Mangrove Fan Palm

Mangrove Fan Palm (Licuala spinosa) is the clumping fan palm for gardens that want tropical greenery at eye level rather than overhead. It forms a multi stemmed clump around 4m tall and 3m wide, with near circular pleated fronds held out like open hand fans. It thrives in warm humid air and copes with ground that stays wet, which is where most palms struggle.

Why you'll love it

• Fans, not feathers. The fronds are rounded and pleated rather than divided, so a single clump carries real texture at close range.
• It clumps rather than towers. At about 4m it screens a fence line or a window without ever needing a ladder to maintain.
• Wet ground is not a problem. It tolerates damp, slow draining soil that would rot most palms, so low corners and pond edges suit it.
• Coastal and low maintenance. Salt tolerant and at home in humidity, with cutting away spent fronds the only regular job.

Where it works best

Screening and privacy. Plant 2m apart for a clumping tropical screen. New suckers fill the space between plants from ground level, so the screen thickens with age instead of lifting onto bare trunks.

Poolside. It sheds whole fronds occasionally rather than small leaves all year, so there is far less litter to skim.

Pots and courtyards. A pot 500mm or wider holds a clump for years and keeps it nearer 2m.

Growing Mangrove Fan Palm in Australia

Position and climate. Filtered light or part shade gives the greenest fronds, though it takes full sun in tropical and subtropical gardens once established. It is frost tender, so this is a plant for the tropics and subtropics only. In cooler gardens grow it potted and move it under cover for winter.

Soil. Rich soil with plenty of organic matter is ideal, and it is one of the few palms genuinely happy with wet feet. Mulch 75mm deep, kept clear of the stems.

Water and feed. Keep the root zone moist through the first two summers. Apply a controlled release palm fertiliser in early spring and again in midsummer.

Pruning. Cut spent fronds at the base once they have browned off. Thin the smallest suckers at ground level if you want a tighter clump.

What to expect when it arrives

It is sold in 400mm pots and in 110L. The 400mm plants are established clumps with several stems and a full head of fans, ready to go straight into the ground or a large container. The 110L is a mature specimen for immediate effect and is currently on backorder.

Palms travel with the fronds drawn in, and slight tip browning on arrival is normal rather than a fault. Plants are delivered Australia wide, delivery from $29.95,. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost, and every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• A guide to palm tree varieties for Australian gardens
• Browse the full palm range
• Compare plants for poolside gardens
• Designing a tropical garden that stays lush

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it for a screen?

Two metres apart. Each clump widens to around 3m, so at that spacing they meet within a few seasons while every plant keeps room to sucker freely.

Will it survive frost?

No. It is frost tender and suited to tropical and subtropical gardens. In cool temperate or inland districts keep it in a pot that can shift under cover, or choose a hardier fan palm.

Can I grow it in a pot long term?

Yes. Use a pot at least 500mm wide with free drainage and expect it to settle around 2m. Potted plants dry quickly in summer, so check the mix twice a week.