In the summer, this outdoorpalm tree varietyproduces drooping clusters of cream-colored flowers that give way to black fruits.
This palm is considered invasive in Florida, California, and Hawaii.
They require full sun and well-draining, fertile soil.
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It is best to give them a wide berth of space since they grow a large root structure.
Keeping them at least 10 feet away from buildings is best.
These palms are disease and pest-resistant, thoughspider mitesmay occasionally be a problem.
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They are prone to potassium deficiency, making fertilizer a key to healthy trees.
Be sure to check your local area before deciding to plant this palm.
Light
Like most desert plants, the Mexican fan palm grows best in full sun.
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It can withstand partial shade, thoughfull sunis ideal.
You should plant this tree in a location that receives 6 to 8 hours of sun each day.
Soil
Mexican fan palms prefer loamy, sandy soil that is well-draining.
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They are drought tolerant and do best when the soil is allowed to dry out between waterings.
Acidic to neutral pH levels are best.
They are tolerant of salty soil, which makes them a viable option for coastal areas.
Though they are desert plants and are drought-tolerant, they do not do well in overly dry conditions.
Once the soil is dry, water thoroughly.
What may be surprising is that these trees are also considered to becold-weather tolerant palms.
They can withstand temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Across all temperature ranges, they prefer moderately humid conditions.
Fertilizer
These tall palms are very fast growers and appreciate slow-release fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
For the best results, choose a high-quality fertilizer specifically formulated for palms.
Pruning
The large fan-shaped fronds droop and collect around the base of the trees as they age.
This creates a large skirt around the palm.
A professional arborist might be needed if the palm is very large.
This means that to propagate this palm, it must be started from seed.
This a great way to multiply your palm trees since they grow well from seed.
You will need small pots, moist, well-draining soil, and a heating tray.
Keep them in sturdy, well-draining containers.
Tip the pot onto its side and gently tap the pot to loosen the roots.
Slide the palm out and plant it into a container that is several inches larger.
Fill it with well-draining, fertile soil.
Simply withhold fertilizer and slow down on watering.
The flowers give way to small, black, edible fruits.
To encourage flowering, give the palm plenty of sunshine and feed monthly during the growing season.
This will ensure it receives the nutrition needed to produce its flowers.
However, even hardy plants run into trouble every once in a while.
If this occurs, do not cut away the damaged leaves.
Simply give more palm-specific fertilizer and be patient as the plant recovers.
Mexican fan palms are very fast growers and can grow up to 3 feet per year.
At their mature height, these palms can reach up to 100 feet tall.
Mexican fan palms can live hundreds of years.
In fact, some have been known to live up to 500 years.
These palms can be differentiated based on their size.
The California fan palm reaches up to 50 feet tall with a trunk up to 3 feet wide.
(2018, November 17).
