Plant Care Guide

Windmill Palm

Trachycarpus fortunei

The Windmill Palm is one of the hardiest palms available, beloved for its classic tropical silhouette paired with exceptional cold tolerance. Native to Asia and able to withstand temperatures down to 10°F, it is the perfect palm for gardeners in cooler climates who still want a taste of the tropics. Its fan-shaped fronds create the “windmill” appearance that gives the tree its name, while its narrow, burlap-textured trunk adds architectural interest to landscapes. 

This palm thrives in partial shade to shade in warm climates but happily accepts full sun further north. Highly adaptable, salt tolerant, and relatively low maintenance, the Windmill Palm brings an exotic feel to yards, courtyards, coastal landscapes, and even large indoor containers. Strong, hardy, and slow growing, it remains a manageable size for many years and rewards growers with minimal fuss. 

Watering Requirements

Windmill palms appreciate regular watering, especially when young, but are prone to root rot if soil remains soggy. Once established, they become moderately drought tolerant. 

Watering Schedule 

  • Newly planted trees: Water every few days until established. 
  • Established trees: Water once to twice per week. 
  • Potted palms: Allow the soil to dry about halfway before watering again. 
  • Signs of underwatering: Browning or crispy leaf tips, drooping fronds. 
  • Signs of overwatering: Mushy stems, yellowing fronds, consistently wet soil. 

Pro Tips

Windmill palms don’t like “wet feet.” Use fast-draining soil and avoid low spots in the yard where water collects.

Light Requirements

Windmill palms are flexible with light but have different needs depending on climate. 

Ideal Light Conditions 

  • Southern / hot climates: Partial shade to shade preferred 
  • Northern / cooler climates: Tolerates full sun and may even grow better with more light 
  • Indoors: Bright, indirect light (avoid intense direct sun) 

Signs of Too Much Light 

  • Bleached or crispy fronds 
  • Windburn-looking damage in harsh sun 

Signs of Too Little Light 

  • Leaf drop 
  • Slow growth 
  • Pale or stretched fronds 

Pro Tips

In northern climates, give your windmill palm as much sun as possible. Full sun encourages tighter, more robust growth.

Soil & Potting

Windmill palms adapt to many soil types, as long as drainage is good. 

Best Soil Mix 

  • Loamy or sandy soil 
  • Moist but well-drained 
  • Works with acidic, neutral, or alkaline soils 
  • Avoid heavy clay unless drainage improvements are made 

Container Growing 

Windmill palms grow slowly, making them excellent container palms for many years. 

  • Choose a pot with large drainage holes 
  • Use a mix of potting soil + peat moss + compost 
  • Repot gradually as the palm grows 

Pro Tips

Plant in a location sheltered from harsh winds. Strong gusts can shred the delicate fan-shapedfronds.

Fertilizing

Windmill palms don’t require heavy feeding but benefit from consistent nutrients. 

Fertilizer Schedule 

  • Apply slow-release palm fertilizer twice per year: 
  • Once in spring 
  • Again in late summer or early fall 
  • Use a palm-specific formula (e.g., 8-2-12) when possible 
  • Potted palms may need slightly more frequent light feedings 

Pro Tips

If you see yellowing not caused by watering, test your soil. Windmill palms can show deficiencies quickly and benefit from correcting micronutrient imbalances.

Pruning & Maintenance

Windmill palms are low-maintenance trees with minimal pruning needs. 

What to Prune 

  • Remove only: 
  • Dead fronds 
  • Damaged fronds 
  • Diseased portions 
  • Avoid removing green, healthy fronds; this can stress the tree 

General Maintenance 

  • Check periodically for scale or aphids 
  • Keep soil draining well to prevent root rot 
  • Add mulch around the base in winter for cold protection (2–3 inches) 

Pro Tips

Never “hurricane cut” your windmill palm (over-pruning the crown). Keep as many healthy fronds as possible to protect the trunk and promote strong growth.

Common Problems & Solutions

Crispy or Browning Tips 

Cause: Underwatering or low humidity 

Fix: Increase watering frequency slightly and add humidity 

Yellowing Fronds 

Cause: 

  • Old fronds aging naturally 
  • Nutrient deficiency 
  • Rare cases of lethal yellowing disease 

Fix: Test soil, fertilize appropriately, and remove only fully dead fronds. 

Root Rot 

Cause: Poor drainage 

Fix: Improve soil drainage, reduce watering, and avoid low-lying areas 

Scale & Aphids 

More common in southern climates 

Fix: Neem oil, horticultural oil, or insecticidal soap applied consistently 

Pro Tips

A windmill palm showing yellowing from the bottom up may be responding to cold stress, not disease. Check recent temperatures before worrying.