Mexican Fan Palm (Washingtonia robusta)

The Mexican Fan Palm, also known as the Washingtonia robusta, is a striking palm tree recognized for its impressive height and classic tropical silhouette. It features a slender, textured trunk that gently tapers around the top, creating an elegant profile. At its crown, you’ll find a full canopy of bright green, fan-shaped fronds that spread outwards like open parasols.

Fast-growing and highly adaptable, this palm thrives in USDA zones 8-11 and can reach 60 feet in residential landscapes when mature, up to 100 in wild settings. Despite its towering beauty, the Mexican Fan Palm is surprisingly hardy. It handles drought, heat, salt, and strong winds with ease, making it one of the most dependable palms for both homeowners and commercial landscapes.

In the summer, this palm sends out long dramatic flower stalks that form clusters of small fruit that is beloved by birds and add a whimsical touch to this tropical palm. With its statuesque form, hardy nature, and unmistakable tropical charm, the Mexican Fan Palm remains a landscape favorite for anyone wanting big impact with minimal effort.

Reference Table

Sunlight
Full Sun

Watering
Week 1: Every other day.
Week 2-4: Twice a week
After it is established, water thoroughly once a week unless it rains.
Once established, this plant is drought tolerant.

Soil
Tolerates most soils, as long as it is well draining.

Fertilization
Use a Palm specific fertilizer three times a year at the beginning of Fall, Spring and Summer.

Pruning
It is necessary to prune Mexican Fan Palm fronds around once a year, and only when they turn completely brown. Partially green fronds are still giving valuable nutrients to the palm tree.

Are Washingtonia Palms easy maintenance?
Yes. Washingtonia Palms are considered low maintenance once established. They require occasional pruning of old fronds in order to keep the trunk clean. Since they are such fast growing specimens, the height may require special equipment for maintenance.

How big to Washingtonia Palms get?
Mexican Fan Palms grow up to 70-100 feet.

Are Washingtonia Palms cold-hardy?
Yes! Washingtonia Palms are moderately cold-hardy, and tolerate temperatures down to 23-25°F.

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Recent Washingtonia Palm Installations in  Florida: Orlando and Tampa

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