Chamaerops humilis, also called the European fan palm, is a sturdy fan palm for the patio, balcony or garden. Choose it with one or several stems or as a standard, from 90 cm to over 2 metres tall.
The collection has seven dwarf fan palms, priced from €34.95 to €239.95. Most are bush-shaped: several shoots from one pot, full and branching low down. These come in 90, 130, 150 and 170 cm. A dwarf palm on a trunk has a bare stem topped with a crown of fans. These come in 150 and 160 cm. The largest is a multi-stem of 160 to 220 cm in a ø50 cm pot, with several trunks side by side. We measure height from the bottom of the pot to the tallest leaf.
A bush form fills a corner of the patio or works well in a large planter as a green screen. A palm on a trunk leaves room underneath for low plants. If you want a palm with one tall, slender trunk, have a look at the Trachycarpus.
Position and winter
The European fan palm loves sun and warmth and copes well with drought and wind. A south or west-facing spot is ideal. It tolerates light frost, especially once it has been outside for a while and has adjusted. In a pot the root ball freezes faster than in the ground. In a hard frost, move the pot against a sheltered wall, wrap it in hessian or bubble wrap and keep the root ball on the dry side in winter. If it stands indoors, give it the brightest spot you have, for example in a conservatory. More plants for a sunny patio are among the outdoor plants.
Water and care
In summer a potted fan palm needs regular water. Water when the top few centimetres are dry and make sure excess water can drain through holes in the base. Wet feet in winter do more harm than a dry spell. From spring to late summer you can give palm feed now and then. Cut old, brown fans at the bottom away close to the trunk. The leaf stalks have spines, so wear gloves when pruning. The Chamaerops care guide has more on overwintering.
Delivery
Your fan palm comes in a nursery pot, and you choose a decorative pot separately. We deliver upright in a sturdy plant box, within 4 to 5 working days in the Netherlands, with free delivery in the Netherlands from €99. If the palm is damaged in transit, send us a photo and we will send a new one free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chamaerops humilis hardy?
The European fan palm is one of the most frost-tolerant palms and can handle light frost. In a pot it is more vulnerable, because the root ball freezes faster. In a hard frost, move the pot to a sheltered spot against a wall, wrap it up and keep the soil dry in winter.
Can a European fan palm stand indoors?
It can, as long as it gets a lot of light, for example in a conservatory or right in front of a large south-facing window. In a dark room it grows poorly. Ideally it stands outside from spring to autumn and overwinters in a bright, cool place.
How fast does Chamaerops humilis grow?
Slowly. A fan palm only produces a few new fans a year and mainly gets fuller rather than much taller. That is why it pays to buy a plant in the size you want straight away. It grows best with sun, water and some feed in summer.
Why is my fan palm getting brown leaves?
It is normal for the oldest fans at the bottom to turn brown and die off. If young leaves go brown, the cause is usually too much water in winter, a root ball that dries out in summer or frost damage. Cut brown fans away close to the trunk.
What is the difference between Chamaerops and Trachycarpus?
Both are fan palms for outdoors. Chamaerops humilis usually grows several trunks from one base and stays bushy and compact. Trachycarpus has one straight trunk with a brown fibrous coat and larger fans, and in time grows much taller.
How often should I water my Chamaerops humilis?
A Chamaerops humilis needs regular water in summer so the compost stays lightly moist but never soaked. In winter you water much less, because the palm is resting. Always make sure it drains well.
Is Chamaerops humilis toxic to dogs and cats?
No, Chamaerops humilis is not toxic to dogs and cats. It is a pet-friendly palm you can safely keep indoors or in the garden around animals. The leaf tips can feel sharp, though.
What is the difference between a bush Chamaerops and one on a trunk?
A bush Chamaerops has several fans rising from ground level and looks full and compact. A Chamaerops on a trunk has a cleared stem with a crown on top and gives a classic, tidy palm look.
How old can a Chamaerops humilis get?
With the right care a Chamaerops humilis can get very old; a hundred years or more is not unusual. The palm grows slowly, about ten to fifteen centimetres a year, but lasts for generations.
Why is my Chamaerops getting brown leaf tips?
Brown leaf tips on a Chamaerops usually come from cold wind, frost damage or a root ball that is too dry in summer. Give the palm a sheltered spot, water enough in the growing season and trim damaged tips neatly.
