Growing healthy Chinese fan palm
The Chinese fan palm gives an idea right away where it is native to, these palms are a native of China and also Japan. The Chinese fan palms are hardy and can withstand the cold and the heat. This palm is also known as the fountain palm and is a slow grower which makes this the ideal plant because it is low maintenance.
These palms can be planted within the landscape or brought indoors to create a nice interiorscape design. The leaves of the Chinese fan palm have a unique appearance and stand out among other garden plants, be very careful however because this palm can deliver a painful experience because of the spines that develop on the leaves. As the palm matures the leaves lose these spines.
The Chines fan palm can reach heights of up to 40 ft, so if you are interested in including these palms in your gardens and landscapes then stick around as we take a look at how to grow and care for these palms both out and indoors.
Things you must know
Planting Location
The Chinese fan palm prefers full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade.
Soil Type
A well-drain soil is ideal for this palm although it can tolerate other soils.
Watering Methods
These palms are drought tolerant so ensure that the soil is somewhat moist and not waterlogged.
Fertilizing Methods
Fertilize your Chinese fan palm with a fertilizer that is formulated for palms. Before applying read and follow the manufacturer’s label because the label is the law.
Garden insect pests of the Chines fan palm
Garden insect pests to keep an eye out for include
- Spider Mites
- Mealybugs
- Scales
Spider Mites
Spider mites are hard to see with the naked eye but if you were to take a white sheet of paper and place it under one of the leaves and gently shake or tap the leaf you will see tiny black dots moving around, you may also feel them crawling on your hands.
Plants that are affected by spider mites take on a dusty grayish appearance with spider web. The use of insecticidal soap will help to bring these garden insect pests under control. Before using chemicals read and follow the manufacturer’s label because the label is the law.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are white in appearance and have a cottony white mask. These bugs like the spider mites will also feed on your palms by sucking the juice. Applying insecticidal soap will bring these insect pests under control.
Scales
Scales are garden insect pest that has somewhat of a hard body, these garden insect pests remain in a fix position causing damage by sucking the plant’s juice. The use of insecticidal soap will eliminate these insect pests
Diseases of the Chinese fan palm
- Root rot
Because the Chinese fan palm is low maintenance the soil should be somewhat moist and not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot so monitor the amount of water you are giving your fan palm. If your Chinese fan palm suffers root rot decrease the amount of water so that your palm can be revived and bounce back to good health.
Ideas where to install them
Here are just a few ideas on where to install the Chinese fan palm
- These palms can be installed as a centerpiece in your garden bed
- Can be installed at the corners of your house
- Looks great growing on either side of your front door entrance
- Enhance your garden walking pathway by installing some of them
- Can be used as a backdrop in your garden
- Looks great planted alongside garden walls
- What about installing them alongside your fence?
- Install them in containers and the containers can be placed on your porch or patio
Container grown Chinese fan palm
When installing Chinese fan palms in a container ensure that the container is large enough to accommodate your plant, The soil type should be well-drained soil. The container should have drain holes to allow excess water to drain. When watering keep the soil moist not waterlogged.
Fertilize as directed above and treat insect pests and diseases as mentioned also. Your container should be kept in an area that gets full sunlight although this plant can tolerate partial shade.
Growing and caring for Chinese fan palm on the interior
Adding these garden beauties can really bring that much-needed flavor indoors. What I love about interior plantscape is that you can bring nature on the inside. Pot up or install fan palm as mentioned when it comes to container garden that we discussed earlier. Follow maintenance practices, when it comes to watering, fertilizing, and treating for disease and garden insect pests.
The container should have drain holes and a saucer to collect the water that drains. It is good to also have a pruner on hand to remove leaves that have turned brown. The container should be placed close to a south or west window because when growing these fan palms indoors they need at least 4 hours of sunlight. It is best to keep a feather duster on hand to keep your plants clean. A damp cloth is also good to wipe the dust from your plant.
If your Chinese fan palm has root rot remove your palm from the existing or potting mix and replace fresh soil that has good drainage and remember to monitor the amount of water you give your plant.
Caution
Because these palms have spines it is good to install them where if possible they are out of the reach of children.
The final word
The Chinese fan palms are really amazing. This hardy palm can add flavor to your landscape and garden areas so if you are looking for a low maintenance palm that can perform well bringing that wow then the Chinese fan palm is for you.
About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.