Windmill palm care guide
Trachycarpus fortunei
Quick answer
Water your windmill palm when the top 5 cm (2 in) of soil feel dry. In summer that’s typically every 6 to 8 days.
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- Light
- Bright light, some sun
- Typical interval
- Every 6 to 8 days · summer
Every 14 to 22 days · winter - Climate
- 5–24 °C (41–75 °F)
- Humidity
- 50–70%
- Pet safety
- Pet-safe (non-toxic)
When and how to water
5 cm (2 in)
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 6 to 8 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 14 to 22 days
Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Light and placement
Bright light, some sun
Windmill palm needs bright light and a little gentle direct sun, such as morning sun. Strong midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it close to an east- or west-facing window.
Feeding
Feed your windmill palm every 45 days while it’s actively growing. Use a palm fertilizer with magnesium and manganese, at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate5–24 °C (41–75 °F)
Humidity50–70%
Windmill palm is comfortable between 5 and 24 °C (41–75 °F). It handles a cool room well, even in winter, as long as it stays above 0 °C (32 °F).
It does best at 50–70% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Overwintering a windmill palm
Windmill palm takes about minus 10 to minus 15 °C (14–5 °F) in the ground but needs shelter from cold wind and hard frost. In a pot, wrap it or move it somewhere bright and cool indoors.
Toxic to pets?
No. Pet-safe.
Windmill palm is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Safe to keep in a home with pets.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Common questions
How often should I water a windmill palm?
Water your windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) when the top 5 cm (2 in) of soil feel dry. In summer, that’s typically every 6 to 8 days. In winter, slow down to every 14 to 22 days.
Sources4 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineAccepted name · family · native range · general information
- Royal Horticultural SocietyPlant profile · position · soil · hardiness · container and under-glass notes · pests · Light · watering · feeding · potting · humidity · temperature and draft guidance
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxPlant description · culture · containers · indoor overwintering · diseases and insects
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlScientific name · toxicity classification · toxic principles
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