Arecaceae
Washingtonia robusta
Turn any space into a resort-style statement with the Washington Palm. Its wide, elegant fan leaves instantly add height, texture, and a premium tropical feel—perfect for patios, entryways, and bright indoor atriums. Easy-care and heat tolerant, it’s a top choice for modern homes and business receptions that want greenery with real impact.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Washington Palm
Botanical Name: Washingtonia robusta
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Ornamental palm tree
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0368
Alternative Names:
واشنطوني
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Arecales
Family: Arecaceae
Genus: Washingtonia
Species: Washingtonia robusta
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to the desert washes and palm oases of northwestern Mexico (Baja California, Sonora) and the southwestern United States. Widely cultivated and naturalized in Mediterranean climates worldwide, including California, Florida, southern Europe, North Africa, Australia and parts of Turkey.
4. Visual Characteristics
Features a single, slender, gray‐brown trunk topped by a crown of large, costapalmate fan leaves up to 1.5–2 m wide. Leaves are deep green with coarse petiole teeth. Mature palms display a clean, columnar silhouette; old fronds form a thatch skirt if not pruned.
5. Size & Dimensions
Outdoor height: 20–30 m (65–100 ft) at maturity in ideal conditions. Indoor/container height: 2–4 m (6–12 ft). Trunk diameter: 20–30 cm (8–12 in). Leaf span: up to 2 m (6½ ft).
6. Light Requirements
Full sun to light shade. Thrives in bright, direct sunlight; tolerates partial shade but may develop thinner growth.
7. Watering Needs
Moderate watering. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment; reduce frequency once established, allowing top 2–3 cm of soil to dry between waterings. Drought tolerant when mature.
8. Soil & Potting
Prefers well-draining sandy loam or loamy soil with good air porosity. pH 6.0–8.0. In containers, use a mix of potting soil, sand/perlite, and organic compost. Ensure drainage holes are unobstructed.
9. Temperature & Humidity
USDA zones 9b–11. Best growth between 18–35 °C (65–95 °F). Can tolerate brief dips to ~5 °C (41 °F) but not prolonged frost. Prefers moderate to high humidity; tolerates lower indoor humidity.
10. Fertilization
Apply a slow-release, balanced palm fertilizer (e.g., 8-2-12 with micronutrients) 2–4 times during the growing season (spring through early fall). Follow label rates to avoid salt buildup.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Low maintenance once established. Remove dead or yellowing fronds to maintain appearance and prevent pest harboring. Minimal pruning required. Monitor for pests.
12. Growth & Propagation
Growth rate: Moderate to fast under optimal conditions (30–60 cm/year). Propagated by seed only; seeds require fresh sowing, warm temperatures (25–30 °C), and consistent moisture. Germination in 2–3 months.
13. Common Problems
Pests: Spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. Diseases: Fungal leaf spot, Ganoderma butt rot in poorly drained soils. Root rot if overwatered.
14. Benefits & Uses
Popular as a statement landscape specimen, street tree, or large container plant in patios and atriums. Provides tropical ambiance, vertical accent, and light shade. Excellent for commercial and residential settings.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic to humans and pets. Safe for indoor and outdoor use; no known irritant compounds. Standard caution: avoid rubbing frond sap in eyes.
Washingtonia robusta
Turn any space into a resort-style statement with the Washington Palm. Its wide, elegant fan leaves instantly add height, texture, and a premium tropical feel—perfect for patios, entryways, and bright indoor atriums. Easy-care and heat tolerant, it’s a top choice for modern homes and business receptions that want greenery with real impact.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Washington Palm
Botanical Name: Washingtonia robusta
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Ornamental palm tree
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0368
Alternative Names:
واشنطوني
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Arecales
Family: Arecaceae
Genus: Washingtonia
Species: Washingtonia robusta
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to the desert washes and palm oases of northwestern Mexico (Baja California, Sonora) and the southwestern United States. Widely cultivated and naturalized in Mediterranean climates worldwide, including California, Florida, southern Europe, North Africa, Australia and parts of Turkey.
4. Visual Characteristics
Features a single, slender, gray‐brown trunk topped by a crown of large, costapalmate fan leaves up to 1.5–2 m wide. Leaves are deep green with coarse petiole teeth. Mature palms display a clean, columnar silhouette; old fronds form a thatch skirt if not pruned.
5. Size & Dimensions
Outdoor height: 20–30 m (65–100 ft) at maturity in ideal conditions. Indoor/container height: 2–4 m (6–12 ft). Trunk diameter: 20–30 cm (8–12 in). Leaf span: up to 2 m (6½ ft).
6. Light Requirements
Full sun to light shade. Thrives in bright, direct sunlight; tolerates partial shade but may develop thinner growth.
7. Watering Needs
Moderate watering. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment; reduce frequency once established, allowing top 2–3 cm of soil to dry between waterings. Drought tolerant when mature.
8. Soil & Potting
Prefers well-draining sandy loam or loamy soil with good air porosity. pH 6.0–8.0. In containers, use a mix of potting soil, sand/perlite, and organic compost. Ensure drainage holes are unobstructed.
9. Temperature & Humidity
USDA zones 9b–11. Best growth between 18–35 °C (65–95 °F). Can tolerate brief dips to ~5 °C (41 °F) but not prolonged frost. Prefers moderate to high humidity; tolerates lower indoor humidity.
10. Fertilization
Apply a slow-release, balanced palm fertilizer (e.g., 8-2-12 with micronutrients) 2–4 times during the growing season (spring through early fall). Follow label rates to avoid salt buildup.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Low maintenance once established. Remove dead or yellowing fronds to maintain appearance and prevent pest harboring. Minimal pruning required. Monitor for pests.
12. Growth & Propagation
Growth rate: Moderate to fast under optimal conditions (30–60 cm/year). Propagated by seed only; seeds require fresh sowing, warm temperatures (25–30 °C), and consistent moisture. Germination in 2–3 months.
13. Common Problems
Pests: Spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. Diseases: Fungal leaf spot, Ganoderma butt rot in poorly drained soils. Root rot if overwatered.
14. Benefits & Uses
Popular as a statement landscape specimen, street tree, or large container plant in patios and atriums. Provides tropical ambiance, vertical accent, and light shade. Excellent for commercial and residential settings.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic to humans and pets. Safe for indoor and outdoor use; no known irritant compounds. Standard caution: avoid rubbing frond sap in eyes.