In the summer, this outdoor palm tree variety produces drooping clusters of cream-colored flowers that give way to black fruits. The round trunks range from reddish-brown to gray as they age, adding a lovely, colored backdrop for its green foliage. As fronds die back, they droop to create a dense skirt around the base of the fronds, further adding to this palm’s attractive profile. This palm is considered invasive in Florida, California, and Hawaii. These palms are disease and pest-resistant, though spider mites may occasionally be a problem. They are prone to potassium deficiency, making fertilizer a key to healthy trees.
Light
Like most desert plants, the Mexican fan palm grows best in full sun. It can withstand partial shade, though full sun is 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. 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.
Water
The Mexican fan palm thrives where water is easily accessible which includes areas with a high water table. Though they are desert plants and are drought-tolerant, they do not do well in overly dry conditions. It is best to let the soil dry out between waterings to ensure the plants don’t receive too much water. Once the soil is dry, water thoroughly.
Temperature and Humidity
Grown in warm desert regions, it follows that the Mexican fan palm is heat-tolerant. What may be surprising is that these trees are also considered to be cold-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. As with other rapid growing plants, potassium deficiency can be an issue, so a palm-specific fertilizer is essential for good health.
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. Although these begin to fall away with aging, spent fronds should be removed to keep the palm clean and to prevent fire hazard. A professional arborist might be needed if the palm is very large.
How to Grow Mexican Fan Palm From Seed
Unlike other palms, the Mexican fan palm does not produce suckers. 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. Then follow these instructions:
Potting and Repotting Mexican Fan Palm
Despite their extremely tall mature size, young Mexican fan palms grow very well in containers. This is a great way to enjoy these palms even if you do not have the space needed for a mature tree. Keep them in sturdy, well-draining containers. Keep in mind that potted palms will need more frequent watering than those planted in the ground, so it is important for water to drain through. If the palm outgrows the container and you want it to grow larger, you will need to repot it. 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.
Overwintering
Because these palms grow in areas with warm winters, no extra care is needed to overwinter Mexican fan palms. Simply withhold fertilizer and slow down on watering.
How to Get Mexican Fan Palm to Bloom
These towering palms produce eye-catching clusters of drooping, creamy white flowers that can grow to 10 feet long. 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.
Common Problems With Mexican Fan Palm
Mexican fan palms are quite hardy and do not usually present the gardener with problems. However, even hardy plants run into trouble every once in a while.
Discolored Leaves, Leaf Tip Necrosis, and Dying Leaves
All these signs point to a common problem that can easily be remedied: potassium deficiency. If this occurs, do not cut away the damaged leaves. Simply give more palm-specific fertilizer and be patient as the plant recovers.
