You may think Palm Trees can't survive outside of the tropics...but the Windmill Palm Tree truly breaks the mold.
Why? It's super cold hardy. In fact, the Windmill is the cold hardiest palm variety available and adapts to most climates and soil types. So, if you're looking for exotic vibes in nearly any climate, the Windmill fits the bill. But it's important to keep a few care tips in mind...check out our tips for the Windmill below!
Scouting the Area
First, select a location with full to partial sun and well-drained soil. Full to partial sun generally means about 4 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day, with some afternoon shade to keep those fronds looking lush and green.
Aside from that, planting is easy. Like we mentioned, the Windmill loves well-drained soil but will adapt to almost any soil type and thrives in growing zones 7 to 11. It's hardy down to 10 degrees, so it survives in both warm areas and cold climes. If your area experiences colder temperature extremes, simply pot it up to bring inside!
When you've found your location, dig a hole that's about one and a half to two times the width of your plant's root ball, place your Windmill and then backfill the soil. Tamp down and water to settle the roots.
Finally, spread a 2 to 3-inch layer of mulch around the area (ensuring you keep away from the Windmill's trunk).
If you're container-planting, simply select a pot that's about twice the width of your plant's shipped container. Oh, and ensure it has drainage holes.
Use organic soil mix, place your Windmill, and then you're good to go. Just select a spot on your porch or patio that gets sun, or place in front of a south-facing window.
Seriously - does it get easier than that!?
Ongoing Care
So, the Windmill is hassle-free, but you want to ensure it grows above and beyond, right?
That means setting a regular watering schedule. Generally, watering your Windmill about once or twice a week should suffice.
And if you're not sure when to water your Windmill, simply check the surrounding soil with your finger, down to about 2 or 3 inches. If the soil is dry here, it's time to water your tree.
No serious pest or disease issues affect the Windmill, especially when it lives indoors. Plus, it resists drought, so missing a few waterings here and there is no big deal.
Fertilizing
You can feed your Windmill yearly in the spring, before new growth begins. If you do fertilize your Windmill, select a well-balanced blend. We prefer a ratio of 10-10-10 for maximized growth and recommend following the label instructions for application.
Caring for Your Windmill Tree
The Windmill couldn't be easier to maintain, but we do have a few more tips to make care even more seamless:
- When you plant outside, avoid areas that get a lot of wind so that your Windmill Palm grows strong (despite its name, it doesn't like strong gusts).
- If your young Windmill should topple, straighten it out using wood staking until the roots get a bit stronger.
Basically, the vibrant color and easy, effortless care of the Windmill is just a click away. See what all the hype's about here!
