Best Soil For Windmill Palm - Knowledgebase Question

Poulsbo, WA
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Question by canuckinusa9
May 12, 2002
I am a canuck living now in Washington and know very little about my new "MONROVIA" windmill palm....what size of pot and what is the type of soil needed so my plant will thrive also type of pot ie clay...etc....thanks so much ...you have a wonderful web site


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Answer from NGA
May 12, 2002
Trachycarpus fortunei, the Windmill Palm, is one of the hardiest palms (tolerant of 10 degrees F), and can be planted outdoors in your gardening region. It can be planted in average garden soil, as long as the soil drains well. Choosing a pot size won't be difficult - find one that comfortably accommodates the root mass, with a few inches to spare all around. As the palm grows and the roots expand, repot in the next size pot. Instead of using straight garden soil in a container, mix it half and half with a good commerical potting mix. The potting mix will contain peat moss, sand, and vermiculite or perlite, which will lighten the growing medium and help retain just the right amount of moisture.

If you're planning to grow it as a houseplant, be aware that it can reach 30' high and 10' wide in a few short years! If you're growing it indoors, fill the pot with potting soil rather than the 50/50 mix of garden soil and potting soil.

Pot type is really a matter of personal preference. Plastic pots are inexpensive and ceramic pots are decorative, but sometimes expensive. As long as the container has adequate drainage holes, any style will do.

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