Trachycarpus Fortunei

Hardy Trachycarpus Fortunei Palms

The Trachycarpus palm is native to the Himalayan Mountains where it grows at impressive altitudes. This plant belongs to the Arecaceae family and is known as the Hemp palm or the Chinese Fan palm. Trachycarpus Fortunei has a sturdy trunk with fan-shaped leaves. This versatile palm is suitable as a houseplant and as an outdoor plant. It can withstand temperatures down to -10 degrees Celsius.

How big does a fan palm grow?

The size of a Trachycarpus can vary depending on several factors, such as growing conditions, the age of the plant and the specific species within the Trachycarpus genus. In general, Trachycarpus palms grow slowly, but can eventually reach considerable heights. This really varies from plant to plant and location to location. The palm can eventually grow up to 12 metres tall in the right conditions. However, in most gardens they are more likely to reach 6 to 10 metres, depending on factors such as climate, soil conditions and care.

How do I care for my Trachycarpus Fortunei?

Caring for this tropical beauty requires some attention. Make sure you know the right care tips so you can enjoy the palm for many years to come. It is important to note that the leaves may snap, but this is a normal process for this plant. Because the palm grows naturally on the coast in the wind, the leaves have developed this characteristic as protection against breaking.

Watering the Hemp palm

We recommend paying extra attention to the plant in the first weeks after purchase. This is because it is very important that the palm is watered properly. Check the soil of your Trachycarpus after 5 days, if it feels slightly dry it needs a little more water next time. If the soil is still moist, water less. In addition, watering the Trachycarpus is important. Make sure there is good drainage in the pot or soil the palm is planted in. This allows excess water to drain away and prevents root rot.

The ideal location for Trachycarpus Fortunei

Trachycarpus Fortunei loves sunlight. The palm stays healthiest in a place with plenty of light. Both indoors and outdoors it can be placed in full sun. Although Trachycarpus Fortunei is hardy, it is important to protect it in very severe winters with temperatures below -10 degrees Celsius. This can be done by moving it indoors or by covering it with special winter covers.

What to do with discoloured leaves?

If the leaves of your Trachycarpus are discoloured, there are several possible causes. First, check that the plant is getting enough water and that the soil is well-drained. Also make sure the plant is getting the right nutrients by fertilising it according to the recommendations on the packaging.It could also be that the discoloured leaves are simply old and are being shed by the plant. This often happens to the lower leaf, as the plant grows from the centre.

Feeding and fertilising Trachycarpus Fortunei

It is not a must to give plant food to the Trachycarpus, but it can help the plant grow faster. We recommend fertilising with palm fertiliser only in spring. Make sure you don't fertilise more than recommended. In winter, nutrients from fertiliser cannot be absorbed. Too many unused nutrients can damage the roots, as fertiliser is highly acidic.

Pruning the Trachycarpus fortunei

Pruning a Trachycarpus is usually not necessary, unless there are dead or damaged leaves that need to be removed. In that case, you can carefully cut off the leaves with sharp, clean pruning shears. Make sure you only remove the leaves that are really needed, as pruning too many leaves can stunt the palm's growth.

Diseases and pests in the Fan Palm

It is important to be aware of common pests in Trachycarpus, such as mealybugs. These small, fluffy insects nestle under the leaves and along the trunk of the palm, where they feed on its sap. This can lead to weakened growth and reduced plant health. To prevent mealybugs, regular inspection of Trachycarpus' leaves and trunk is very important. Look out for signs of white, fluffy masses on the plant and any deformities or yellowing of the leaves. If you notice these symptoms, rinse the palm thoroughly with water. You can also use a mild solution of water and soap to manually remove the mealybugs.

Shop a Trachycarpus Fortunei at Green Bubble

Are you looking for a beautiful, healthy and strong Trachycarpus plant? Then you've come to the right place at Green Bubble! We work directly with the growers so we can guarantee the freshness of the plants. Want to buy a Trachycarpus Fortunei, but don't feel like going to a garden shop? We can well understand this and that's why we send your Hemp palm right to your front door! Easy ordering and great Trachycarpus plants, that's what Green Bubble stands for. Want to buy a cool Hemp palm? Join our Green Bubble!