Chinese palm fan

Chinese palm fan Livistona chinensis

What is the plant

Also known as the Fountain Palm, this unique palm tree grows upwards before “spilling” down like a waterfall, making it easy to identify even for beginner gardeners. Best grown in humid climates, they can also be grown in indoor pots as long as the temperature and humidity are kept high.

This beauty of a plant can grow to a whopping 30-50 feet (9-15 m) with a trunk 10-12 feet (3-3.6m) wide! Found in its native home of China and Japan, the Chinese Palm Fan is considered an invasive species in the southern United States and other tropical climates. When planting this palm tree, be sure to monitor it, so it does not “escape” your garden and grow elsewhere, blocking out native plants.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Part Sun

Temperature

22°C - 28°C

Hardiness zone

9a - 11

Difficulty

Medium

Water
During growing months, water the soil so that it remains moist. During the winter months, only water when the soil is dried out.
Sunlight
If grown outside, this plant will require full sunshine with spots of partial shade throughout the day. If grown inside, provide indirect light through a window daily.
Fertilizer
During the growing season, apply a palm fertilizer to help encourage healthy growth.

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Soil
When outside, the Chinese Palm Fan can grow in various soil types but prefers rich, loamy soil. If grown in a container, be sure to use a potting mix created for palm plants.
Pruning
Once the fronds have turned completely brown, remove them. This should only be needed once a year or so.
Propagation
While it’s possible to grow this plant from seeds, it requires a lot of work. The easiest method of propagation is by using cuttings.

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Temperature
As a tropical plant, this palm prefers humid weather, but unlike other palm plants, it can survive in lower 20°F (-6.6°C) temperatures.
Container
This plant will require a large pot that has drainage holes. As it grows slowly, repotting will be needed.
Fun fact
This extremely slow-growing plant will take upwards of 10 years to grow into a mature plant that can be called a tree!
Popularity
2,692 people already have this plant 326 people have added this plant to their wishlists