240 - 260cm XXL Livistona Chinensis 70cm Pot House Plant

🌴 Livistona chinensis — Chinese Fan Palm

Livistona chinensis, commonly known as the Chinese Fan Palm, is a striking and slow-growing palm native to southern Japan, Taiwan, and southern China. Named for its dramatic, fan-shaped leaves that spread out in elegant, pleated segments, this palm adds a tropical yet formal touch to both indoor and outdoor plantings. Each frond can grow impressively large and arch slightly at the tips, sometimes developing long, drooping segments that lend the plant a weeping, waterfall-like effect. While it can reach great heights in its native environment, Livistona chinensis remains compact and manageable when container-grown, making it ideal for conservatories, large rooms, and bright entranceways. With its bold presence, structured silhouette, and tolerance for indoor conditions, this palm is a beautiful statement plant for plant lovers seeking something both classic and exotic.

☀️ Light Requirements

• Indoors: Prefers bright, indirect light but tolerates some gentle direct sun once acclimatised.

• Outdoors: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Young plants prefer some protection from intense midday sun.

• Low light: Not ideal — low light slows growth and may lead to leaf yellowing.

🌡️ Temperature & Hardiness

• Ideal temperature: 20–28°C (68–82°F)

• Minimum temperature: Can tolerate short periods down to 5°C (41°F) but prefers to be kept above 10°C (50°F)

• Hardiness: RHS H1b – best suited to containers in the UK; move indoors or protect during winter

• Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity; mist occasionally in very dry air

💧 Watering Needs

• Watering frequency: Water when the top 3–5 cm of soil is dry. Keep the soil lightly moist but never soggy.

• Winter: Reduce watering when growth slows and light levels drop.

• Drainage: Essential — use pots with drainage holes and allow excess water to escape.

🪴 Soil & Repotting

• Soil type: Well-draining palm or loam-based compost. Add sand or perlite for improved drainage.

• pH: Neutral to slightly acidic (6.0–7.0)

• Repotting: Every 2–3 years or when rootbound. Use a heavy pot to stabilise the plant’s upright growth.

🌱 Feeding

• Growing season (spring–summer): Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertiliser or palm-specific feed with micronutrients.

• Autumn–winter: Pause or reduce feeding during the dormant period.

✂️ Pruning & Maintenance

• Frond care: Remove yellowing or fully browned fronds at the base. Do not remove green fronds unnecessarily.

• Dusting: Wipe or gently hose down leaves occasionally to remove dust and promote healthy photosynthesis.

• Growth habit: Naturally symmetrical with a single central trunk and radiating fan-like foliage.

🌾 Propagation

• By seed: The primary method, though germination is slow and best suited to warm, controlled environments.

• Division: Not applicable — does not produce basal offshoots.

🐛 Pests & Problems

• Common pests: Spider mites, mealybugs, and scale — more common in dry or low-airflow indoor spaces.

• Symptoms: Yellowing fronds, sticky residue, or webbing.

• Treatment: Increase humidity, wipe leaves, and treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap as needed.

• Common issues:

  • Brown tips or edges: Often due to dry air or inconsistent watering.

  • Stunted growth: Usually a result of poor light or nutrient deficiency.

🧤 Toxicity & Safety

• Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets and humans.

• Handling tip: Leaf edges may be slightly rough — take care when pruning older fronds.

🏡 Indoor & Outdoor Care Highlights

• Ideal for large, bright spaces including conservatories, sunrooms, and spacious living areas.

• A stunning patio specimen in summer, with tropical elegance and strong form.

• Makes an impressive focal point or background plant when placed in a group.

• Pairs beautifully with other architectural plants like Strelitzia, Ficus lyrata, or Alocasia.

• Long-lived, slow-growing, and low-maintenance with the right conditions.