Common Names: Chinese fan palm, Chinese fountain palm
Family: Arecaceae
Origin: Japan and several islands in the South China Sea
Height: 30 to 50 feet
Spread: 10 to 12 feet
Light: full sun/shade
Water: moderate, but regular
Temperature: 50-75F

Description:
Able to reach 50 feet in height but usually seen at 30 feet with a 10 to 12-foot spread, Chinese Fan Palm has a single straight trunk and large, six-foot-long leaves which have drooping tips. The divided leaves have long, tapering, ribbon-like segments which gracefully sway beneath the leaves, creating an overall fountain-like effect. The petioles are armed with sharp spines. The inconspicuous flowers are hidden among the leaves and are followed by small, blue-black, olive-like fruits.

It is becoming common to see young Chinese fan palms used in shopping malls. A dwarf variety, Livistona chinensis subglobosa, is now available and is being used just for that purpose.

Culture:
They grow well in confined soil spaces. The palm is self-cleaning of old leaves and will require little or no pruning. Tolerant of full sun, young specimens of Chinese Fan Palm should be partially shaded. Any reasonably fertile, well-drained soil, including alkaline, is suitable and Chinese Fan Palm should be fertilized two or three times during the year. Plants should be watered during dry spells and will benefit from an organic mulch.
Moisture: This palm forms a long tap root and can survive extended periods of drought. Provide adequate moisture for more rapid growth.

Pests and diseases:
Scales. It is moderately susceptible to lethal yellowing disease.

Propagation: By seed. If kept warm they will germinate in about 2 months time.