Washingtonia robusta Seeds

About the Mexican fan palm

Washingtonia robusta is the familiar horticultural name for the Mexican fan palm. Plants of the World Online treats that name as a synonym and accepts Washingtonia filifera var. robusta. It is a tall, single-trunked palm with large fan-shaped leaves, native to north-western Mexico and associated with dry habitats.

Also known as: Mexican washingtonia, Skyduster, Palmera de abanico mexicana, Mexikanische Washingtonpalme, Vashingtoniya moshchnaya and Neowashingtonia robusta.

Sowing guide

1. Soak clean seed in room-temperature water before sowing.
2. Use a warm, airy seed mix that drains rapidly.
3. Cover the seed lightly, water and let surplus water escape.
4. Maintain steady warmth and moisture, with ventilation to discourage mould.

Do not repeatedly unpot or dig around the seed. Palm germination can be staggered even within one batch, and the first root may develop before a shoot is visible.

Growing on

After emergence, move seedlings gradually into bright light and use deep containers for their developing roots. Water thoroughly, then wait until the surface begins to dry before watering again. Avoid cold, wet conditions.

The Mexican fan palm eventually becomes very tall and is best treated as a landscape-scale plant. Its leaves and petioles require space, and its suitability can differ by climate and local invasive-species rules. Container culture is useful while plants are young or where winter protection is required.