This week’s plant profile is the Washingtonia Robusta Palm ‘Mexican Fan Palm’…
There’s something so peaceful and relaxing about having plants inside your home. I love the look of plants tucked into the corners of a room, displayed on coffee tables and kitchen counters, and gracing bathroom vanities.
Plants help a room feel grounded.
I especially love unique plants. Plants that act as conversation starters, and not something you see everywhere you go.
I’m always on the look-out for unique plants, and with this new series on my blog, I’ll share my latest finds with you. Here’s the latest find…
The links in this post may contain affiliate links. I’ll receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on my link. I only write about and share things that I actually use and enjoy.
Washingtonia Robusta Palm ‘Mexican Fan Palm’
When it’s the middle of Winter – in Minnesota – your mind tends to drift to warmer climates and warm-weather plants. I couldn’t resist this fast-growing palm tree!
About the Plant
The Washingtonia robusta palm is also called a Mexican Fan Palm.
The fronds of this palm definitely look like a large fan! They are large and flat overall and are made up of many coarse leaves that look like a fan. The leaves can grow up to 5-feet long and the tree itself can grow to heights of 80-feet tall. The stems have spines on them that are quite sharp (make sure to handle with care).
This plant is easy-to-grow, and it grows fast – up to 3-feet in one year! It makes a nice houseplant and can also be moved outdoors in warm weather. The palm tree is cold hardy to around 18-degrees F, so if you forget it outside in the Fall, it should be okay (just remember to bring it in before Winter).
This palm tree prefers full sun, but it can also grow well in shady areas. This plant is normally grown in the deserts of southwestern United States, so it is drought tolerant to less watering, and needs well-draining soils to thrive. Just water the plant lightly when dry.
When the leaves die, they fold down against the truck and can be pruned by cutting the stem close to the trunk of the palm. This palm tree is very robust, and can live for hundreds of years.
This palm tree does flower in the Summer, producing small flowers before black pea-sized fruit appears. The fruit is edible.
The Washingtonia robusta palm is native to Mexico.
This plant is non-toxic to pets and humans.
Why I Love It
I love the tropical look of this palm tree, and the fact that it grows so fast and is easy to grow. I think it adds texture and interest to any houseplant collection.
I also like that this palm tree can be moved outside in the warmer months and enjoyed on a patio or deck.
Where to Buy
You can purchase this plant online from Home Depot for $46.65 in a 10″ pot (2-gallon pot).
If you have more suggestions for unique or unusual plants, please leave a comment below.
Click Houseplant Visual Index for a visual list of all my recommended houseplants.
