Maintenance Landscaping Design

Windmill palm is a plant that is known for its unique leaves that are shaped like a windmill. This palm is native to China and is a popular choice for those who want to add a tropical touch to their landscape. Windmill palm is a slow grower and can reach a height of 20 feet. This palm is also salt tolerant, making it a good choice for those who live in coastal areas.

Popular name

• Canton palm
  
• European fan palm
  
• Mediterranean fan palm
  
• North African fan palm
  
• 
  

Basic info

• Windmill palm is a type of palm tree that is known for its windmill-like shape.
  
• The tree is native to the warmest parts of Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
  
• Windmill palm trees can grow up to 30 feet tall.
  
• The leaves of the windmill palm tree are fan-shaped and can grow up to 3 feet long.
  
• The tree gets its name from the way its leaves move in the wind, which resembles the blades of a windmill.
  
• The trunk of the windmill palm tree is slim and straight, and is covered in brown or grayish-brown bark.
  
• The tree produces small, yellowish-white flowers that bloom in the spring.
  
• The windmill palm tree is cultivated as an ornamental plant in many parts of the world.
  
• The tree is relatively easy to care for and is tolerant of most soil types and climates.
  
• The windmill palm tree is an important source of food and shelter for many species of animals.

How to Grow

1. For windmill palm, first step is to obtain a young plant.
   
2. Plant the young windmill palm in well-drained, sandy soil in a sunny location.
   
3. Water regularly during the growing season, but do not over-water.
   
4. Fertilize monthly with a palm fertilizer during the growing season.
   
5. Prune away any dead or damaged fronds as needed.
   
6. In cold climates, provide protection for the palm during the winter months.
   
7. The windmill palm will require little additional care once it is established.
   
8. Enjoy your beautiful palm!

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, windmill palm is not too fussy. It can grow in either sandy or loamy soil, as long as it is well-draining. The pH can be anywhere from 6.0 to 7.5. This palm does not like soggy soil, so make sure to plant it in an area that does not stay wet for long periods of time.

Light condition

So, like the other palm trees, the windmill palm requires full sun to partial sun in order to grow properly. However, this palm is unique in that it can survive and even thrive in colder climates that other palms cannot. This palm is also salt tolerant, making it a good choice for coastal areas.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for a windmill palm is one that is warm and not too hot. If the temperature gets too hot, the leaves of the windmill palm will start to turn brown and wilt. The leaves will also start to fall off if the temperature gets too hot.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60% or above. This plant requires high humidity to thrive, so be sure to keep the surrounding air moist. One way to achieve this is to mist the leaves regularly, or set the pot on a tray of pebbles and water. The key is to never let the pot sit in water, as this will rot the roots.

Fertilizing

Mentioning fertilizer, this family of plant is really easy to grow and maintain. Fertilizer should be applied every other week during growing season and can be reduced to once a month during winter. When it comes to watering, the Windmill Palm can be pretty drought tolerant once it's established. Nevertheless, it's still best to water it regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. The root system of this plant is quite compact and fibrous, so it doesn't need a lot of space to spread out.

Plant Pruning

Pruning windmill palms is a simple process that can be done with a few basic tools. First, you will need to identify the shoots that need to be removed. These are typically the ones that are growing out of the top of the palm or the sides of the trunk. Once you have identified the shoots, use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut them off at the base. Be sure to make clean cuts so that the palm can heal quickly. Windmill palms are tolerant of most pruning methods, so feel free to be creative. If you want to remove a large branch, you can cut it off at the trunk and then use a saw to remove the stub. Or, you can make several small cuts along the branch to gradually remove it. Whichever method you choose, be sure to sterilize your tools before and after use to prevent the spread of disease.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of windmill palms is relatively easy. Seeds can be germinated indoors or outdoors, and young plants can be propagated by division. When propagating by seed, it is best to start them indoors in late winter or early spring. Sow the seeds in moistened potting mix and keep the mix warm and moist. Once the seeds have germinated, transplant the seedlings into individual pots. When propagating by division, carefully dig up an existing plant and divide the rootball into 2 or 3 sections. Replant the sections immediately and water well.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the growing conditions. If the weather is warm and humid, the palm will likely grow faster. If cooler and drier conditions prevail, growth will likely be slower.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are that the leaves can get brown tips or even burn if the plant is not getting enough water. Also, the leaves can turn yellow if the plant is getting too much sun. If you see either of these problems, you should adjust the amount of water or sun that the plant is getting.

Basics of Growing

• Remember to water your windmill palm regularly, as it is a drought-sensitive plant.
  
• Place your palm in a location where it will receive full sun for at least six hours each day.
  
• Amend the soil around your palm with organic matter before planting to improve drainage.
  
• Fertilize your palm monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
  
• Trim off any dead or dying leaves from your palm as needed.
  
• Protect your palm from strong winds, as they can damage the leaves.
  
• palms are susceptible to various pests and diseases, so be sure to monitor your plant for any signs of trouble.
  
• Remember to repot your palm every few years to ensure that it has enough room to continue growing.
  
• If you live in an area that experiences freezing temperatures, you will need to bring your palm indoors during the winter months.
  
• With proper care

Related Plants

• Cycas circinalis
  
• King palm (Archontophoenix alexandrae)
  
• Queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana)
  
• Foxtail palm (Wodyetia bifurcata)
  
• Bismarck palm (Bismarckia nobilis)
  
• Triangle palm (Dypsis decaryi)
  
• Majesty palm (Ravenea rivularis)
  
• Bottle palm (Hyophorbe lagenicaulis)
  
• Areca palm (Dypsis lutescens)
  
• European fan palm (Chamaerops humilis)

Source:
Windmill Palm - Trachycarpus fortunei - PNW Plants
Trachycarpus fortunei, windmill palm | Trees of Stanford & Environs
Tensile strength of windmill palm ( Trachycarpus ... - Academia.edu