Description
Ruffled Fan Palm, Licuala (Pichodia) grandis – Plant
Ruffled Fan Palm A single-trunked shorter species of palm. At maturity, Licuala usually only reaches 5 to 7 feet in overall height. Glossy green, undivided, pleated, round leaves give the impression of a large folded fan.
The growth rate of Ruffled Fan Palms will vary greatly depending on soil type, sunlight, temperature, and other factors. Ruffled fan palms are easy to grow trees that require little care. They add a wonderful accent to any outdoor space, garden or patio. In cooler zones, a containerized palm can be relocated indoors for the winter months.
In the northern end of their grow zone Ruffled Fan Palms require indoor protection or heavy mulching during the winter months. When you receive your new palm, there is no need to worry about planting right away. Your new plant can be stored for a while by simply placing it in a bucket with about a half-inch of water in the bottom and moving it to a shady location.
You can then add some mulch to the bucket to keep your plant standing upright. The mulch will also supply nutrients while in storage. This will give you plenty of time to select the ideal location for your new palm.
Ruffled fan palm plants have large fan-shaped pleated leaves are held aloft on sturdy, arching stems this South Pacific native. Licuala is an understory grower that thrives indoors in filtered or bright indirect light. Plants produce a slim, fibre-covered trunk from which emerge a multitude of leaf stems. A single specimen will add an instant tropical feel to any interior.
Care for Ruffled Fan Palm, Pichodia grandis
- Light- This palm likes bright, indirect sunlight. No direct sunlight or you will scorch her pretty little leaves.
- Water- Keep the soil moist but not drenched which means only allowing the top 2 inches of soil to dry out completely before watering again. Reduce water in the colder months but still check the soil frequently so as not to dry it out. Ideally water with tap water that has been sitting out overnight (this will remove the harsh chlorine) so as not to scorch the leaves and turn the tips brown. Cooled, boiled water, distilled water or rainwater is even better! Create a bed of pebbles in a tray for it to sit on and make sure to always have water in the tray just below the top of the pebbles (you don’t want the water to be touching the pothole)
Spritz regularly to keep the leaf tips from browning and help with humidity.
Maintenance
Feed with a slow-release fertiliser once every four months following the instructions on the packet (remember, when you receive a plant from Green Assembly, it has enough slow-release fertiliser to last the first four months).
During the warmer months, she likes a drink of the stinky liquid fish stuff (like Seasol) monthly, again be sure to follow the dilution instructions on the packet. Then sit back and watch her sprout fresh new leaves.
Tips
- Use a moisture metre stick to check the soil every few days rather than having to dig in the soil with your finger.
- This plant has spines or sharp edges; use caution when handling.
