Mediterranean Fan Palm Growth Rate: How Fast They Grow?
Are you looking for an easy-to-maintain palm plant to spruce up your indoor or outdoor space? Well, look no further because the European fan palm is just what to need to add a lively tropical look to your home.
Also known as the Mediterranean fan palm, this cold-hardy variety works well when grown indoors in a container, outdoors in the ground, planted clustered in landscape or as a single specimen in the garden or backyard.
Mediterranean fan palm growth rate is quite slow. This clustered variety is the only palm species native to Europe. If you’re wondering how fast do Chamaerops Humilis grow and if you can maintain them at home on your own, keep reading!
Jump To
- Varieties of European Palm
- How Fast Do Mediterranean Fan Palms Grow In A Year?
- Important FAQs About Chamaerops Humilis Growth Rate
Although it is multi-trunked, it still looks quite compact. It has short trunks and fine-textured, fan-shaped fronds with leaflets ranging from light green to silver in color.
Each stem is lined with sharp spines, and this is why it is advised to keep this palm away from heavy foot traffic.
The plant bears small clusters of yellow flowers that eventually give way to fruits in the spring.
But before you bring home this amazing palm variety, it is essential to know how fast do European fan palms grow. Let’s take a look!
Varieties Of European Palm
The Chamaerops humilis species has 3 accepted varieties namely:
- Chamaerops humilis var. argentea
- Chamaerops humilis var. epondraes
- Chamaerops humilis var. humilis
Also, there are at least 3 cultivars (produced through selective breeding):
- Chamaerops humilis ‘Vulcano’
- Chamaerops humilis var. humilis ‘Nana’
- Chamaerops humilis ‘Stella’
How Fast Do European Fan Palm Grow In A Year?
It is important to know how fast do Mediterranean fan palms grow before you bring home this palm variety for your home, garden or backyard.
The European palm is a slow-growing variety and takes several years to reach its full height. Chamaerops humilis growth rate is about 5-6 inches per year, and this palm is generally between 10-15 feet in height at maturity. The width of the plant can be around somewhere 10 feet.
Given the right growing conditions like full sun, right temperature, well-drained soil and sufficient watering, the plant will have a healthy growth rate.
However, the growth rate for European palms outdoor is higher as compared to indoor ones.
Related : How old do palm trees live?, Types of fan palm,Ponytail palm care guide ,Areca Palm Types
Did You Know?
Q. How fast do Chamaerops Humilis grow in height?
A. Wondering how fast do European fan palms grow? Unfortunately, this lovely palm variety grows only a few inches per year. Mediterranean fan palm growth rateis relatively steady. It does not grow up to be as big as most other palm varieties.
This palm can be as tall as 15 feet in the wild with leaves as long as 4 feet. However, in containers, it is unlikely to attain that height and resemble a shorter palm variety.
Indoors, this plant usually remains under 5 feet at maturity.
Q. How cold hardy are European fan palms?
A. Chamaerops humilis growth ratemight be slow, but this species is pretty easy to maintain, making it an ideal choice for houseplants. This palm thrives when planted outdoors and adapts well to indoor conditions.
This cold-hardy variety can tolerate temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit (even lower in some cases).
Q. How often should I water Chamaerops Humilis?
A. Chamaerops Humilis does not have very high water requirements. A young European fan palm may need frequent watering to maintain even soil moisture. If the heat is extreme, water it once a week or more to establish the roots.
Mature palms are rather drought-tolerant. Let the soil dry out between 2 watering sessions.
You need to water it moderately when it is actively growing. However, make sure to water it only sparingly in winters.
Overwatering European fan palm can lead to issues like fungal spots on older leaves. Also, make sure that the plant is not sitting in soggy soil as this may lead to root rot.
Q. What soil does Chamaerops Humilis like?
A. This palm variety prefers loamy and well-drained soil and can tolerate a considerable range of soil pHs. However, it is not really picky and can adapt to various soil textures, including clay and sand.
Although somewhat drought tolerant, Chamaerops Humilis works well in slightly moist soil.
Q. How much light do European fan palms need?
A. Although this palm species likes full sun, it can tolerate partial shade as well. However, the Mediterranean fan palm growth rate is best when it receives ample sunlight. It is best to place it in a spot that gets at least 4-6 of direct sunlight. The palm will get leggy if it is kept in too much shade.
Q. What is the ideal temperature for European palm?
A. The ideal temperature for this variety of palms is around 50°F in the evenings and 70°F during the day. However, this cold-hardy variety can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°F.
Q. When should I repot my palm?
A. An indication that your palm tree requires repotting is when you begin to see roots protruding out from the bottom drainage hole at the bottom of the pot. Another sign is when the soil beings to appear sticky in the container. In most cases, for best-growing results, it is advised to repot palm trees every one or two years.
Q. How to Propagate Mediterranean Fan Palm?
A. There are two ways to propagate a European fan palm:
- Through seed
- Through suckers
Seed: Plant the seeds in spring once the dread of frost has passed. Sow the seeds, covering them in soil lightly. Until they germinate, make sure to keep the seeds consistently moist. This may take a few weeks.
Suckers: Carefully separate suckers from a mature European fan palm. Try to keep as many roots intact as you possibly can. Plant the separated suckers in a container or the ground. Make sure to maintain even soil moisture until the root system is established.
Q. Why are the tips of my fan palm turning brown? Is it time to prune them?
A. Overwatering and underwatering may lead to browning. Make sure to water your palm as and when required.
This can also be a response to low humidity. The dry air during the summer may be hampering your palm. You can resolve this issue by using a humidifier to maintain humidity levels.
You can also keep a stone-filled tray below the container and keep the stones covered with water.
Using excessive fertilizers may also cause tip browning. It is best to fertilizer during active growth season only. Also, flush the container now and then to remove the buildup of fertilizer salts.
Browning leaf tips may be an indication that it’s time to prune your plant. It is advised to regularly prune the old brown fronds or the ones that are more than halfway brown.
Keeping in mind the Mediterranean fan palm growth rate, it is quite easy to keep a steady eye on the progress of your plant and take remedial actions.
Q. Is Chamaerops humilis toxic to dogs?
A. Chamaerops humilis is not a toxic palm variety.
We hope that now you have a clear understanding of how fast do European fan palms grow. You may also like to read about the growth rate of other varieties of palm like Majesty Palm, Areca Palm, Mexican Palm, Pygmy Palm, and Ponytail Palm.
