Growth: how fast do palm trees grow?

Palm trees, whether as indoor and container plants or hardy in the garden, are also very popular in Germany. However, it can take some time for a small plant to grow into a large, stately palm tree. Because palm trees are not exactly known for their rapid growth.

Palm trees grow rather slowly

There is a variety of palm trees (Palmae). They differ not only in their appearance, but also in growth and growth forms. The growth depends not only on the type of palm tree, but also on its location. From this it can be deduced how fast palm trees grow. As a rule, however, they are relatively slow-growing. It usually takes many years to reach a stately size. Before a real trunk is formed and height growth begins, palm trees first grow in width because they do not have any secondary growth in thickness like trees, for example.

A growth point present

A palm tree has only one growth point from which growth starts, the so-called heart of the palm. This controls the entire growth process of a palm tree. This is where the leaves or fronds come from. It takes several years until the growth in thickness is complete. Only when the final strength is reached does the palm tree begin to grow:

  • Stem formation occurs from dead leaves
  • repulsion of these
  • Heart of palm begins to grow in height
  • Strains vary depending on the species
  • can be smooth, rough, and scarred
  • trimming with thorns is also possible
  • Palm heart is pushed up
  • this is how a typical tuft develops
  • Leaf formation in all palms
  • consist of leaf base, petiole and leaf blade
  • Palm leaves can be pinnate or doubly pinnate
  • Fruits and flowers vary depending on the species
Note: A palm tree cultivated in a container grows significantly more slowly. As a rule, two to four fronds can be expected per year. Here, however, good care is a prerequisite, otherwise growth stagnates.

differences in growth

It can be quite different how these impressive plants develop. The Chinese hemp palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) , for example, is rather slow-growing in comparison to the Canary Island date palm ( Phoenix canariensis ). The hemp palm is suitable for keeping in tubs and also for planting out in the garden. It can reach a height of 12 to 15 meters:

  • needs 2 to 3 hours of direct sun daily
  • thereby promoting the growth rate
  • slower growing in semi-shade
  • does not need hibernation
  • continues to grow in winter
  • but slower than in summer
  • Formation of 10 new leaves per year possible
  • suitable location and care required
  • 15 cm trunk growth per year possible through extensive watering
  • female specimens grow more slowly

In comparison, the Canary Date Palm is a giant when it comes to growth:

  • annual growth of up to 50 cm possible
  • reachable size after 4 years
  • reaches a height of between 15 and 20 m
  • Frond 3 to 5 m long
  • single leaflets 30 cm long and 2 cm wide
Tip: As a rule, the date palm is cultivated in tubs in this country. In order to control the rapid growth in height, the roots can be cut back when repotting. The palm then puts all its energy into forming new storage organs. Height growth slows down.

location is particularly important

The existing site conditions have a special influence on the growth of palm trees. However, the demands of the plants are also quite different here. They don’t always have to be in full sun. Their origin is always decisive. A distinction can be made here

Species from sparse forests

  • need bright space
  • no direct midday sun
  • ideal east or west window
  • Balcony with morning and evening sun
    Species from dense rainforests
  • love shady place
  • ideally a north window
  • species from the tropics and subtropics even a few meters away from the window in bright rooms
  • sunny place
  • several hours of sun required

It is also necessary for the site to be sheltered from the wind. Drafts should also be avoided, otherwise the palm fronds can quickly be damaged. Of course, sufficient space is also necessary for healthy development. The soil should be slightly acidic, low in humus and permeable.

Tip: When cultivating in a bucket, height growth can be influenced by the size of the pot. The following applies: the larger the pot, the larger the palm tree.

Care influences growth

Good care is a prerequisite for good development and consequently good height growth. A few things should be taken into account:

  • adequate watering
  • no waterlogging
  • water daily at high temperatures
  • once a week is sufficient during the transition period
  • top layer of soil must be dry
  • Use of lime-free water
  • Nutrient requirements are moderate
  • in the bucket every 14 days
  • Use of palm fertilizer or green plant fertilizer
  • For slow-growing plants, halve the quantity indicated on the package
  • fast growing plants receive recommended dose
  • Spray daily with lime-free water
  • repot every 3 to 4 years

frequently asked Questions

The dwarf palm Chamaerops humilis is slow-growing, tolerates temperatures down to -10 °C and does not need to be repotted frequently when cultivated in a bucket. It grows bushy and mostly multi-stemmed and reaches a stem height of up to 4 m with a dark green 70 to 80 cm wide crown. In pot culture it only grows to a height of 2 m. Another form is the blue Chamaerops humilis var. cerifera with blue to silvery fronds. In addition, the dwarf yatay palm (Butia paraguayensis) with a stem height of 2 m and greenish-grey tuft is a tiny one.

A palm tree has only one point, the heart of the palm, where it sprout. It is at the top of the plant. Therefore, there are no leaves on the trunk. For this reason, the tip of a palm tree should never be cut off. Not only would growth stop, but the palm tree would inevitably die. Only dead, brown leaves can be cut off if the palm tree does not shed them itself. But they, too, must not be removed directly from the trunk. There should always be a leftover piece of at least 3 cm.

Kira Bellingham

I'm a homes writer and editor with more than 20 years' experience in publishing. I have worked across many titles, including Ideal Home and, of course, Homes & Gardens. My day job is as Chief Group Sub Editor across the homes and interiors titles in the group. This has given me broad experience in interiors advice on just about every subject. I'm obsessed with interiors and delighted to be part of the Homes & Gardens team.

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