The Chinese Fan Palm (Livistona chinensis), also called the Fountain Palm, is a graceful, slow-growing fan palm prized for its large, glossy fronds whose tips droop like water from a fountain. Adaptable to sun or shade and genuinely low-care, it is a classic choice for an elegant, Asian-inspired accent in South Florida landscapes.
Why Florida Customers Choose Us
Chinese Fan Palm Breakdown
Appearance:
Big, rounded, costapalmate fan leaves up to 6 feet across, bright to olive green, deeply divided into segments that hang down at the tips.
Young plants are nearly trunkless and shrubby; with age a single, slender gray trunk emerges beneath a full, rounded crown.
Growth Rate:
Slow.
Adds only a few inches of trunk per year, so it stays in scale for decades.
Size:
10–20 feet tall in typical landscapes (30–40 feet over many decades) with a 10–12 foot crown.
Available in 15-gallon (4 feet) and 25-gallon (5–6 feet) multi-plant pots, which give a fuller, clumping look.
Sunlight Requirements:
Part shade to full sun.
Unusually shade-tolerant for a palm — ideal under tree canopy or on the shaded side of a house — and it also takes full sun once established.
Water Needs:
Moderate.
Water regularly for the first year; established palms are drought tolerant and handle normal dry seasons.
Soil Preferences:
Adaptable to most well-drained soils, including sandy and limestone sites.
Maintenance:
Low.
Remove old fronds once or twice a year. Leaf stems carry small teeth when young, so wear gloves. Feed with palm fertilizer 2–3 times a year.
Landscape Use:
Accent or specimen, understory planting beneath taller palms and trees, courtyards, and planted in groups as a soft tropical screen.
Climate Tolerance:
USDA zones 9–11.
One of the hardier fan palms, tolerating brief dips into the mid-20s °F.
For a palm that behaves — slow, tidy, and happy in shade — the Chinese Fan Palm is hard to beat. The fountain-like fronds make it a quiet standout in any bed.
Florida Delivery Available
We have in-stock Chinese Fan Palm ready to ship throughout Florida. Multiple sizes available with professional installation options. Order online or text/call 561-898-2028 for expert advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Plant & Care for Chinese Fan Palm in Florida
Choose Sun + Clearance
Palms prefer full to partial sun. Allow room for frond spread and future trunk growth.
Plant Slightly High
Dig a wide hole and plant with the root ball level to slightly above grade. Palms do not like being buried.
Backfill + Water In
Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly to settle. Avoid compacting too aggressively.
Consistent Watering (Critical)
Water deeply and consistently during the first few weeks. Most palm issues come from under-watering early on.
Fertilizer + Pruning
Remove only fully brown fronds. Apply a slow-release palm fertilizer after the palm has settled in.
Professional Installation Available: Not comfortable planting yourself? We offer expert installation services throughout Florida. Our team has 15+ years of experience ensuring your plants thrive. Call 561-898-2028 to add installation to your order.
What Florida Customers Say
Exceptional service!!! Awesome customer service. Dany was very helpful and answered my questions promptly. My palm tree was delivered quickly. They will be my 1st choice when looking for unique and nice looking plants. The Best in the Business..100% recommended 😃😃😃
Highly recommend! Super communicative, did a great job installing and all-around fit our budget while still providing excellent quality, beautiful plants! We will be repeat customers!
Do not look any further. These guys are awesome. Punctual, WAY more affordable plants than Home Depot, and the quality of plants delivered were far superior than any nursery I've been to. Great to deal with and very professional. Our installer went above and beyond to insure our satisfaction and he was a true professional.
