How to Care for a Fan Palm

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Have you ever thought about bringing a fan palm into your garden or room? Then it's worth doing.

This tropical species with corrugated and divided leaves has a unique exotic look that can elevate any landscape composition out of monotony.

Continue reading the article to learn more about the fan palm.

Characteristics of the Fan Palm

Natively growing in hot and humid forests of Oceania, the fan palm (Licuala Grandis) has adapted well to the Brazilian climate. So much so that this species has become one of the most used in our landscape design, both indoors and outdoors.

Easy to care for and requiring minimal maintenance, the fan palm has also become a favorite plant among beginner gardeners.

Another important feature of the fan palm is its slow growth rate. However, it continues to grow, reaching 1 to 2 meters in a pot and up to 20 meters in the ground, depending on the variety.

Caring for a Fan Palm

Lighting and Temperature

The fan palm is a plant that grows in tropical forests under the shade of larger trees. This has naturally adapted it to diffused light. Therefore, the fan palm should be grown in shade or partial shade at temperatures between 25 and 27 degrees Celsius.

This means good natural lighting but without direct sunlight, as it can scorch the palm leaves. This feature makes the fan palm an excellent choice for indoor plants. Place it by a window and it will live fully and happily. But there is one thing the fan palm absolutely does not like — wind.

Strong winds can tear the leaves of the plant and deprive it of its ability to grow. Therefore, if you plan to grow it on a balcony or outdoors, make sure to provide it with protection.

Watering

The fan palm needs frequent watering to keep the soil slightly moist but never waterlogged. It is recommended to water the fan palm about three to four times a week.

When watering, check that water drains properly from the pot. This means the water should drain freely to prevent stagnant moisture in the soil. Every fan palm owner should also monitor air humidity and avoid placing the plant near an air conditioner.

Like all tropical plants, the fan palm struggles with dry air. On such days, mist the plant's leaves with a spray bottle.

Fertilizing

The fan palm loves soil rich in organic matter. Therefore, it is recommended to fertilize the plant regularly. Use organic fertilizers such as cow manure, supplemented with an NPK 10-10-10 formula.

Pest Control

If the fan palm is grown under less-than-ideal conditions regarding lighting, watering, fertilizing and temperature, it can become a target for pests, especially scale insects.

Luckily, the solution to this problem is simple. Apply neem oil (a natural insecticide) all over the plant's surface and correct the growing conditions.