Description
Washingtonia filifera comes from north-western Mexico. It is one of those palms that catch the eye with their really unusual appearance, thanks to the decorative threads hanging from its fan-shaped leaves. This is also where its name comes from: filifera means "thread-bearing" in Latin. It is excellent for growing in a container. It grows fast and indoors needs plenty of space and high air humidity. In summer it can safely be put outdoors.
It looks best standing on its own, where its decorative leaves and trunk are clearly visible. This palm flowers irregularly, usually every few years. The flowers are not very attractive, and in our climate they produce neither fruit nor seeds.
Requirements
Place washingtonia in a bright spot, but it does not tolerate direct sun. It needs a warm position; in winter keep the temperature no lower than 16°C.
Propagation
Propagate from seed or, in spring and summer, from tip cuttings or pieces of trunk.
Care
It likes slightly moist compost; water regularly and generously, and in dry homes mist it regularly. Feed every 3 weeks with liquid fertiliser added to the watering water, taking care that it does not get on the leaves, as it is hard to remove. In winter reduce watering and stop feeding. Remove old, withered leaves by cutting them about 1 cm from the trunk. When the pot becomes too small, repot the plant, ideally in spring. Older, large specimens, because of their weight and size, can be left in the old pot and just have the top layer of compost replaced. Take care not to damage the roots when doing this.