The Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) originally hails from the high-altitude regions of China, which means it’s a total sun-seeker. Without enough light, this plant will basically hit the “pause” button on its growth. This goes for palms planted in your yard and those living indoors as houseplants.
The Best Spots for Your Windmill Palm
Whether you’re growing your palm in a container or planting it directly in the ground, location is everything. If it’s a potted plant, you want to find the brightest spot possible. Here are my top picks for placement:
- A south- or west-facing window
- A sunny patio or balcony during the summer months
- A bright, airy sunroom
- A sunny to partially shaded spot in the garden
The golden rule? Your Windmill Palm needs at least two to three hours of direct sunlight every day. Just a heads-up: if your palm is sitting right behind a glass pane, it can get pretty toasty in there. Keep an eye on the tips of the fronds—if they start turning brown, it’s likely too dry. You can fix this by boosting the humidity with a quick misting or moving the pot to a slightly more sheltered spot.
Finding the Right Winter Home
When the temperatures drop, your palm’s needs change a bit. While they are surprisingly cold-hardy, they really hate “wet cold.” If you have potted palms on your patio or balcony, move them to a spot protected from wind and rain—tucked against a house wall under an eave is perfect. I also recommend wrapping the pot and the plant in garden fleece or burlap to give it that extra layer of protection.
For palms planted in the ground, you’ll want to cover them up too. This helps prevent those dreaded brown leaves and tips come springtime. A thick layer of brushwood or mulch over the soil also works wonders for protecting the roots.
If you’re bringing your potted palm inside for the winter, look for a spot that’s cool but still bright. An unheated hallway or stairwell that stays between 40°F and 50°F (6–10°C) is ideal. Direct sunlight is totally fine here! Just don’t forget to keep up with watering—you don’t want your palm drying out completely during its winter nap.
