
- Water: The Windmill Palm prefers constant watering each week and more during the hot season.
- Light: Keep your Trachycarpus Fortunei in an environment where it can receive partial to full sun on a daily basis.
- Soil: Make sure to keep the Windmill Palm in soil with well-draining properties, so ideally, one that is made of sand, chalk, and loam.
How do you care for a windmill palm tree?
Windmill palm trees are highly adaptable to different types of soil but prefer to grow in porous, moist, fertile, and well-drained soil. Watering When newly planted, windmill palms require a lot of water to grow a healthy root system.
What nutrients do I need for a windmill palm tree?
All palms need ample amounts of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, as well as trace amounts of micronutrients to sustain key metabolic processes or tissues. Trace elements like magnesium, iron, calcium, boron and manganese must be present in ground or container soils. Conduct a nutrient analysis and pH test of the soil near the windmill palm.
What kind of soil do windmill palm trees like?
Windmill palm trees are highly adaptable to different types of soil but prefer to grow in porous, moist, fertile, and well-drained soil. Watering
Can you plant windmill palm in a container?
Windmill palm is a favorite specimen to plant in landscapes near the ocean since it tolerates salt. It is a relatively small, slow-growing palm, so it can be a good choice for containers although the containers need to have adequate drainage holes.

What is the best fertilizer for windmill palms?
To boost growth rate and increase health, fertilize your windmill palm with a product labeled specifically for palms, or use a slow-release 10-10-10 fertilizer.
How do you take care of a windmill palm?
Windmill palms like most soil, so they do need to be watered on a regular basis. However, avoid over-watering, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot. Additionally, as mentioned, to avoid root rot, make sure to plant this palm in well-draining soil.
How do you make windmill palms grow faster?
Provide one to two inches of irrigation water to the root zone of a windmill palm during the warmth of the growing season. Although drought-tolerant, the palm will increase its growth if the soil is always moist but never soggy. Reduce watering in the cooler winter months.
What is the best thing to feed palm trees?
Top 5 Best Plant Foods For Palm TreesEspoma Organic Palm-Tone Plant Food (My Top Pick)Indoor Plant Food Liquid Fertilizer (Best Pick For Potted Palms)Jobe's Fern & Palm Fertilizer Spikes (Easiest To Use)Miracle-Gro Shake 'n Feed Palm Plant Food (Longest-Lasting Formula)More items...•
Should I fertilize my windmill palm?
Windmill palms need fertile soil to flourish. Feed with a slow-release fertilizer designed for palm trees once or twice during the growing season—first in spring before new growth emerges, then again in summer or fall.
How often should you water a windmill palm?
Generally, watering your Windmill about once or twice a week should suffice. And if you're not sure when to water your Windmill, simply check the surrounding soil with your finger, down to about 2 or 3 inches. If the soil is dry here, it's time to water your tree.
How can I encourage my palm to grow?
1:232:53How to Make Palm Trees Grow Faster - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSet up artificial heat using heat lamps. Increase the rate of growth for your palm trees byMoreSet up artificial heat using heat lamps. Increase the rate of growth for your palm trees by providing extra nutrients and carbon dioxide.
Can windmill palm take full sun?
Windmill palm prefers a semi-shade or shady location, but will tolerate full sun in more northern climates.
Why is my windmill palm dying?
A palm tree can die because of fertilizer burn, nutrient deficiency, overwatering, off-balance pH levels, or if temperatures and humidity levels are less than ideal. Diseases and pests can cause harm to the fronds and center of a palm tree, leaving holes in trunks and discolored and drooping fronds behind.
What does Epsom salt do for palm trees?
Epsom salt is good for palm trees when they are deficient in magnesium. Magnesium plays an important role in the production of chlorophyll, which is what is responsible for the natural green pigment in plants. In other words, magnesium helps give your palm trees that beautiful green color.
Can I use Miracle Grow on my palm tree?
If you have Palm Trees, this product is for you! Miracle Grow Shake and Feed is great for palms, and all tropical plants.
What fertilizer do you feed palm trees?
When fertilizing palm trees, it's important to use a slow-release fertilizer, such as Milorganite, which can work for up to 10 weeks, as it provides nutrients over a longer period of time and reduces the risk of leaching. Quick release fertilizer, especially in sandy soil, can easily wash away after only a few rains.
Should I cut off Brown palm leaves?
Cut leaves that are entirely brown or yellow at the base – near the stem or at the soil. Be sure not to tug the leaves, as this can damage healthy parts of the plant. If only part of the leaf is brown or yellow, remove only the affected area.
How do you protect a windmill palm in the winter?
Spray your windmill palm with an anti-transpirant before extremely cold weather arrives. This product helps plants to retain fluids, preventing the dehydration that freezing temperatures cause. Apply according to package instructions; you might need to spray it at several intervals during the winter.
Why is my windmill palm turning brown?
Not enough water can cause the entire plant to turn brown. Palms need watering when the surface of the soil is dry. Water until the soil is moist and excess water drains out of the pot. Too much water or poor drainage also causes browning.
Can windmill palms survive a freeze?
The Windmill Palm is a very cold hardy palm that can tolerate cold down to 5-10°F (-15 to -12°C), but lowest temperatures that it can survive without any protection is about -10°F (-23°C). It will get leaf damage at about 10°F (-12°C). This slow growing palm is perfect for landscape in USDA zones 7b-11.
What is the best temperature for windmill palms?
Windmill palms are cold-hardy, tropical plants. They can survive down to -4 degrees Fahrenheit, and thrive in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 8a-11.
How long are windmill palm leaves?
The windmill palm has fan-shaped leaves that are 3 feet in length, and which give the tree its name. The leaf shafts produce fibers that cover the trunk and can be made into ropes, mats, brushes, brooms, or even hats. The leaves are also sometimes used in thatched roofs. Plant your windmill palm in the spring. Botanical Name.
What is the hardiest palm tree?
The windmill palm is one of the hardiest palm trees available, allowing you to add a splash of tropical flavor to your temperate garden. It is one of the few palms that can survive freezing temperatures (down to 10 Fahrenheit).
Do windmill palms have flowers?
Windmill palm is dioecious (trees have either male or female flowers) and you will need at least one male and female tree if you want fruit production. The flowers are cream or yellow—sometimes greenish, on a female tree—and will perfume the air around them.
Can windmill palms grow in the ocean?
Windmill palm grows well near the ocean since it tolerates salt. It is a good choice for containers, although they need to have adequate drainage holes. In outdoor environments, windmill palms are perfect for sheltering a patio. If you do not want to deal with fallen fruit, look for a male tree.
Is windmill palm a problem?
Windmill palm is relatively free of problems, especially in cooler climates. Further south, it sometimes experiences problems from scale insects and palm aphids. Diseases are rare, though leaf spots and yellowing disease sometimes occur. If the soil is not well-drained, root rot may be a problem.
What is a windmill palm?
Windmill Palms are excellent palms to add to walkways and will provide any structure with a touch of elegance and a tropical feel. When they are properly cared for, these palms are highly desirable and absolutely stunning. For additional assistance on Windmill palm tree care or to learn more about other palm tree options, Palmco can help.
Can palm trees be pruned?
Little pruning is required for this palm, but wind exposure should be taken into consideration. These palms have sturdy trunks, but gusty areas can cause damage. Plant them in shaded or partially shaded locations that offer some form of protection from direct wind.
Can windmill palms grow in dry soil?
On the flip side, placing these palms in soils that are too dry can also be detrimental. Extremely dry soil will stunt their growth. In addition to monitoring the moisture level in the Windmill palm’s soil, it is important to pay attention to the richness and fertility of the soil.
Do windmill palms need water?
Windmill Palms can require specific attention to watering habits and soil density. You can encourage strong growth when you plant them in well-draining soils. Waterlogged soil can expose this type of palm to root rot, which will then invite diseases and pests.
What is a windmill palm?
The Windmill Palm, otherwise known as the Trachycarpus Fortunei or Chinese Windmill Palm, Chusan Palm, Hemp Palm, Nepalese Fan Palm, Windmill Palm, Chamaerops fortunei, is a rather well known palm plant by gardening enthusiasts around the world. Best known for its low maintenance and moderate growth, this palm will likely liven up your house ...
What type of soil do windmill palms like?
Soil Mix. As mentioned earlier, the Windmill Palm prefers to have soil with good drainage, and moist properties at all times, reason why you need to make the soil mix out of sand, chalk, and loam. In addition to this, expert gardeners recommend having preferably alkaline, acid or neutral soil.
How to keep a Trachycarpus Fortunei?
Light: Keep your Trachycarpus Fortunei in an environment where it can receive partial to full sun on a daily basis. Soil: Make sure to keep the Windmill Palm in soil with well-draining properties, so ideally, one that is made of sand, chalk, and loam. And that’s practically it!
How much sun should I give my Trachycarpus Fortunei?
Specifically, we recommend that you place your Trachycarpus Fortunei in little to partial shade (only 2-6 hours of direct sunlight a day), to full and direct sun (more 6 hours of direct sunlight per day).
How much space do windmill palms need?
This is why experts recommend keeping an area of approximately 72″ (180cm) free so the Windmill Palm can spread to its best extent.
What are some good companion plants for windmill palms?
Companion Plants. Windmill Palm’s do well with some other plants beside it. One good companion plant is the Strelitzia, which will pair up nicely with your leafy friend. Others consider that a nice Canna will work well too, so choose whichever you find works best for you!
When do windmill palms bloom?
You can expect your Windmill Palm to flower around the spring and in the summer months from April to June (spring), and from July to September (summer). The Windmill Palm produces some beautiful yellow, or gold/yellow and green flowers around this time of year.
What is a windmill palm tree?
Not native to North America, but able to survive in USDA zones 8a through 11, windmill palm trees are a hardy palm variety (to 10 degrees F./-12 C. or lower) that can withstand a layer of snow. Also known as Chusan palm, windmill palms are named for the large rounded leaves held above a slender stalk, creating a “windmill” like form.
How do windmill palms propagate?
As the windmill palm is a non-invasive specimen, propagation is most commonly achieved through seed dispersal.
How tall is a windmill palm?
Although the windmill palm can attain heights of 40 feet (12 m.), it is a slow growing variety and generally is seen between 10 and 20 feet (3-6 m.) by about 12 feet (3.5 m.) wide. Windmill palm trees flower too.
How big are palmate flowers?
The trunk of this palmate appears to be sheathed in burlap and is quite slender, 8 to 10 inches (20 -25 cm.) in diameter, tapering downward from the top.
Can windmill palms survive a winter?
If you are searching for a tropical plant specimen that will lend that trade-wind ambiance to your landscape during temperate months and yet, is still hardy enough to survive a frigid winter, look no further. The windmill palm ( Trachycarpus fortunei) is just such a specimen.
Can windmill palms be grown indoors?
Utilized as an accent, specimen plant, patio, or framing tree, and as a container plant, windmill palm trees may be grown either indoors or outside.
Do windmill palms need sun?
Growing windmill palms does not require any specific soil type. Windmill palms grow best in shade or partial shade; but as it is a fairly tolerant species, they may also do well situated in a sun exposure in the northern range when supplied with ample irrigation.
What nutrients do palm trees need?
Like all plants, palm trees require a combination of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients for optimal growth. Deficiencies of one or more of these nutrients can be seen on the large foliage of palm trees. Palm trees are quite prone to magnesium deficiencies, which cause older foliage to turn yellow to orange, ...
Where to apply granules to palm roots?
Granules or pellets should be applied to the soil directly above the root zone, under the canopy.
Why are my palm trees turning yellow?
Palm trees are quite prone to magnesium deficiencies, which cause older foliage to turn yellow to orange, while newer foliage may retain a deep green color. Potassium deficiency in palm trees may be displayed as yellow to orange spots on all the foliage. A manganese deficiency in palm trees will cause the new foliage of palms to turn yellow ...
Can you feed a palm tree with sandy soil?
Sandy soils drain very quickly, and vital nutrients drain away right along with the water. For this reason, it is not very effective to water in fertilizer when feeding a palm tree, as the plant’s roots won’t have adequate time to soak them up.
Do palm trees grow in Florida?
Image by pal1983. Throughout Florida and many similar areas, palm trees are planted as specimen plants for their exotic, tropical look. However, palm trees have high nutritional demands and the calciferous, sandy soil they’re often grown in cannot always accommodate these needs.
Do palm trees have nutrients?
In regions like this, palm trees can become seriously deficient in certain nutrients.
Planting
Choose a site: Palms do well in full to part sun and in average soil with good drainage. They thrive in moist, but not heavy, wet soil. Choose a site that is somewhat sheltered from strong winds.
Care
Protection: When planting Windmill Palm trees in the garden, the young palms need protection from the cold. If temperatures below -5 degrees Celsius threaten, it is recommended that several wraps of burlap from the bottom up to cover 3/4 of the palm are used.

Description
Uses
- The windmill palm has fan-shaped leaves that are 3 feet in length and which give the tree its name. The leaf shafts produce fibers that cover the trunk and can be made into ropes, mats, brushes, brooms, hats, and other fibrous products. The leaves are also sometimes used in thatched roofs.
Reproduction
- This tree is dioecious (trees have either male or female flowers) and you will need at least one male and female tree if you want fruit production. The flowers are yellow and will perfume the air around them. After the female flowers are pollinated, clusters of purple drupes (stone fruit) are formed in the summer.
Taxonomy
- The botanical name for this palm tree is Trachycarpus fortunei and it belongs to the Arecaceae (palm) family. The species name was given in honor of Robert Fortune, a horticulturist from Scotland.
Names
- The windmill palm is known by a number of other common names, including hemp palm, Chusan palm (after the Chusan island in China), Nepalese fan palm, and Chinese windmill palm.
Cultivation
- Windmill palm is a favorite specimen to plant in landscapes near the ocean since they tolerate salt. They are relatively small, slow-growing palms, so they are a good choice for containers although the containers need to have adequate drainage holes. In outdoor environments, windmill palms are a good choice for confined areas such as sheltering a patio. They can also be grown …
Issues
- Windmill palm is relatively free of problems, especially in the cooler climates. Further south, they sometimes experience problems from scale insects and palm aphids. Diseases are rare, though leaf spots and yellowing disease sometimes occur. If the soil is not well drained, root rot may be a problem.