Mexican Fan Palm (Washingtonia robusta)
Profile Information
Scientific name:
Common name: Washington palm
Family: Arecaceae
USDA hardiness zones: 8+
Origin: This palm is native to the desert mountain valleys and canyons of Sonora and Baja Mexico. It is a popular landscape plant in Florida, California and Arizona and in areas where it is hardy throughout the world.
Mexican Fan Palm Description:
 The Mexican Fan Palm (Washingtonia robusta) has a solitary trunk, about 10-12 inches in diameter, bulges at the ground and becomes slender as it approaches a crown of large palmate leaves with gracefully drooping leaflet tips. These are rich glossy green and grow to about 5 feet long and 4 feet wide. They are borne on 3 feet orange leaf stems that are edged with vicious sawtooth spines.
As the leaves die, they fall against the trunk to create the "hula skirt" effect for which the Mexican palm is famous. Unfortunately this shaggy skirt of dead dry leaves is a fire hazard and provides a home for rats and other undesirable creatures. Many municipalities in California require that the dead leaves be removed which can be quite a hassle when they're dangling 80 ft up in the air. In Florida this is not such a problem as the humid climate and occasional high winds tend to keep the palms skirt-free.
In early summer large, light beige, branched inflorescences extend past the leaves growing 7-10 ft long. These hold clusters of small whitish flowers that mature into 1/2 inch black berries that are easy (for a palm) to germinate.
Mexican Fan Palm Culture:
Washington palm prefers a moderately rich well drained soil but can survive on poor soils, even sand.
Mexican Fan Palm Growth Rate:
Fast
Mexican Fan Palm Light requirements:
Mexican Fan (Washingtonia robusta) does best in bright sunny conditions but Mexican Fan palm will tolerate some shade.
Mexican Fan Palm Tree Water requirements:
Drought resistant when established, but looks better and grows faster when given adequate moisture.
Mexican Fan Palms Maintenance:
The shaggy skirt of dead dry leaves is a fire hazard and provides a home for rats and other undesirable creatures.
Mexican Fan Palm Hardiness:
The Mexican Fan Palm is hardy in USDA Zones 8-11. Washington palm is hardy down to about 20ºF but foliage will be damaged at that temperature.
Mexican Fan Palm Tree Insects and Diseases:
Generally healthy palm
Mexican Fan Palm Tree Propagation by seed:
Propagated by seed.
Mexican Fan Palm Usage:
Use the Mexican Fan (Washingtonia robusta) palm for formal groupings, street plantings, and groves in large open areas - these are the palms planted along Venice Beach and other California beaches. Young plants can be grown in containers and give a tropical look to patios and decks. This palm should only be used in large open areas - it is not a good palm for residences with small yards. |
