Every Chinese hemp palm can become an attractive specimen over the years, even if it is rooted far from its home in our garden or pot. But in order for it to develop its full size potential, it needs a good location and optimal care.
How fast does a Trachycarpus fortunei palm grow?
The Chinese hemp palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) grows on average 15 cm per year and reaches a height of up to 10-12 m in the bed, but remains smaller in the pot. For optimal growth, it needs sun, good watering, regular repotting and nitrogen-based fertilizing without over-fertilization.
Slowly until full height
On average, Trachycarpus fortunei grows about 15 cm per year. If you plant your palm tree in the garden, it will probably gain a little more weight, but it will grow more slowly in the pot. The maximum height in the bed is 10-12 m. The straight trunk is then approx. 10 m high. The palm tree will stay well under it in the pot.
In old age, the trunk circumference of a Chinese hemp palm can be 70 to 110 cm and the trunk diameter can be around 25 to 35 cm. In old palm trees, however, the lower part of the trunk becomes thinner as fiber parts detach from it.
“Adult” hemp palm blooms
When the hemp palm has reached a trunk height of around 1 m, it is no longer a young palm. This is also about the time when it starts to bloom. The growth of the palm fronds must be reduced during the flowering period. If you want to promote the growth of new fronds, you should cut off the flowers early.
Development from the middle
Each new palm leaf grows from the heart of the palm tree. If you occasionally need to cut a few yellow or brown palm fronds, be careful not to damage the heart of the palm with the scissors. That could mean the final end for the palm tree. A palm tree that has grown too large must not simply be cut down.
Growth of palm fronds
New palm fronds continually sprout from the heart of the hemp palm. They grow to a length of around 90 cm and a width of around 1.6 m. The crown of an adult hemp palm can be made up of up to 50 palm fronds. In between, however, some of the outer leaves dry out and are cut off.
Crucial growth factors
Trachycarpus fortunei doesn't really allow itself a real break in growth. Of course it grows faster in summer than in winter. And an adult female palm tree grows slightly slower than a male palm tree. But location and care also affect growth:
- The palm tree grows faster in the sun, slower in partial shade
- good watering in summer accelerates growth
- Regular repotting promotes growth of potted specimens
- Nitrogen-based fertilization is helpful, but not over-fertilization!
Tip
Even if Trachycarpus fortunei is hardy, you should not let the palm tree overwinter outside in frost without winter protection. Otherwise the palm heart will freeze and new growth will fail.
