palm Tree
They are also known as Pritchardia pacifica. They are medium-sized palm trees that grow mainly in the islands of Fiji. If one observes the base of this palm tree, one would notice an interesting fiber pattern. One would also find the leaves of this Fiji palm tree interesting. These trees prefer moist soil and a plenty of sunlight. The seeds start germinating after at least a month of planting it. They can tolerate cold up to 30 ºF. Again they are prone to very few diseases like yellowing of leaves, which can be taken care of with the help of fertilizers.
Caring for palm trees is not very difficult. One can even look up for some pictures before finalizing on which one to bring home. So if one is planning to plant one in the garden, make sure to fulfill all the conditions. Otherwise, if the plants do not get the proper requirements, they may die.
