Free Washingtonia Filifera Plants

An extraordinary palm with large, fan-like fronds and brown, fibrous threads hanging from the end of each leaflet. The Washingtonia is not often seen for sale, perhaps because the habit of growth is too wide for many locations indoors. As with most palms, the key to effective care is careful watering. The compost should be evenly moistened but should also be allowed to dry a little between waterings to prevent the roots from rotting. A high level of humidity is also important otherwise the leaf tips turn brown. Unlike most other palms it is not possible to trim the leaves without ruining the appearance of the plant, as the characteristic wispy threads will obviously be lost in the process.

Plant type : Palm with erect but spreading habit
Season of interest : All year round
Size : 100-250cm (39—98in)
Flower : None indoors
Leaf : Fan-shaped fronds, 45-60cm (18 —24in) across, comprised of leaflets. 15-45cm (6—18in) long, 1 -2,5cm (|-1in) wide, stiff, green, with wispy brown fibres hanging from the ends; leaflets radiate from 30-45cm (12—18in) stalk
Temperature : 18-21°C (64 -70'F)
Aspect/Light : Well-lit situation with some sunlight
Humidity : Moderate
Watering : Evenly moisten compost in spring and summer, taking care not to over-water, and allowing to dry a little before re¬watering; water just enough to prevent drying out in autumn and winter
Feeding : Once every two to four weeks with houseplant fertilizer in spring and summer
Propagation : Sow seeds in seed and cutting compost at 27'C (80°F) in mid to late spring
Potting : Houseplant potting compost
Problems : Mealy bug, root mealy bug, scale insect, root rot due to over-watering, browning of leaf tips in dry atmosphere
Availability : Not often available
Uses indoors : Feature plant for floor display in lounge or dining room