LightWindmill Palm grows best in bright, indirect light at 150…
WaterWater Windmill Palm when the topsoil feels dry. Check below…
ToxicitySafe for cats & dogs
Mature sizeIndoors, its eventual height is 6 to 8…
Windmill Palm is an evergreen palm with broad, fan-shaped leaves in deep green. Its trunk develops a dark, fibrous covering that adds texture below the canopy. Indoors, the upright form creates a strong floor-level accent without broad branching stems. This easy-care palm suits a bright room with enough height for long-term growth. It needs filtered light, a freely draining palm mix, and regular checks for dry topsoil.
Care data checked 25 September 2026 · Dany · A-Z Plants
Light requirements
Windmill Palm grows best in bright, indirect light at 150 to 250 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹. Even exposure helps the fan-shaped canopy develop evenly.
Position it 5 ft / 1.5m from a south, west or east-facing window.
Select a location without a direct view of the sky. Use a sheer curtain if direct sunlight reaches the foliage.
Strong sun may scorch leaves, while low light can slow growth and weaken the canopy.
Check photosynthetically active radiation as PPFD (μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹) with a PAR meter or PAR meter app.
Watering
Water Windmill Palm when the topsoil feels dry. Check below the surface before watering, especially when the palm grows in a deep container.
Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water.
Wet the potting mix thoroughly until water flows through the drainage holes. A container with drainage holes is essential.
Allow all excess water to escape before replacing the pot on a saucer or inside a decorative planter. Saturated soil can lead to root rot, while long dry periods may produce brown, crispy leaf tips.
Water considerably less in winter when active growth has slowed. Do not follow a rigid schedule, since drying time changes with light and temperature.
Soil
Windmill Palm needs a specialty organic potting mix formulated for palms. The medium should hold some moisture while allowing extra water to drain quickly. Always use a container with open drainage holes.
For a DIY mix, combine 2 parts Coir, 2 parts Coarse Sand, and 1 part Pumice.
Mix evenly and avoid pressing the medium tightly around the roots.
Feeding
Apply an organic fertilizer formulated for palms every 2 to 4 weeks from March through October. Use the recommended strength on moist soil. Avoid applying extra fertilizer for faster growth, and suspend regular feeding during the slower winter season.
Temperature & humidity
Windmill Palm prefers temperatures between 65 and 75 °F / 18 to 24 °C. Its ideal humidity is 50%. Keep the canopy away from cold drafts and direct heating or cooling vents, which may dry or stress the fan-shaped leaves.
What to expect
Windmill Palm takes about 10 years to reach maturity. Indoors, its eventual height is 6 to 8 feet / 1.8 to 2.4 m. The mature canopy can spread 3 to 5 feet / 0.9 to 1.5 m.
Varieties & cultivars
Trachycarpus fortunei ‘Nanus’: This dwarf cultivar grows more slowly than the standard palm. It reaches only 3 to 4 ft / 0.9 to 1.2 m tall indoors.
Windmill Palm: questions
Is Windmill Palm toxic to cats and dogs?
Windmill Palm is considered non-toxic to people and pets, including cats and dogs. Its leaf edges and fibrous trunk may still be rough to handle. Place the pot where children and…
How much light does Windmill Palm need?
Windmill Palm grows best in bright, indirect light at 150 to 250 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹. Even exposure helps the fan-shaped canopy develop evenly. - Position it 5 ft / 1.5m from a south, west or east-facing window. - Select a location without a direct view of the sky. Use a sheer curtain if direct sunlight…
How often should I water Windmill Palm?
Water Windmill Palm when the topsoil feels dry. Check below the surface before watering, especially when the palm grows in a deep container. - Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water. - Wet the potting mix thoroughly until water flows through the drainage holes. A…
How big does Windmill Palm get?
Mature size indoors: Indoors, its eventual height is 6 to 8….
