La Washingtonia palm It has its origin in the Mexican states of Baja California and Sonora, and is named after President George Washington. It has large fan-shaped leaves, tolerates the salinity and shows a rapid growth, in addition to being easy to transplant and maintainIt is common in warm and dry areas, with a large ornamental presence in areas of Mediterranean climate. Although it can occasionally adapt to very bright interiors, its optimal performance is in outdoors in full sun.
Types of Washingtonia palm
Two main species within the genre:
- Robust WashingtoniaKnown as mexican fan palm.
- Washingtonia will spinCalled Californian palm tree or Californian fan.
Between robust and filiferous clear differences stand out: the robust presents a thinner trunk and very slender, while the filifera can show the trunk somewhat widened towards the center. The filifera also looks hanging fibrils between the leaf segments and less rigid tipsThere is a hybrid of both, the filibuster, with features closer to robust and good cold tolerance.
How long does it take for a Washingtonia palm tree to grow?
Under favorable conditions, a Washingtonia can reach a notable bearing in around a decade, and it is from the palm trees with higher growth rateIn warm summers, established specimens grow up to 1,2 m per yearAs adults, they easily overcome the 15 m height and, with optimal management, there are specimens that reach 20–30 mIn windy areas, the trunk may bend and remain permanently inclined.
How to care for a Washingtonia palm tree?
- Luz: requires full sunAs a young man he tolerates some light shadow, but it needs high radiation to develop well.
- Irrigation: avoid the ponding. Is drought resistant; in the first months, irrigation frequent and light (2–3 per week, and in heat waves, very moderate daily contributions). With the root system formed, maintain watering low to moderate and space out in winter.
- Land: thrives in soils alkaline and poor. For optimal growth, use a mix of 2/3 garden soil + 1/3 sand, with 2–3 kg of organic matter per plant. It provides micronutrients such as Mn, K and Fe If chlorosis appears; add perlite improves drainage.
- Subscriber: does not require intensive fertilizers. In spring and summer palm tree fertilizer can be applied monthly or biweekly if you want to accelerate vigor. Avoid fertilizing in winter.
- Temperature and humidity: robust tolerates occasional drops to -5/-6ºC; filifera It is somewhat more rustic (up to -8ºC short). Withstands intense heat (up to ~45 ºC) and works well with humidity 60–70%.
- Interior: It is not ideal. It only thrives if it receives direct sunlight and ventilation; it is best to keep it outdoors.
How much water does a Washingtonia palm need?
De small, two or three waterings per week are usually sufficient; in the phase of establishment and with intense heat, they are useful very light contributions most frequent. From the first year, maintain a regimen low or moderate, letting the surface layer dry between waterings and avoiding puddles that favor mushrooms.
How long does the Washingtonia palm tree live?
Their life expectancy is around a hundred years, with greater longevity in locations of good drainage, balanced nutrition and proper pruning.
How much does this palm tree grow in a year?
In warm climates and with good management it can grow up to 1–1,2 m per yearIt is one of the palm trees of faster growthAs an adult she exceeds 15 m and can reach greater heights; the wind can often arch its stipe.
When should Washingtonia palm trees be pruned?
La pruning It is advisable to do it in autumn, with lower temperatures. Recommendations:
- Withdraw fronds dry or dead and those that compromise security.
- Usa pruning shears o segueta (avoid machete or knife that tear).
- Do not delete more than half of the green fronds so as not to weaken photosynthesis.
How to germinate Washingtonia from seed
Multiplication by seed It is simple but slow germinationTo speed it up, soak the seeds in warm water for 48 hours changing the water. Sowing in substrate coconut fiber or potting soil with perlite, slightly damp and in container with lid translucent to retain moisture, airing every few days.
Bury to 2 cm of depth and separate a few centimeters between seeds. Keep 25–30 ºC during the day and around 20 ºC at nightGermination can occur between 1 and 4 weeks. After the sprout, transplant to a larger pot, water evenly moderate and regular and places it in a place warm and very bright avoiding wet “feet”.
Pests and sanitary maintenance
Washingtonia is hardy, but it pays to be vigilant mealybugs, Red spider y aphids. Excess humidity favors mushrooms; good drainage is key. In tropical gardens and in areas at risk of pests, it is essential to carry out preventive treatments to keep them healthy. In Sospalm we have the best treatment to remove the Red weevil, endotherapyThis beetle can infest the palm tree in the basal area and the crown; prevention and early intervention are essential.
For his low maintenance, tolerance to drought and salt, and aesthetics of fan-shaped leavesWashingtonia (robusta, filifera, or their hybrid) is an excellent choice for gardens and borders in temperate to warm climates; with well-drained planting, prudent watering, and careful pruning, it offers decades of sculptural presence.
