Chamaerops

( kam - AY - rops )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of palm is the only one native to Europe, and also grows naturally on the Mediterranean Islands and in northwestern Africa. This is a hardy palm, commonly known as Mediterranean Dwarf Palm, European Dwarf Palm or European Fan Palm, and is able to withstand temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit. They prefer full sun to partial shade and need moderate to regular water for best performance. These palms form clumps that reach 20 feet tall and wide, making them a great choice for containers, as a hedge, or massed in landscapes under taller trees. They can tolerate harsh conditions like poor soil and strong winds. Leaves are green to blue-green on the species, though variety Chamaerops humilis argentea (Chamaerops humilis cerifera) has silvery-blue foliage. Mediterranean Fan Palm grows best in USDA hardiness zones 8-11 or Sunset growing zones 4-24, H1 and H2 (to find your zone, click here: Zone Map).

Caring for Chamaerops

These hardy, slow-growing palm that can be grown either indoors or outdoors. In the landscape, make sure to plant these palms in full sun or partial shade. In warmer climates, afternoon shade may be necessary to prevent leaf burn. Plant 5-6 feet apart to allow for ideal growth rate and air circulation. Ensure that soil is well-draining before planting; if necessary, amend heavy soils with plenty of organic material (such as compost) before installing. These palms can tolerate a wide range of soils, including poor ones, as long as they drain well; these trees do not like to have their feet wet. Soil should have a pH of between 6.0 and 8.0 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline). Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water newly installed plants regularly, irrigating when the top inch of soil dries out. At maturity, these palms are drought-tolerant, and will only need supplemental waterings in low-precipitation months. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot issues.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These trees require little pruning. Simply remove dead or damaged fronds and avoid cutting into healthy, green fronds as it will slow growth. Chamaerops naturally will form clumps of plants by producing suckers around the base. If a single-trunk palm is desired, remove these suckers when they appear. These are some of the most cold-hardy palms, able to take temperatures as low as 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit. At lower temperatures, these trees will need to be protected, especially when they are young. These palms can persist for 80-100 years or more in some landscapes if cared for properly before needing to be replaced.

Caring for Chamaerops Indoors
Place European Palms in a spot indoors that receives bright, indirect light. These palms can tolerate lower light levels as well, but will grow much more slowly. These palms prefer an indoor temperature of between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and moderate humidity. Mist regularly, especially during the drier winter months. Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Reduce waterings in wintertime when dormant. They will need to be repotted every two to three years on average to allow for increased root growth over time. Indoor plants can be fertilized with a slow-release palm fertilizer or a balanced liquid fertilizer that includes micronutrients like potassium and magnesium. Apply feedings every 6-8 weeks during the growing season in spring and summertime, and take care to not over-fertilize, which can cause browning leaf tips and nutrient imbalances. Monitor indoor palms closely for signs of pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and scale.

Propagation

Propagating Chamaerops by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. The seeds from these palms are held within the fruits. When they are ripe, they will begin to drop from the tree. This is a good time to harvest them.
Chamaerops seeds have a hard coating that protects them, but this coating also makes it a little difficult to get them to germinate. We can help the process along by scarifying them with a hot water bath. Place the seeds in hot tap water in a bowl, and let sit for 24 hours.
Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 2-9 weeks from sowing.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

Propagating Chamaerops by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost, gloves and other protective wear (to prevent skin contact) and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in spring or fall (after the plant has entered dormancy and been cut to the ground, but before it has begun its new spring growth), and needs to be done every four to five years regardless of whether you have the goal of propagating the plants for best performance. To propagate by division, follow these steps:

Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the roots. Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
Start to tease apart the roots with your fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments, ensuring that each one has at least one thick root section.
Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divisions and water thoroughly.
Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout.