Fan palms are only partially hardy and need good protection outdoors to survive the winter. It is better to grow the palm tree in a pot or as a houseplant so that you can overwinter it better.
How can I properly overwinter my fan palm?
To overwinter a fan palm successfully, protect it outside with mulch and insulating materials or move it indoors to a cool, bright place. Reduce watering and increase humidity to ensure optimal conditions.
Winter fan palm outdoors
Fan palms can tolerate frost temperatures down to minus 8 degrees for a short time. So they are not really hardy. You can try overwintering them outdoors in a sheltered location. But this only works with older copies.
Cover the soil with a thick layer of mulch. Tie the fronds together at the top so that the palm heart is protected not only from frost but also from winter moisture. Additionally, cover the fan palm with bamboo mats (€11.00 on Amazon), brushwood or special winter fleeces.
But it is better to always grow fan palms in a bucket so that you can safely overwinter them indoors.
Overwinter fan palm in the house
A fan palm that you care for as a houseplant should be moved to a cooler location in winter. Well suited
- cool greenhouses
- Entrance areas
- unheated hallways
- frost-free floors or basement rooms
Fan palms need enough light even in winter. If it is very dark in the winter location, the leaves will turn brown. You can provide more brightness with plant lamps. Water the fan palm more sparingly in winter. But make sure that the ball of the pot does not dry out completely.
A big problem in winter is the low humidity that arises, especially in heated rooms. Sprinkle the fan palm fronds with soft water to moisten the air. You can also place bowls of water.
Tip
You don't have to cut fan palms. If brown leaves have developed, you can of course cut them. The best time for this is late autumn, before you overwinter the fan palm.