Mexican Fan Palm

The Mexican Fan Palm, scientifically known as Washingtonia robusta, is a tall and slender palm tree native to Mexico. It is widely cultivated for its striking appearance and is commonly seen in urban landscapes, particularly in warm climates.

In its natural habitat, the Mexican Fan Palm can reach impressive heights of 70 to 100 feet, but it typically grows shorter in cultivation. The palm is characterized by its tall, slender trunk, which can be slightly swollen at the base and becomes more slender as it ages. The trunk is often marked with a pattern of diamond-shaped leaf scars.

Atop the trunk sits a crown of large, fan-shaped leaves that are bright green in color. The leaves can be several feet across and create a striking, rounded canopy. The Mexican Fan Palm is known for its rapid growth and can quickly become a prominent feature in the landscape.

One of the distinctive features of Washingtonia robusta is its ability to withstand drought and various soil types, though it performs best in well-draining soil. It thrives in full sun and can tolerate high temperatures, making it a popular choice in arid and semi-arid regions.

In landscaping, the Mexican Fan Palm is often used as a street tree, in public parks, and in large gardens. Its height and distinctive form make it an excellent choice for creating dramatic vertical elements in the landscape. The tree is also popular for lining avenues or as a focal point in large open spaces.

Overall, the Mexican Fan Palm is a striking and low-maintenance tree, ideal for adding a touch of the tropics to landscapes. Its towering presence, rapid growth, and adaptability to a range of growing conditions make it a favored choice for both urban and home landscapes in warm regions.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Mexican Fan Palm

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or sandy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space trees 10-12 feet apart to accommodate their large canopy
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Mexican Fan Palm requires no staking and grows in a tall, single-trunk form with fan-shaped fronds

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 4-5 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 3-4 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Mexican Fan Palm is considered established after 6-8 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 14-21 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 10-14 days. Provide 3-4 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 4-6 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 24-36 inches away from the base of the tree to ensure deep watering of the root zone
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 2-4 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 2-3 emitters per tree for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering to every 10-14 days. In winter, reduce to every 4-6 weeks