Sumawongii Fan Palm

The Sumawongii Fan Palm (Licuala peltata var. sumawongii) carries the largest undivided circular fronds of any palm you can buy, each one a perfect pleated disc up to 1.5m across. It grows slowly to about 3.5m tall and 2.5m wide, which makes it a sculptural feature rather than a canopy palm. In a shaded courtyard it is the single plant most likely to stop a visitor mid sentence.

Why you'll love it

• Fronds unlike anything else. Whole circular leaves, not split into leaflets, give a bold architectural outline no other palm offers.
• Roots that behave. Non invasive roots mean it can go close to paving, pool edges and walls without lifting them.
• Stays in scale. Very slow growth to 3.5m means it holds a courtyard position for many years without needing removal.
• Made for shade. It genuinely prefers a shaded, sheltered position, which is where most feature plants fail.

Where it works best

Feature planting in shade. Under an established canopy or against a shaded wall, uplit at night, is where the fronds are seen at their best.

Poolside. Non invasive roots and large clean fronds suit a pool surround, and the leaves drop whole rather than shedding constant litter.

Pots, courtyards and indoors. A large container in a bright shaded courtyard suits it, and it will grow indoors in a well lit room away from direct sun and air conditioning.

Growing Sumawongii Fan Palm in Australia

Position and climate. Shade or filtered light, always, and full shelter from wind, which shreds the fronds and ruins the whole effect. It is a tropical and subtropical palm and is frost tender, so cooler gardens need to grow it in a protected courtyard or indoors.

Soil. Rich, moisture retentive soil high in organic matter. It tolerates wet feet and dislikes drying out, so heavy mulch and regular compost suit it well.

Water and feed. Keep the root zone consistently moist, especially through summer, and never let a potted plant dry out. Feed three times through the warm months with a controlled release palm fertiliser to keep the fronds a deep even green.

Pruning. Remove only fully browned fronds, cutting close to the trunk. Never cut green fronds, since a slow palm cannot replace them quickly.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown in 60L and 90L only, which reflects how long these palms take to reach a saleable size. Both arrive as established plants with several full fronds and a formed trunk base, so you are buying years of growing time rather than a seedling.

Palms of this size are freighted at cost as advanced and large stock, delivered Australia wide with a minimum order of $300 before delivery. Fronds may be tied for transport and can show minor edge marking on arrival, which is normal and grows out. Expect one to three new fronds a year. Every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• A guide to palm varieties for Australian gardens
• Browse the full palm range
• Compare plants for poolside gardens
• See exotic and rare plants

Common questions

How fast does it grow?

Very slowly. One to three new fronds a year is typical, and reaching the full 3.5m takes decades. That slow pace is why advanced plants command the price they do.

Can I plant it in full sun?

No. Direct sun burns the fronds and bleaches them yellow within weeks. Shade or filtered light under a canopy is essential.

Will it grow indoors?

Yes, in a well lit room with steady warmth and no draughts. Keep the mix consistently moist and mist or group it with other plants, because dry conditioned air browns the frond edges.

Why are the frond edges splitting?

Almost always wind. These fronds are single sheets rather than leaflets, so any exposure tears them permanently. Move a potted plant to shelter, or plant a windbreak before adding one to an open garden.