Have you thought about taking the fan palm to your garden or into your living room? Well, then it should.
This tropical species with pleated and splayed leaves have a unique and exotic look capable of taking any landscaping out of the monotony.
Keep following the post to find out more about the fan palm.
Features of the fan palm tree
Originally from the hot and humid forests of Oceania, the Palm Tree Fan ( Licuala Grandis ) has adapted very well to the Brazilian climate. So much so that this is one of the most used species in our landscaping, whether indoors or outdoors.
Easy to care for and without requiring major maintenance, the fan palm ended up also becoming a favorite among beginner gardeners.
Another important feature of the fan palm is its slow growth. However, it does not stop growing, reaching between 1 and 2 meters in height in the pot and up to 20 meters in height in the ground depending on the species.
How to care for the fan palm
Lighting and temperature
The fan palm is a type of plant that grows in tropical forests under the shade of larger trees. This made the species naturally adapt to a diffused light condition. For this reason, the fan palm must be cultivated in shaded or semi-shade environments, at temperatures between 25ºC and 27ºC.
This means good natural lighting but no direct sunlight, as the sun’s rays can burn the leaves of the fan palm. This feature makes the fan palm a great choice for an indoor plant. Put her near a window, for example, and she will live full and happy. But if there’s one thing the fan palm doesn’t like at all, it’s the wind.
A strong wind can tear the plant’s leaves and cause it to lose its ability to grow. So if you plan to grow it on porches or in the open, make sure it’s protected.
Watering
The fan palm needs frequent watering capable of keeping the soil slightly moist, but never soggy. The recommendation, in this case, is to water the fan palm about three to four times a week.
When watering, check if the vessel is draining correctly. This means that the water must drain, ensuring that moisture is not trapped in the soil. Anyone who has a fan palm should also be aware of the humidity in the air and avoid leaving the plant exposed to air conditioning.
As a plant with a tropical climate, the fan palm has difficulties in dealing with dry air. On days like this, water the leaves of the plant using a sprayer.
Fertilizing
The fan palm loves soils rich in organic matter. Therefore, it is always recommended to fertilize the plant. Use organic fertilizers such as cattle manure, supplemented by the NPK 10-10-10 formula.
Pest control
If it is being cultivated outside the ideal conditions of light, watering, fertilization, and temperature, the fan palm ends up becoming a target of pests, especially cochineal.
Fortunately, the solution to the problem is simple. Apply neem oil, a type of natural insecticide, all over the plant and correct what needs to be corrected in the growing mode.
Pruning
The fan palm does not require maintenance pruning, only in the case of dry, dead, or yellowish leaves.
Check out how these 9 inspirations on how to use the palm fan in decoration and landscaping:
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