Like all types of palm trees, the fan palm is never cut back. However, removing dried, yellow or broken leaves is occasionally necessary but must be done carefully. What you need to consider when cutting fan palms.
How to properly prune a fan palm?
It is important to never trim the top of fan palms. Diseased or dried leaves can be carefully removed from the trunk. The best time for cutting is just before the winter break. Side shoots can be separated for propagation.
You must never shorten a fan palm
Fan palms only have one point of vegetation. If you cut this, the worst case scenario is that the palm tree will die. You should therefore never simply cut off the top of a fan palm.
Since a fan palm can reach a considerable size, you should consider the space required if you want to care for this palm indoors.
Cut brown or yellow leaves
The fan palm always develops a few brown or yellow leaves. This is a natural process and not a cause for concern. If many fronds turn brown or dry out, you should check the location and care of the fan palm and also look for pests.
You can cut discolored, dried or broken leaves. The best time to cut the fronds is shortly before the winter break, before you bring the plant into winter quarters or prepare it for winter outdoors.
Use a sharp knife that you have cleaned well beforehand so that you do not transfer any pathogens or pests to the palm tree. Cut the fronds directly at the trunk and do not leave any stubs.
Always remove stubs from the palm trunk
The fan palm occasionally loses leaves. A small remnant of the frond stem usually remains on the trunk. You should definitely remove this as the remains allow moisture and bacteria to penetrate the plant. By cutting you prevent the palm tree from becoming sick.
Cut side shoots to propagate the fan palm
Fan palms are usually propagated from seeds. Occasionally, side shoots form next to the main trunk. You can cut these to use as cuttings for fan palm propagation.
The cuttings are cut in spring. Place the shoots in pots with potting soil and keep them moderately moist and warm.
Tip
Livistona palms are often classified as fan palms, although in this case they are umbrella palms. The care of these two types of palm trees is similar; you must not cut back Livistona either.
