The Chinese Fan Palm Tree, scientific name Livistonia chinensis, is getting very popular in Florida landscapes. It is also great for indoors and can be used as a houseplant. This palm is very cold hardy and can tolerate drought which makes is great for desert conditions. This palm can grow in states like Alabama, Arkansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas.

​

​

​

Chinese Fan Palm Tree Info

​

Scientific name: Livistonia chinensis

​

Common names: The Chinese Fan Palm is also known as Chinese Fountain Palm and Fountain Palm.

​

Family: Arecaceae

​

Origin: It is native to China and southern Japan.

​

Appearance: Livistonia chinensis has a single straight grey-brown trunk ringed with old leaf scars. It is slightly swollen at the base, about 17-18 inches in diameter.

The trunk is topped with an evergreen dense crown of palmate, or fan-shaped, leaves that droop downward creating fountain-like effect. Large, partially segmented leaves can grow up to 5ft long and 5ft wide, and range from bluish-green to glossy olive green in color. The petioles are armed with sharp thorns.

​

Flowers/Fruits: The Chinese Fan Palm produces yellow-cream flowers that are held by, shorter than the leaves, inflorescence. Flowers are bisexual, male and female flowers grow on the same plant. Flowers are followed by small, oval fruits 1 inch long. Green fruits turn dark blue to blue-gray when ripe.

​

Growth Rate: Slow.  In its native habitat Chinese Fan Palm can grow up to 50ft tall, but in cultivation, it usually doesn’t get taller than 20-30ft and 5-10 ft wide. This palm will grow faster if fertilized.

​

Outdoor/Indoor Use: Both.

​

Cold Tolerance: It’s cold hardy and can tolerate cold up to 10F. It is great for growing in USDA Zones 8a (10 to 15 F) to 11 (above 40 F).

​

Light Req: Partial shade to full sun.

​

Water Req: Moderate. Prefers moist but well-drained soil. Chinese Fan Palm tolerates drought very well.

​

Maintenance: Easy. To prevent nutritional deficiency, apply good quality palm fertilizer that has continuous release formula twice a year during growing season.

​

Propagation: Propagated by seeds.

​

​

Top Reasons To Own A Chinese Fan Palm Tree

The Chinese Fan Palm, also known as Livistona chinensis, offers numerous benefits, making it a popular choice among plant enthusiasts.

​

1. Aesthetic Appeal: With its unique fan-shaped leaves, it provides an exotic aesthetic to any space.

2. Air Purification: It acts as a natural air purifier, removing toxins from the environment.

3. Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care, thriving even in neglect.

4. Temperature Regulation: It can help regulate the temperature in its surroundings.

5. Wind Resistance: Its strong root system and durable leaves make it wind-resistant.

6. Sun Tolerance: It can tolerate direct sunlight, a rare trait among indoor plants.

7. Disease Resistance: It's resistant to most plant diseases.

8. Pest Resistance: Few pests bother the Chinese Fan Palm.

9. Long Lifespan: These plants have a long lifespan, living several decades under the right conditions.

10. Versatility in Landscaping: Its attractive looks and size give it versatility in landscape design.

11. Soil Improvement: Its extensive root system can help improve soil structure.

12. Privacy Screens: When grown in rows, they can form a natural privacy screen.

13. Suitable for Containers: It can be grown in containers, allowing for indoor cultivation.

14. Medicinal Uses: Some cultures use parts of the plant in traditional medicine.

15. Wildlife Habitat: It provides habitat and food for a variety of wildlife, especially when grown outdoors.