Chinese Fan Palm

Chinese fan palm (Livistona chinensis) is a slow-growing, single-trunked evergreen with broad fan leaves whose tips droop into a fountain-like crown. It suits warm gardens and large containers where its mature canopy has room to spread. ## Appearance and placement UF/IFAS describes palms usually reaching about 30 feet, with a 10–12-foot spread, while taller specimens can occur; the RHS gives a mature height range of 8–12 m and spread of 2.5–4 m. Juvenile petioles may carry sharp teeth, so site paths and seating clear of the leaves. Cream flowers appear in summer and produce blue-green fruit. ## Growing conditions Grow in full sun or light shade. UF/IFAS reports adaptability to a wide range of soils, drought tolerance and moderate salt-spray tolerance. The source recommends USDA zones 9A–11 and cautions that seedlings can naturalize in central and south Florida; check local guidance before planting there. Water during establishment and avoid crowding young palms as their crowns expand. ## Maintenance Remove only fully dead lower leaves and spent flower stalks with safe palm-pruning practices. Do not cut the growing point or strip healthy green foliage. [UF/IFAS Chinese fan palm guide](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST365) · [RHS plant profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/10385/livistona-chinensis/details)