Fan Palms

How to choose a fan palm

For shaded tropical and subtropical gardens, the Licuala palms are the showpieces. The Ruffled Fan Palm has glossy, almost circular pleated leaves on a slender trunk and stays small enough for courtyards and large pots. Ramsay's Fan Palm is the Australian native Licuala from the rainforests of north Queensland, with very large circular leaves split into wedges.

For open, sunny positions, look to Livistona. The Australian Fan Palm, also called the cabbage tree palm, is a tall single trunk native of the east coast. The Ribbon Fan Palm is a fast Queensland species with deeply divided leaves whose tips hang like ribbons. The Chinese Fan Palm is slower, with broad leaves that droop at the tips.

For cold districts, the European Fan Palm is a compact, usually multi trunked palm, and the Chinese windmill palm is a slim single trunk palm wrapped in dark fibre.

Where fan palms grow

Licuala palms need warmth, humidity, shade and shelter. They suit tropical and subtropical gardens under a canopy, where wind cannot tear the leaves and frost never reaches. In cooler climates they are plants for a warm, bright room or a heated conservatory.

Livistona palms are far tougher. The Australian fan palm grows naturally as far south as eastern Victoria and tolerates light frost, coastal conditions and full sun once established. Ribbon fan palms handle heat and dry spells well. European fan palms and windmill palms tolerate frost and cool winters, and the windmill palm in particular prefers cooler climates to the humid tropics. Browse the wider range of palm trees, or see plants for tropical climates and frost hardy plants to match a palm to your district.

Planting and spacing

Plant in well drained soil enriched with compost, and keep the root ball intact, as palms dislike root disturbance. Allow four to five metres between tall Livistona palms and keep them clear of powerlines and eaves. European fan palms need about two metres of room for the clump. Licuala can be planted closer, around one and a half metres apart, in the shelter of other foliage. Mulch well and water in.

Care basics

Water young palms deeply through their first two summers. Licuala need steady moisture all year and should never dry right out. Established Livistona and European fan palms cope with dry periods, though they grow faster with summer water. Feed in spring and summer with a slow release palm fertiliser. Remove only fully brown leaves, cutting close to the trunk. The leaf stalks of many fan palms, including Livistona and the European fan palm, carry sharp teeth, so wear gloves and eye protection when pruning.

Common questions

Which fan palm is right for a cold climate?

The European fan palm and the Chinese windmill palm are the cold hardy choices. The Australian fan palm also tolerates light frost.

Can ruffled fan palms take full sun?

No. Their leaves scorch in strong sun and tear in wind. Grow them in shade or filtered light with shelter and humidity.

How tall does the Australian fan palm grow?

It is a tall palm, eventually reaching fifteen to twenty metres or more, though growth is steady and it takes many years to get there.

Can fan palms grow in pots?

Yes. Licuala and European fan palms do well in large pots for years. Tall Livistona are happier in the ground long term.