The Chinese Windmill Palm is an absolute rockstar in the garden—it’s incredibly tough, low-maintenance, and surprisingly cold-hardy. That’s exactly why so many gardeners love planting them directly in the ground. But if you want yours to really thrive, you’ve got to get the location and care just right.
Windmill Palms can reach up to 50 feet
These fan palms are no small feat; they can grow up to 50 feet tall! The trunk can reach a circumference of over three feet, and those iconic fan-shaped fronds can spread out as wide as five feet. If you want your Chinese Windmill Palm to reach its full potential, here are a few pro-tips:
- Pick a warm spot with full sun.
- High temperatures are the secret sauce for faster growth.
- Keep a consistent watering schedule.
- Feed your palm every two weeks from April through September.
- Plan on repotting every three years.
Fun fact: Once they reach maturity, female Windmill Palms actually grow a bit slower than the males.
Protecting your palm from winter dampness
Even though the Chinese Windmill Palm is winter-hardy, it has a major weakness: wet cold. If frost is in the forecast, wrap your palm in bubble wrap for insulation and move potted palms under a roof or porch. If the temperature dips below 23°F (-5°C), it’s time to bring your container-grown palms indoors for the winter.
Springtime is repotting time
After the winter dormancy ends—and if it’s been at least two years since the last move—your palm will appreciate some fresh soil and a little extra legroom. At the very latest, you should give your fan palm a new pot every five years.
How do you know it’s time? Keep an eye out for roots poking out of the top of the soil or through the drainage holes at the bottom. That’s a clear sign your palm is feeling cramped and needs a upgrade. The best time to handle this move is in February or March.
