La Washingtonia palm It has its origin in the Mexican states of Baja California and Sonora, also found naturally in the southern United States. It was named after George Washington. Slender in stature, fast growth and fan-shaped leaves, has become a widely used species in ornamental gardening, especially in warm and coastal areas due to its notable salinity resistance, to wind and moderate drought situations. Among its main virtues are its ease of care’s most emblematic landmarks, the good transplant performance and the great adaptability to simple, even poor soils, as long as drain well.
Types of Washingtonia palm
There are two types of Washingtonia palm trees highly cultivated:
- Robust physique, Also called mexican fan palm.
- FiliferaKnown as Californian fan palm.
Among the Robust Washingtonia y filifera: differences There are several notable ones. The robust presents thinner trunk and tends to reach greater height, with large leaves and sparser filaments in maturity. The filifera usually shows abundant filaments on the margins of the leaves and it is something more resistant to intense coldA third option is the hybrid filibuster, which combines features of both and tends to look more like robust for its stylized silhouette.
How long does it take for a Washingtonia palm tree to grow?
About ten years It is a common time for a specimen to reach a significant size in gardens, if conditions are favorable. It is one of the palm trees with higher growth rate of the world. In warm climates and with optimized summer irrigation, it can gain up to 1–1,2 m per year. In pots and in cooler locations the pace is reduced, and during the first years the growth may seem somewhat slower until the specimen produces a robust root system.
Its ideal climate is the warm and sunnyIn windy areas, the trunk may acquire a slight curvature over time, a common feature when the wind determines the direction of growth.
How to care for a Washingtonia palm tree?
Here are some tips for your care:
- Sol: expose her to full sun promotes vigorous development. When young, they tolerate some shade, but as they grow, the direct radiation is essential.
- Irrigation: avoid the ponding of the earth around it. It is a species that tolerates moderate drought, especially when it is already established.
- Land: grows even in soils alkaline and poor. Even so, it responds very well to substrates with good drainage and microelements such as manganese, potassium and iron.
- Location: avoid having it in interior permanently. Needs a lot of light and space; it can tolerate bright interiors temporarily if it receives direct sunlight and ventilation.
In addition, its comfortable ambient humidity range usually moves between 60 and 70%, although it tolerates lower values if it has well-adjusted irrigation and soil that drains without problems.
How much water does a Washingtonia palm need?
As a child, two or three waterings per week may be convenient, adjusting according to climate and drainage. From the first year onwards, a low or moderate level is optimal, increasing the frequency in summer and reducing it in winter. Irrigation is preferable deep and spaced to stimulate deep roots, avoiding persistent wetting of the bud.
In warm climates, it's a good idea to check the soil: if the topsoil is dry and the soil drains well, a thorough watering is beneficial. In pots, the substrate dries out more quickly; water when the first few centimeters are dry, ensuring a excellent drainage at the base of the pot with a gravel layer.
Signs of excess water include diffuse yellowing and decay, and lack of water fast dry from the substrate and browned leaf tips. Adjusting the schedule according to the season prevents root fungal problems.
How long does the Washingtonia palm tree live?
Their life expectancy is usually around a century when it enjoys good weather, well-drained soils and basic maintenance. The correct pruningPest control and proper watering extend their longevity. Excessive pruning, wounds to the stem, or repeated waterlogging can significantly shorten their lifespan.
How much does this palm tree grow in a year?
Can grow up up to 1–1,2 m per year in very favorable conditions, especially in warm climates. It is one of the species that reaches the highest heights, exceeding 15 m easily, and in ideal locations it reaches 25-30 m. The wind It can permanently tilt the trunk without affecting its health if the root anchorage is solid.
A balanced nutrition with micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Mg) and well-planned summer irrigation promote stable growth and larger diameter leaves.
When should Washingtonia palm trees be pruned?
Pruning should be done in autumn or in periods with mild temperatures, avoiding peaks of heat or cold. It is also recommended:
- Prune the dead or dry fronds, also removing old inflorescences if necessary.
- Use pruning shears or saw instead of a machete or knife to avoid tearing.
- Do not delete more than half of the green fronds, since this compromises the photosynthesis and overall health.
- Disinfect tools to prevent entry of pathogens and avoid cuts in the trunk.
The dried fronds hanging from the stipe often form a kind of skirt. Removing them improves safety and aesthetics, but should be done with care. proper techniques and protections. Avoiding the so-called hurricane cut (leaving only a small plume) reduces stress and potential damage.
Soil, fertilizer and transplant
Washingtonia robusta is not very demanding when it comes to soil, but it appreciates a mix that ensures drainage. A useful formula is 2/3 garden soil and 1/3 sandIn the planting hole it is advisable to incorporate 2–3 kg of organic matter well decomposed by the plant, mixed with the soil. This combination facilitates a fast rooting and reduces the risk of root asphyxia.
In fertilization, it is usually sufficient to moderate contributions of fertilizer for palm trees or universal with micronutrients from spring to late summer. If you want to accelerate growth in the early years, you can schedule periodic applications (for example, every 4–6 weeks), adjusting the dosage to the size of the plant. In indoor or pot cultivation, some hobbyists use liquid fertilizers for green plants every two weeks during the active season, taking care not to overfertilize.
El transplant It tolerates it very well, even with low root ball percentages if carried out correctly. It is able to withstand movements with partially bare roots when handling young specimens, although the ideal is to preserve as much root as possible and maintain implementation risks the first summer.
In areas with heavy rainfall, is usually preferred W. robust against W. filifera its greater tolerance to humidityIn coastal areas, its salt resistance sea mists already make it especially valuable.
Multiplication by seeds
Multiplication by seed is very easy. Fresh seeds, clean of pulp, are recommended. A prior soak in warm water for 24h improves hydration. Germination usually occurs around 60 days with warm temperatures and a moist but not saturated substrate.
Once germinated, the seedlings require abundant light without intense direct sunlight for the first few weeks. When the root system consolidates, they are transplanted into a mixture with good drainage and sun exposure is gradually increased.
The inflorescences In adult specimens they can reach up to 3 m, with white hermaphrodite flowers which give rise to small, brown, globose fruits. These fruits are considered groceries, although they are not commonly consumed.
Pot and indoor cultivation
Although it is a palm tree designed for Exterior, can be maintained for a while in large pot and, temporarily, in a very bright interior. The container must have drainage holes generous and a base of record. Indoors, you need direct sun from large windows and good ventilation; without these requirements, it tends to weaken.
Container irrigation will be moderate and more frequently than in soil, allowing the surface layer to dry slightly between waterings. It is advisable to rotate the pot periodically for a symmetrical growth and reinforce with a mild fertilizer during the active season. In the medium term, the ideal is plant it in the ground if full development is sought.
Plagues and diseases
En Sospalm we have the best treatment to remove the Red weevil, endotherapyThis beetle can infest the Washingtonia palm in the basal zone and in the crown and end its life. That's why it's essential prevent its appearance or eliminate it, in case it has already colonized the plant.
In addition to the red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus), another relevant plague is the paysandisia archon. They are recommended Periodics inspections of the bud and stipe, detection of galleries, frayed fibers or sawdust, and integrated control plans with authorized products, endotherapy in specialized hands and preventive measuresIn high-risk environments, some farms carry out preventive treatments with a regular frequency throughout the year, which can be several interventions distributed by season.
El excess irrigation can promote root fungi. On the contrary, deficiencies of manganese and iron They manifest with chlorotic leaves. Adjusting fertilizer and drainage is key to maintaining the characteristic bright green foliage.
Landscape uses and design
Washingtonia robusta is used in alignments, groups , as a focal in large gardens and walkways. Its fan-shaped leaves can reach up to 1 m in diameter, and the trunk, thinner at the top, is often covered by the remains of petioles of pruned leaves, which form a characteristic crisscross pattern that, over the years, gradually sheds.
For urbanizations and coastal gardens it is especially interesting for its salt tolerance. On large patios or terraces, they can be kept for a few years in large containers before being moved to the ground. It is important to respect planting distances sufficient for construction and power lines, considering the final height and radius of the canopy.
Tolerance to cold, heat and salinity
La robust supports occasional frosts down to -5 °C or -6 °C if they are brief and the specimen is well established. The filifera can withstand values below this range. At the other extreme, it tolerates intense heat Close to 45 ° C With adequate summer irrigation, sea breezes and salinity are not usually a problem, which explains its popularity in coastal areas.
In the event of prolonged cold weather, protect young specimens with padded at the base and light mulch over the bud reduces damage. After episodes of frost, some leaves may to become ugly, but the meristem usually sprouts again as soon as temperate conditions return.
The Washington palm trees They originate in California and the northern part of Mexico and are known as mexican fan palm o mexican palm tree. Once they reach adulthood, their size can be impressive, reaching great heights if it meets the best conditions. The structure of its crown resembles a fan, its trunk is thickens at the base and it is tuned with the height, and its spherical fruits They are abundant although rarely consumed.
It has a lot of presence in the Mediterranean area, where it is used for purposes ornamental given its adaptability and low maintenance. Due to its desert origin, it requires good lighting and direct exposure to the sun. The range of RH comfortable is around 60–70% and the species shows remarkable thermal resistance both to heat and to brief episodes of intense cold.
For culture, the most common method is planting seeds. Although they germinate easily, the process can be lengthy; therefore, many gardeners choose to purchase pre-formed specimens from trusted nurseries. In soil, they do not require very fertile substrates: a mixture of 2/3 garden soil and 1/3 sand organic material Moderate rainfall ensures good drainage. In the early years, if you want to accelerate growth, you can add subscriber in adjusted doses.
In irrigation, its arid origin makes it drought resistant, so it does not need large contributions, except when it is young and during intense heat. Avoiding flooding prevents mushrooms and keeps the neck of the plant healthy. As a general rule, Washingtonias are not suitable for interior long term due to its high demands on luminosity and space.
The species is considered SUV due to its ability to adapt to a wide variety of soils, as well as its high success rate in transplantsIn regions with cool winters, it survives well with minor protection when young. A basic maintenance plan includes Periodics inspections from pests such as paysandisia archon and regular pruning of dry leaves, avoiding excesses that compromise photosynthesis.
This palm tree of rapid growth y low maintenance It is ideal for large gardens or urban alignments. With proper planning, light, irrigation, soil and pruningWashingtonia robusta offers architectural presence and resistance to adverse circumstances, from the coast to dry inland environments.