Mexican Fan Palm

Chances are, you've seen Mexican fan palms on a postcard depicting Palm Springs, Los Angeles, or San Diego.

Hailing from arid and semi-arid lands, these palms adapted to grow very quickly while requiring less water than the average palm tree. It’s no wonder they’re frequently included in city landscaping in California.

If you desire to bring that quintessential West coast look to your own landscape, Mexican fan palm would be a great choice.

Botanical name: Washingtonia robusta

Other names: Mexican washingtonia, Washington palm

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Shiny, deep green fronds form a crown at the top of the palm tree. Large, 3-5 foot wide fronds that are palmate, or in other words, shaped like fans.

Sharp spines at the bottom of the fronds.

Very tall palm tree, growing to 70-100 feet tall and 10 feet wide.

The short and bumpy brown trunk will become a slender, smooth gray trunk over time. The trunk is slightly wider at the base.

Flower stalks measuring 3-10 feet grow small, light-colored flowers when in bloom, followed by small dark fruits that are edible.

Mexican fan palm is one of the best choices for growing tall palms in the Coachella Valley. They are tough and hardy, resisting temperatures below frost, drought (compared to other palms), and heavy winds in our area.

Plant a few palms together in areas such as near the swimming pool, in the front yard, or in the corner of a yard for adding a dreamy California vibe to your home.

Requires slight maintenance. On younger trees, dead fronds hang on the trunk and form a skirt, which we recommend removing due to fire hazards. Once mature, however, many Mexican fan palms drop the dead fronds on their own. Also, to prevent from seed dispersal, we recommend removing flower stalks.

Very fast growing, at about 3 feet per year. Keep in a container to restrict height.

Northwest Mexico, in areas that experience temperate and warm weather

Soil: Well draining soil. We recommend using fertilizer formulated for palm trees to keep the fronds green and healthy.

Temperature: Can withstand temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit for a short period of time.

Water: Requires moderate water. More drought tolerant once mature. Deep, occasional watering during winter, allowing the soil to dry out. More frequent watering during the growing season and especially during heat waves. If you have questions about watering suitable for your region and microclimate, please contact us or ask us at the nursery.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade

Pests: Mexican Fan Palm has minimal pests. Fungal diseases from rot and nutrient deficiencies.

Signs of overwatering: Wilted fronds, especially with brown tips. Soil that never dries out.

Signs of too little water: Yellowing fronds, weak fronds

Signs of too much sun: Burning, fading color

Signs of too little sun: Etiolation, yellowing fronds

Growing Mexican fan palms from seeds is a bit tricky. The easier way is to allow the palm to fruit and drop seeds. Propagate any seedlings that emerge.