Washingtonia robusta - Desert palm

Discover the majestic Washingtonia robusta, also known as the Mexican Fan Palm. This stately palm, named after George Washington, originates from the warm regions of Mexico and the southern United States. With its characteristic, fast-growing silhouette, reaching heights of up to 15 meters, the Washingtonia robusta is an impressive sight.

The evergreen palm is famous for its light green, fan-shaped leaves that contribute to the ultimate holiday feeling. Whether it is used in the open ground or as a tub plant, the Washingtonia robusta provides a tropical touch in any garden or indoor space with its exotic appearance. Despite its tropical appearance, this palm species is surprisingly hardy and can withstand temperatures down to around -4°C, if well protected. An ideal choice for those who want to add a touch of exotic greenery to their living environment, without high maintenance requirements.

The desert palm likes a sip of water

The Washingtonia robusta, also known as the Mexican Fan Palm, is not only a visually appealing addition to any garden or interior, but also has specific watering requirements that are not difficult to meet. This palm prefers a soil that is kept moist, mimicking how it grows in the wild along streams and rivers. It is therefore essential to keep the soil moist, especially during dry periods, but avoid waterlogging by ensuring good drainage. Regular watering is essential, with once or twice a week often being sufficient, depending on weather conditions. During periods of particularly hot and dry weather, the palm may need watering more often, while in winter watering can be reduced to once every two weeks.

When watering, make sure the soil is completely dry before watering again. This promotes healthy root growth and helps prevent root rot. If kept in a pot, a larger pot with good drainage and the use of hydro grains in the bottom of the pot can help distribute and retain water well, keeping the plant sufficiently moist between waterings. With these simple care tips, the Mexican Fan Palm will thrive and enhance your space with its tropical beauty.

Summer

During the summer it is very important that this plant, when it is outside, is kept well moist. Especially during the warm days it should be watered every day, so that the root ball is well moist. On the less warm days this can sometimes be skipped for a few days. This is so important because otherwise the plant 'drinks' moisture from its leaves, causing it to become dry and eventually die. This should of course be prevented.

Winter

When winter is upon us, the rules are reversed! If it is outside, it must remain dry so that the moisture does not freeze and damage the plant. The Desert Palm does not suffer from a dry root ball during this period, it is in a kind of hibernation!
When the plant is kept indoors during the winter it should be kept slightly moist, so not soaking wet (as in summer), but just so that the root ball feels slightly damp.

General rules

In addition to the above guidelines, it is best to follow these rules:

First, give the plant a little water. If the soil is dry within 2 days, it means it needs a little more water. Adjust the amount of water until it still feels slightly moist between 2 and 5 days after watering, and almost dry after 5 days. If it feels very wet after 5 days, wait until it is almost dry and water again, but reduce the amount.

Spraying

We recommend that you spray it with water weekly. However, we do not recommend this during hot summer days, so that you do it either in the evening after sunset, or on days when the sun is not shining much, because the water droplets bundle the incoming sunlight into small points that become very hot. These make the leaves dry, or even burn through.
Aside from the detrimental effect of bright sunlight on wet leaves, misting has beneficial effects for your . Namely, it removes dust from the leaves, allowing them to better absorb sunlight and look more beautiful, and it prevents certain types of pests.

Where is the best place to place the Desert Palm?

The Washingtonia robusta, better known as the Mexican Fan Palm, is an impressive plant that thrives best in bright sunshine. This palm needs a spot where it can enjoy plenty of direct sunlight, preferably in a sunny, sheltered position. This guarantees optimal growth and promotes the development of the characteristic fan-shaped leaves. Despite its preference for lots of light, the palm can also tolerate light shade, making it flexible in use in various garden designs and interior spaces.

In terms of temperature, the Washingtonia robusta thrives best in warm environments. It can tolerate short periods of cold down to around -4°C, provided it is well protected. In colder climates, it is advisable to plant the palm in a tub, so that it can easily be brought indoors in the winter. A well-ventilated wintering area helps to prevent fungal attack, while a position with sufficient light remains essential for its well-being even in winter. Regular watering and a well-drained soil will ensure that your Mexican Fan Palm retains its luxurious, tropical flair, whatever the season.

Light

The - Desert Palm is a plant that likes a fair amount of sunlight. It likes to be in full sun or half shade, taking in all the light. Is it indoors? Then it wants a spot near a window or where there is light. The - Desert Palm requires at least 1 to 3 hours of direct sunlight per day

Wind

Make sure the - Desert Palm experiences as little wind as possible. Wind can damage the leaves causing them to die off more quickly. A little wind is not a problem.

Temperature requirements

Minimum temperature during the day: -5 ℃
At night minimum -3 ℃

Repotting, why and when?

Repotting a Washingtonia robusta, also known as the Mexican Fan Palm, is an essential step in promoting the lush growth and health of this beautiful palm. A sign that it is time to repot is when the roots start to come out of the drainage holes or if the soil dries out completely within a very short time after watering. This indicates that the roots need more room to expand and the palm can reach its maximum growth potential.

When repotting, it is important to choose a pot large enough to support growth for the coming seasons, but not so large that the soil remains waterlogged, which can cause root rot. Ideally, this palm is repotted in the spring, just before the growing season begins, to provide the plant with fresh soil rich in organic matter and good drainage, which will help to ensure optimum growth and health.

General rules

When the Desert Palm has taken root (often every 2-3 years) we recommend repotting it in the spring. If it is always inside, it does not matter. If it is outside, it is not a problem to repot it in the summer, but we advise against it in the fall and winter, because it will not grow and take root optimally. This can make it somewhat weak, and it may suffer damage from frost.

When you choose to repot your Desert Palm, choose a nice pot that is twice the size of the root ball. Place a layer of hydro grains at the bottom of the new pot for better moisture control. It will be grateful for that. Fill this layer with some Mediterranean potting soil. This type of soil ensures that the Desert Palm roots optimally and is fed. Then you can place the root ball on the ground. Make sure that the top of the root ball is slightly below the edge of the pot. Aim for a difference of 2 to 6 cm. This difference ensures that the water does not run off the root ball when you water it.
Every year you should replace the top layer of soil, because it hardens and 'wears out' in nutrients, due to regular watering and because of the sunlight on the upper edge of the root ball.

Provide the Washingtonia robusta - Desert Palm with good nutrition

The Washingtonia robusta, an imposing figure with its exuberant fan-shaped foliage, has specific nutritional requirements to support its rapid growth and vibrant appearance. This majestic palm thrives best with a regular supply of nutrients, especially during the spring and summer growth periods. Providing a balanced, concentrated plant food once a year will support the plant’s growth and health. Choose a fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as well as trace elements that are essential for the development of strong trunks and airy, green leaves.

The art of feeding, however, lies not only in what you give, but also in how and when. The best time to feed is early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid any sunburn of the leaves. A slow-release fertilizer is ideal: it ensures a steady supply of nutrients without the risk of over-fertilization, which can damage the roots of this robust palm. Regular, measured feeding ensures that the Washingtonia robusta retains its exotic allure, giving your garden or interior a touch of tropical splendor.

When the leaves change color

The leaves can get black leaf tips. This can mean that too much water has been released. Brown or yellow leaves can mean that too little water is being released. We then recommend checking this and possibly adjusting the watering. We also recommend making the plant a bit more beautiful by simply cutting off the ugly tips with scissors.

It is also possible that the - Desert Palm has been moved from a place with a lot/little light to a place with a different amount of light. This can also cause the leaves to discolour. The new leaves will be more resistant to direct sunlight.

How and when to prune the Washingtonia robusta - Desert Palm?

The leaves of the Desert Palm will eventually wither. If this is the case with a leaf, you can simply cut the stem near the trunk. It is not a big deal to cut off an entire leaf with the stem of the plant. This is the way the plant forms its trunk.

How can I propagate the Washingtonia robusta - Desert Palm?

The Washingtonia robusta, also known as the Mexican Fan Palm, brings a slice of sunny Mexico to your garden or home. This beautiful palm is primarily propagated by seed. While the germination process can be a test of patience, it is worth the effort for those who dream of having their own palm tree paradise. To begin, pre-soak the seeds in warm water for 24 to 48 hours, which will help break dormancy. Then, plant them in a well-draining soil mix, ideally in a warm environment, as the Washingtonia robusta is a heat-loving plant. Patience and careful attention are key, as it can take several weeks to months for the seeds to germinate. Once germinated, this fast-growing palm will reward you with its lush, fan-shaped leaves that add an exotic flair to your surroundings.