The Trachycarpus fortunei, better known as the Chinese fan palm, is a popular palm tree for Dutch gardens. Anyone who buys a young palm tree will naturally want to know how quickly it will grow into a large, mature palm. But how many centimetres does a Trachycarpus fortunei actually grow per year?
The growth rate of a Chinese fan palm is not the same every year. Age, location, temperature, water, nutrients, soil and available root space all affect growth. Under good conditions, the Trachycarpus fortunei can develop quite well, but growth may initially be slower, especially in young or newly planted specimens.
Would you like to view different types and sizes? Then check out our range of palm trees for a palm tree that suits your garden or patio.
How much does a Trachycarpus fortunei grow per year?
There is no fixed number of centimetres that applies to every Trachycarpus fortunei. Two specimens of the same size can grow very differently under different conditions.
The Royal Horticultural Society describes the Trachycarpus fortunei as a palm with a good growth rate. For a mature specimen, the RHS states a final height of more than 12 metres and a period of approximately 20 to 50 years to reach the final height.
However, this does not mean that you can simply convert these figures into a fixed number of centimetres of stem growth per year. After all, a palm tree does not only grow in height. The plant produces new leaves, develops its root system and gradually builds up its stem.
In the Netherlands, the actual growth will also be strongly influenced by the growing season and the conditions in your garden.
Healthy growth starts with the right care. Therefore, also read how to care for a palm tree and what to pay attention to regarding watering, nutrients, drainage and winter protection.
Trachycarpus fortunei growth at a glance
| Feature | Trachycarpus fortunei |
|---|---|
| Dutch name | Chinese fan palm |
| Growth rate | Average to relatively fast under good conditions |
| Main growing period | Spring and summer |
| Growth in the ground | Generally more favourable with sufficient root space |
| Growth in a pot | Can grow well, but will eventually be limited by the pot and root space |
| Location | Sun to partial shade |
| Soil | Fertile and well-draining |
| Water requirements | Regular watering during dry and warm periods |
| Evergreen | Yes |
| Final height | More than 12 metres possible |
| Time to final height | Circa 20–50 years according to the RHS |
The final growth always depends on factors such as climate, age, location, soil, care and available root space.
Why does one Trachycarpus grow faster than another?
The growth rate is determined by multiple factors. Therefore, a Trachycarpus fortunei can clearly grow faster in one garden than the same palm species in another location.
1. Location
A good location has a major influence on development. The Trachycarpus fortunei can grow in both sun and light partial shade. A sheltered location is favourable, because harsh and cold wind can damage the leaves.
The RHS advises a sheltered location and fertile, well-draining soil.
Would you like to know more about this palm species itself? Then also read our extensive blog Trachycarpus fortunei: everything about the Chinese fan palm.
2. Watering
During warm and dry periods, an actively growing palm needs sufficient water. Especially a newly planted Trachycarpus fortunei should not be left completely dry for long periods.
At the same time, excess water must be able to drain away properly. Long-term waterlogged soil is not desirable. Therefore, ensure a good balance between sufficient moisture and drainage.
3. Nutrients
During the growing season, a palm needs nutrients for the development of roots and new leaves.
During spring and summer, you can use suitable palm or Mediterranean plant nutrients. Stick to the recommended dosage. More nutrients do not automatically mean more growth.
4. Root space
A Trachycarpus fortunei in the ground generally has much more space to develop its root system than a specimen in a relatively small pot.
A Chinese fan palm can easily stand in a planter for years, but as the plant gets larger, limited root space can affect further development.
Does a Trachycarpus fortunei grow faster in the ground?
Under suitable conditions, a Trachycarpus fortunei in the ground has one major advantage: the roots have much more space.
In addition, a large amount of garden soil generally dries out less quickly than a relatively small pot.
This does not mean that every palm tree automatically grows faster in the ground. A palm in heavy, poorly draining soil may actually fare less favourably than a palm in a large planter with a well-formulated substrate.
The quality of the location therefore remains important.
How quickly does a Trachycarpus fortunei grow in a pot?
A Chinese fan palm can also grow in a pot for years. This is a popular application, especially on a patio, terrace or at an entrance.
As the palm gets larger, the need for root space increases. A pot that is too small can eventually become limiting.
For a Trachycarpus fortunei in a pot, therefore pay particular attention to:
- a sufficiently large planter;
- good drainage;
- regular watering during warm periods;
- sufficient nutrients during the growing season;
- protection of the root ball during severe frost.
Would you like to combine several Mediterranean plants? Then also check out our Mediterranean trees and plants.
When does a Trachycarpus fortunei grow the fastest?
Most visible growth takes place during the spring and summer, when temperatures are higher and the plant is actively growing.
During this period, new leaves develop from the central growing point. As they unfurl, the crown becomes fuller.
During the colder months, growth decreases sharply. This is normal. Therefore, do not try to make a palm grow artificially faster in winter with large amounts of nutrients.
The conditions during the growing season are ultimately much more important.
Does a young Trachycarpus fortunei grow quickly?
A young Trachycarpus is first busy developing a strong root system and an increasingly larger crown. Because of this, the development of the stem is not always immediately spectacularly visible in young specimens.
A newly planted larger palm can also temporarily appear to grow less vigorously. The plant must first adapt to its new location.
Therefore, give a newly planted palm enough time to establish itself.
You do not recognise a healthy palm solely by centimetres of height growth. The development of new, healthy fan leaves is at least as important.
Can you make a Trachycarpus fortunei grow faster?
You cannot accelerate natural growth indefinitely, but you can ensure conditions in which the palm can grow optimally.
Ensure a suitable location, sufficient root space, well-draining soil, sufficient water during dry periods and appropriate nutrients during the growing season.
Above all, try not to overdo it with water or nutrients. Optimal growth does not mean maximum amounts of water and fertilisers, but a good balance.
The Trachycarpus fortunei is also interesting for Dutch gardens because of the combination of growth and winter hardiness. The RHS classifies the species as H5, which corresponds to approximately -15 to -10 °C under the conditions associated with that classification.
Read more about this in our blog Which palm tree is winter hardy in the Netherlands? These are the best choices.
How large can a Trachycarpus fortunei eventually become?
If you give the palm enough space for years, a Trachycarpus fortunei can eventually become a substantial tree.
The RHS states for the species a final height of more than 12 metres and a final width of approximately 1.5 to 2.5 metres. The stated time to reach that final height is 20 to 50 years.
This makes it wise to not only look at how large the palm is today when planting. Also take into account the future size of the crown and stem.
A Trachycarpus fortunei can therefore grow with the garden for years and eventually become a striking eye-catcher.
Buy Trachycarpus fortunei at Olivera Garden
Do you not want to wait for years before your palm reaches a certain size? Then you can, of course, choose a larger specimen directly.
At Olivera Garden you will find palm trees in different types and sizes for the garden, the patio or a spacious planter.
View the current range of palm trees at Olivera Garden and choose a palm that suits your garden in terms of size and appearance.
Frequently asked questions about the growth of Trachycarpus fortunei
1. How many centimetres does a Trachycarpus fortunei grow per year?
There is no reliable fixed number of centimetres that can be given. Annual growth varies depending on factors such as age, temperature, location, water, nutrients, soil and root space. The RHS does describe the Trachycarpus fortunei as a palm with a good growth rate.
2. How can I make my Trachycarpus fortunei grow faster?
Above all, ensure good growing conditions: sufficient light, well-draining and fertile soil, sufficient root space, regular watering during dry periods and suitable nutrients during the growing season. Too much water or nutrients can actually be detrimental.
3. Does a Trachycarpus fortunei grow faster in the ground or in a pot?
In the ground, a Trachycarpus usually has more root space and a more stable moisture supply. Therefore, the conditions are often more favourable for long-term growth. However, a palm can also grow perfectly well in a sufficiently large pot.
4. When does a Chinese fan palm grow the fastest?
The main growing period is in the spring and summer. During the warm months, the palm produces new leaves and the plant is most active. In the cold winter months, growth decreases sharply.
5. How large can a Trachycarpus fortunei become?
According to the RHS, a mature Trachycarpus fortunei can eventually become taller than 12 metres, with a final width of approximately 1.5 to 2.5 metres. For reaching the final height, the RHS states approximately 20 to 50 years.
6. Why is my Trachycarpus fortunei not growing?
A palm that grows little does not necessarily have to be unhealthy. A newly planted specimen may first put energy into developing new roots. Insufficient light, drought, limited root space, low temperatures or unfavourable soil can also affect growth.
