Mexican fan palm
Also known as
Skyduster, Washington palm, Robusta palm, Mexican Washingtonia
Keep this plant’s care guide close at hand.
Get the appAbout Mexican fan palm
Washingtonia robusta, commonly called the Mexican fan palm, is a fast-growing, towering palm native to northwestern Mexico. It develops a slender, tapering, ringed trunk that can exceed 25–30 m (80–100 ft), topped with a crown of glossy, costapalmate fronds 1–1.5 m wide. Petiole margins bear sharp, hooked spines, and unpruned trunks often retain a skirt (petticoat) of dead leaves that insulates the crown and shelters wildlife but may pose fire or pest concerns in urban settings. Showy, pendant inflorescences appear in late spring to summer, followed by small black drupes eaten by birds. The species thrives in full sun, heat, wind, and drought once established, yet benefits from deep, occasional irrigation in dry summers. It adapts to well-drained soils, including moderately alkaline sites, though magnesium and manganese deficiencies can occur without palm-formulated fertilizer. Best suited to USDA Zones 9–11, it withstands brief light frosts with foliage burn; young plants are more cold-sensitive. Dramatic height and narrow trunks make it a landmark boulevard tree; long-term container culture is challenging due to size and light demands.
Taxonomy
Properties & Requirements
How to care for Mexican fan palm
Water
During the first 1–2 years, water deeply to moisten 18–24 inches of soil, then allow the top few inches to dry before the next irrigation. In hot, arid climates this typically means once weekly in summer and every 2–3 weeks in spring and fall; reduce substantially in winter. Established landscape palms need infrequent, deep soaks mainly during heat waves. For containers, water when the top 1–2 inches are dry and let excess drain completely—never allow the pot to sit in water.
Light
Provide full sun for best vigor and trunk strength—at least 6–8 hours of direct light daily. Seedlings tolerate bright, indirect light but should be acclimated gradually to outdoor sun to prevent scorch. Indoors, long-term culture is difficult due to size and light intensity; if attempted, use a south-facing exposure plus supplemental grow lights to achieve roughly 10,000–20,000 lux. Good airflow is beneficial; the species is highly wind tolerant in open, sunny sites.
Nutrients
Use a slow-release palm fertilizer (e.g., 8-2-12 plus 4% Mg with micronutrients) two to four times from spring through early fall. Broadcast evenly from just beyond the trunk to the dripline, then water in thoroughly; keep granules off the stem. In containers, feed monthly at label rates with a palm-specific formula and supplement chelated iron if chlorosis occurs on high-pH media. Avoid fertilizing in winter or on dry soil, and correct deficiencies early (especially Mg and Mn).
Temperature
Ideal growth occurs at 65–95°F (18–35°C). Mature specimens tolerate brief dips to about 20–25°F (−6 to −4°C), often with leaf burn but recovery in spring; seedlings and potted plants are more tender. Prolonged hard freezes can kill the crown. Heat tolerance is excellent above 100°F (38°C) when soil moisture is adequate. Suitable for USDA Zones 9–11 outdoors. In colder regions, overwinter container plants in bright, cool conditions above 40°F (4–5°C) and reduce watering.
