Washingtonia robusta, commonly known as the Mexican fan palm or Mexican Washingtonia, is a tall, slender palm native to northwestern Mexico. It's often cultivated in various parts of the world for ornamental purposes due to its graceful appearance and relatively fast growth rate.
Characterized by its tall trunk, which can reach heights of up to 30 meters (about 100 feet), and its large, fan-shaped leaves, the Mexican fan palm is a popular choice for landscaping in warmer climates. Its leaves can grow up to 2 meters (6.6 feet) in diameter and are deeply divided into segments, giving them a distinctive look.
This palm species is quite hardy and adaptable, tolerating a wide range of soil types and thriving in full sun. It's commonly seen lining streets, in parks, and in private gardens in regions with Mediterranean, subtropical, or tropical climates. Additionally, it's known for its resistance to drought and salt spray, making it suitable for coastal areas.
Cultural Significance: Mexican fan palms are widely planted as ornamental trees in parks, streets, and gardens due to their tall and graceful appearance. They are also commonly used in landscaping to create a tropical or exotic ambiance. Hardy in zones 8-12.
Growing Instructions
Soak the seed in water for 24 hours.
The seeds like moist, well-drained soil. Prepare a mixture of half potting soil and half sand, perlite or vermiculite.
Put the soil in a pot. Water the mixture so that it is moist but not wet.
Sow the seeds ¼ inch deep.
Water the seeds.
The seeds need warm temperatures to germinate (75 degrees F). Place the pots in an area with warm temperatures in full sun or part shade. Germination tends to be slow. The seeds take from 4 to 15 weeks to germinate. It is faster in warm temperatures.
When the seedlings have a few leaves, they can be transplanted.