Washingtonia filifera
Desert fan palm, Northern washingtonia, Cotton palm, Californian washingtonia, Petticoat palm
Also known as Brahea filamentosa, Washingtonia filamentosa
- Height × spread
- 20m × 6m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Heated greenhouse 5C & above (RHS H1c)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This hearty palm has big grey-green fans of leaves that are erect until the mid point where they curve over so the slender leaflets hang down. This palm does not shed its dead leaves and these clad the ascending trunk in a thick brown coat unless they are cut off. The flowers of this variety are impressive and make a creamy-white panicle that may be 5m (16ft) long. This plant was much used by the native Americans as a thatching material, and the fibres could also woven to make ropes. The palm reaches up to 20m (66ft) height though often less. The spread is likely to be around 6m (20ft). It is not frost hardy in the Britain and Ireland and needs to be wintered in a warm greenhouse or conservatory.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 20m
- Spread
- 6m
- Height in 10 years
- 4m
- Spread in 10 years
- 3m
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Mediterranean garden, Indoors, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam (normal), Poor soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Heated greenhouse 5C & above (RHS H1c)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Indoor light
- full light at all times
- Indoor temperature
- 5C minimum temperature
- Use for
- Architectural
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Feed with houseplant food monthly
Give the plant a balanced houseplant feed monthly while in growth.
Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), with percentage values for each, choose one where the values are more or less equal.
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Water regularly during growth
Water regularly while in growth.
Adopt a regime that means the plants are thoroughly watered every week so that they do not become dessicated. In hot weather watering may need to be more frequent, but less often in cool or moist conditions.
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during dry periods
For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Winter
Winter · Indoors
Water sparingly during dormancy
In its dormant period give very little water, keeping the soil barely moist. Dormancy is likely to be during the winter and the plant recommences growth in early to mid spring.
When a plant enters dormancy the leaves fade, go yellow and then brown. Eventually the whole plant may 'disappear' or unadorned stems may remain.
Winter · Outdoors
Water lightly during dormancy
The soil should be kept just moist during the plant's rest period.
Planting & general
Compost · Planting
Loam based compost for repotting
Repot using any good quality standard compost.
Alternatively prepare a special compost that is best suited to the plant's needs: mix equal amounts of loam (John Innes no. 2 or 3), fine bark and grit.
Indoor temperature · Planting
5C minimum temperature
This plant requires a minimum temperature of 5 Centigrade.
Indoor plant · Planting
Position in a sunny spot, close to window
Give this plant a position where there is as much light and sunlight as possible, within 2-3 metres of a sunny or bright window (one that is south, east, or west facing).