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California Fan Palm Trees Detailed Species Information
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California Fan Palm Trees |
| (Washingtonia filifera) |
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California Fan Palm General Description:
California fan palm trees are of the Palm family (Arecaceae). Califonia fan palms have a thick trunk and can grow to a height up to 90 feet. This type of palm has large tufts of leaves which are fan-shaped, fibrous, and gray green, with spined petioles 3 to 6 feet. The blades are 3 to 6 feet and divided to the middle. |
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California Fan Palm Profile Information
Scientific name: Washingtonia filifera
Common name(s): Desert Palm, California Washingtonia Palm
Family: Arecaceae
USDA hardiness zones: 8+
Origin: Native to North America.
California Fan Palm Culture:
 California Fan palm trees grows in different types of soils and climates. Large California fan palms can be successfully transplanted and respond very well to fertilizer. A slow release fertilizer may be used during the summer growing season. The healthy California fan palm is disease and pest resistant, and resistant to lethal yellowing disease. As with other types of palms, potassium and magnesium deficiencies may occur in California fan palms and mineral supplements may prevent or treat problems.
California Fan Palm Growth Rate:
The California Fan palm tree is fast growing.
California Fan Palm Light requirements:
California fan palm prefers exposure to full sun and even quite small specimens will thrive in full sun. It also grows well in part sun/shade.
California Fan Palm Trees Water requirements:
Once established, California fan palm is drought tolerant, but it benefits greatly with regular watering. For optimal growth, soil should be moist with good drainage.
California Fan Palms Maintenance:
Easy.
California Fan Palm Hardiness:
USDA Zones 8B - 11. Established California fan palms can withstand frosts and freezes. Reports of cold hardiness for the California fan palm indicate the tree withstands 15 to 20ºF with only minor foliage damage. Many enthusiasts are now growing and recommending the California fan palm in USDA Zone 8A. Palms in fast-draining soil are more cold hardy. During the winter, leaves may become temporarily discolored by damp cold and frost. California fan palms can withstand extreme heat, too, including temperatures up to 127ºF.
California Fan Palm Trees Insects and Diseases:
This pest and disease resistant California palm is very easy to maintain.
California Fan Palm Tree Propagation by seed:
One can improve seed germination by collecting seeds from coyote manure. Apparently germination is very high from seeds which have passed through the animals' digestive systems. Plant the California Fan Palm seeds in the spring in large pots, one-quarter inch apart in well-drained, friable soil such as a mixture of sand, loam, and peat moss or vermiculite and peat moss. Be patient, as the seeds take from four to fifteen weeks to germinate. At the first true leaf stage of the California Fan Palm, plant the seedlings into separate one-gallon containers and hold until out-planting. Seedlings should be sheltered from winds and major temperature changes. When planting california fan palm in a permanent location, plant seedlings during the fall, in areas exposed to full sunlight. Fall plantings must be watered during the following two summers if rainfall is low.
California Fan Palm Usage:
Plant California fan palm trees outdoors in a site that can accommodate the large head of leaves, and is not directly under power lines or other structures. Use the California fan palm tree in natural and formal groupings and in large open areas. California fan palm is perfect for street, avenue and parkland planting where it typically is spaced about 30 ft apart. Young California fan palms also can be grown in pots or tubs on decks or in indoor areas, such as conservatories or atriums that have bright light. |
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