European Fan Palm Tree for Sale - Buying & Growing Guide

Planting and Care

by John Haryasz | Horticulture Writer and Landscape Designer – last update on February 28, 2022

Planting instructions

Soil moisture is vital for the European fan palm tree. Use a hose to soak this plant’s root ball before planting. Then dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and as deep as the root ball is tall. Continue watering while you backfill the planting hole. The location you choose for your European fan palm tree can have full or partial sun exposure. This plant does not grow as large as other palms. However, it needs ample space into which its roots can spread horizontally.

Watering and nutrients

The European fan palm tree has high water needs, as is the case with many palm tree varieties. After planting this tree, you should give it water every other day until it establishes itself. After that, you should provide water about once per week, more often during hot spells. Give this species fertilizer once per year after it has exited its dormant phase. Generally, any palm tree-specific fertilizer will encourage this tree to put forth more healthy new growth. Still, the European fan palm tree is slow-growing overall.

Pruning

Prune your European fan palm tree to remove fronds that have become diseased or significantly damaged. Begin by evaluating which leaves are in healthy condition and which are detracting from the tree’s appearance and growth. After identifying a leaf you wish to remove, find the point at which it meets the trunk. Make your pruning cut within 1 inch of the frond’s base. The cut should be as clean as possible, as should your pruning tools.

Pests, diseases, and animals

One of the main advantages of growing a European fan palm tree is that this species is incredibly pest-resistant. That resilience makes this plant much easier to maintain. Despite that, there are some insects that can occasionally affect this plant, including spider mites and scale. However, those instances are generally rare. You can also treat many infestations by applying insecticide soap to your palm tree. Fungal diseases are also rare but can occur in European fan palm trees. Leaf spot is among the most common of those afflictions.

Achieving maximum results

European fan palm trees need a lot of water. However, they also prefer dry air. As such, you should avoid getting the leaves and trunk wet while watering. Overhead watering is particularly likely to cause this plant’s leaves to rot. You should also know that this plant develops sharp spikes on its trunk. The large leaves can often conceal these spikes — and the entire trunk. The hidden presence of those strong points means you should use caution whenever you handle this plant.

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