Chamaerops humilis aka European Fan Palm

Taxonomy

Genus Chamaerops Family Arecaceae Order Arecales Class Liliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
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

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

European Fan Palm requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your European Fan Palm will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

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