Chamaerops humilis aka European Fan Palm

Taxonomy

Chamaerops humilis, commonly known as the European fan palm or the Mediterranean dwarf palm, is an attractive, multi stemmed palm, prized for its low-maintenance and cold-hardy properties. It is a slow-growing species, with stems lined with sharp teeth or "spines" and a maximum height of 8-10 ft. The leaves are grayish-green in color and 2 feet across at maturity. This plant is tolerant to drought, salt and prefers a bright, sunny location in well-drained, rich soil. Because of its spines, it should be placed at a safe distance from foot traffic. Chamaerops humilis is one of the most cold-hardy palms and is used in landscaping in temperate climates.

Common names

European Fan Palm, Mediterranean Fan Fern, Dwarf Fan Palm, Mediterranean Fan Palm

How to care for European Fan Palm

Difficulty

Are you up for a challenge? European Fan Palm will test your gardening skills and require extra care and attention to thrive.

Water

European Fan Palm should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

European Fan Palm loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the European Fan Palm prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of European Fan Palm is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

The European Fan Palm is a clumping species, with new growth arising from the soil surrounding the parent plant.

Region of origin

European Fan Palm’s native range is Europe - Mediterranean.

More info:
Wikipedia