Washingtonia robusta aka Mexican Fan Palm

Taxonomy

Genus Washingtonia Family Arecaceae Order Arecales Class Liliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta

Washingtonia robusta, also known as the Mexican fan palm, Mexican washingtonia, or skyduster, is a flowering species from the Arecaceae family. It is native to the Baja California peninsula and a small part of Sonora in northwestern Mexico, but is now one of the most widely cultivated subtropical palms in the world. The palm tree has a columnar trunk that can grow up to 100 feet tall, with a round crown of fan-shaped fronds that can reach 3-5 feet in length. However, frond damage can occur at temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Although its scientific name may suggest otherwise, the Mexican fan palm is not native to Washington or the United States. It has naturalized in several countries, including Florida, California, Hawaii, and Texas in the United States, as well as parts of the Canary Islands, France, Italy, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar, Spain, Réunion, and Morocco.

Common names

Mexican Fan Palm, Mexican Washington Palm, Mexican Washingtonia

How to care for Mexican Fan Palm

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Mexican Fan Palm due to its easy-going nature.

Water

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

Soil

Mexican 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

Mexican Fan Palm thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Mexican Washingtonia.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Growth-pattern

Mexican Fan Palm grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.

More info:
Wikipedia

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