Windmill Palm Tree

Botanical Name: Trachycarpus fortunei

Windmill palm tree is one of the most adaptable palms you can grow. This tree is a giant in its native habitat, but only reaches 6-8 ft when grown in a container indoors. Slow-growing, it will take this indoor palm plant several years to reach this height.

The whorl of fan-shaped fronds make it a stunning decorative accent tree. Young fronds have pleated leaflets that gradually open into widely spaced fans.

As the palm grows, it develops a thick trunk which is covered with coarse brown fibers.

Shed some light. Give this palm as much light as you can. Move it outdoors for the summer, if you want. Just be sure to keep it protected from strong winds, which can damage the fronds. A sheltered porch or patio is ideal.

Repot in spring every 2-3 years or as needed, moving it to a pot 1 size larger. Older plants that are too big to repot can be top-dressed instead by replacing the top couple inches of soil. Crowding roots helps to control its size. Use a heavy container to prevent it from toppling because this palm gets top-heavy.

Origin: Southeast Asia

Height: Up to 8 ft (2.4 m) indoors

Light: Bright light with plenty of direct sun.

Water: Keep soil moist spring through summer and barely moist in fall and winter.

Humidity: Moderate humidity. Mist regularly in winter if the relative humidity drops below 50 percent.

Temperature: Average room temperature 65-75°F, 18-24°C year-round.

Soil: Use a peaty mix that drains well. Mix 1 part sand to 3 parts African violet mix.

Fertilizer: Feed once in spring and again in summer with a time-release fertilizer. Rose fertilizer works well because it provides the micronutrients this palm needs. A shortage of magnesium will cause yellow spots on the leaflets.

Propagation: Plants can be grown from seeds, but seedlings are slow-growing and you'll wait several years for them to grow into trees.