Windmill Palm

The windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) is one of the hardiest palms available to grow indoors or outside in the garden. You can add a splash of the tropics to your decor with these plants potted in large containers and placed on your patio or pool deck.  

This cold-hardy palm is also great for northern gardening climates as it can withstand freezing temperatures as low as 10 degrees.  The this highly ornamental palm has stiff, fan-shaped leaves that are beautifully compacted radiating from its stem on a sturdy trunk.

It is  a slow-growing plant that will take years to reach its full height of 6 feet indoors. Moreover, this plant is a great choice outside in the garden for water conservation, as it is drought-tolerant and resists pests.

For decorative purposes, you can plant your palm in a large container and display it out on the patio or front porch. Create a picturesque tropical entryway or grove to greet your guests by planting three or more palms together. Outside in the garden this plant can grow from 10-20 feet in height with fans measuring 3 feet in diameter for an eye-catching specimen.

The Trachycarpus Fortunei palm is native to central China. In addition to being stunning, this plant is also very useful as ancient civilizations used the old leaf bases and fibers from the trunk to fashion crude ropes for hunting, carrying, lifting.

Basically this plant is easy to grow and care for, as it grows well in full sun to partial sun and adapts well to most climates and soil types.  Although these palms are generally pest-free, they may be attacked by scale, spider mites and palm aphids in certain climates. Check the undersides of leaves and spray with appropriate pesticide if present.

Windmill Palm Care Tips for Indoors

Light:  Provide plant medium to high light by placing it near a bright east of south window.

Water:  Water thoroughly and allow the surface of the soil to dry out before watering again. During winter use less water to avoid overwatering.
 
Temperature:  Keep plant a 65ᵒ to 80ᵒF (18ᵒ to 27ᵒC); however, it can tolerate 10ᵒF (-12ᵒC) without damage.

Fertilization:  Feed every 3 to 4 months to avoid over-fertilization which could cause the roots to burn.

Soil:  Plant in a general purpose soil that drains well and periodically leach soil to remove salt build-up

Humidity: Average (25% or more)

Propagation:  Use the seeds to propagate new plants.

Repotting:  Repot when your plant becomes too large for the container using a well-aerated potting mix that contains 30% or more orgainc matter.


In conclusion, the Windmill Palm is always a wonderful tropical living element to have in your home or office that will purify the air and bring a relaxing, serene feel to your space.

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