Care of the palm tree Washingtonia filifera or California fan palm |
The genus Washingtonia, family Palmaceae, comprises 2 species of palm trees native to northern Mexico and the southwestern United States: Washingtonia filifera and Washingtonia robusta. Common names: California palm, California fan palm, Desert fan palm. This species is native to southwestern United States and Baja California. They are palm trees that reach 18 meters (59 feet) in height. They have webbed leaves (divided into more than 50 segments) 2 meters (6.56 feet) in diameter and a long petiole with spines on the edge; the segments of the leaves are frayed and when the leaves die they are left hanging from the trunk. They produce inconspicuous flowers that appear from spectacular inflorescences 4 meters (13.12 feet) in length. The fruits are ovoid in shape. California fan palm is used in streets and public parks, as isolated specimens and in large pots. It's ideal for coastal gardens. Washingtonia filifera needs full sun exposure. It resists intense heat and frost down to -8 ºC (17.6 ºF). The soil can be a mixture of 2/3 of normal garden soil and 1/3 of coarse sand. Water frequently (with little amount of water) during spring and summer (never flood); reduce watering the rest of the year. California palm is very resistant to drought. Fertilize with compost in the fall. Washingtonia filifera is a palm tree resistant to pests and diseases; it can be attacked by fungi if there is excess watering. Desert fan palm propagates from seeds but it's a very slow process; it's better to buy already developed specimens in nurseries and garden centers. Before starting to grow vertically, it takes 5-6 years to form a bud that will become the trunk. |
Images of the palm tree Washingtonia filifera or California fan palm |