The Fan Palm originally hails from the sunny Mediterranean, but believe it or not, it can actually do quite well in cooler climates too! That said, if you want yours to thrive, you’ll need to give it some TLC and a solid plan for the colder months, because these beauties aren’t naturally fully winter-hardy.
The Perfect Spot
The stunning Fan Palm with its iconic, oversized fronds absolutely loves soaking up the sun. It’s happiest when temperatures sit between 70°F and 80°F. During the summer, it’ll be the star of your patio! While it can handle a quick dip in temperature or a very brief frost in the fall, don’t be fooled—it won’t survive a harsh winter without help.
Overwintering Your Palm
You have two choices for winter: bring it inside or prep it for the outdoors. If you choose to bring it indoors, find a spot that is bright but cool. You’re looking for a temperature range between 40°F and 50°F. Palms that spent their summer outside usually hate moving into a warm, heated living room; the air is too dry and the light is too dim, which can cause them to wither. To keep your palm happy indoors, remember:
- Keep it cool
- Give it plenty of bright light
- Boost the humidity (try pebble trays, misting, or a humidifier)
Wintering Outdoors
A Fan Palm can handle a light, short-lived frost on its own, but for long cold snaps, protection is a must. This is especially true for younger plants whose roots haven’t reached deep enough into the frost-free soil yet. If you live somewhere with brutal winters, it’s best to keep your palm in a container so you can move it to safety.
- Move the palm to a spot shielded from the wind.
- Place a block of Styrofoam under the pot to insulate it from the cold ground.
- Layer the soil with brushwood, pine branches, bark mulch, or dry leaves.
- Surround the pot itself with Styrofoam sheets for extra insulation.
- Gently tie the fronds upward with a thin rope.
- Wrap the trunk in a coconut or bamboo mat.
- Cover the entire palm with a fleece or burlap bag. The most important thing is keeping the “heart” of the palm dry.
- Make sure any protective wraps are still breathable so air can circulate.
Winter Care Tips
Before you tuck your Fan Palm away for the season, trim off any withered or broken fronds. If it has outgrown its home, now is the time to repot it. During the winter, your palm won’t be as thirsty, so cut back on watering—just make sure the soil doesn’t dry out completely. Hold off on the fertilizer until the new growing season kicks off in the spring!
