Licuala grandis

Fan Palm

Licuala grandis is grown both as an outdoor plant in tropical climates and as an indoor plant in cooler areas. It is one of the pleated palms and the foliage is very attractive, large, glossy green on tall stems.

Commonly called the Ruffled Fan Palm or simply Fan Palm, this an understory plant in its natural habitat, it grows well in dappled shade as well as indoors.

Growing from a single main trunk, the foliage appears on stems radiating from the trunk. Very large bright green leaves open to a fan shape often 1 metre across. As this is palm tree that grow from a single trunk it looks great both in the landscape as well as indoors or on a patio in a large pot.

Care

In the garden, sub tropical conditions will be required. Dappled shade and humus rich moist soil. Good amounts of compost and mulch should be used at least to the drip line. Best grown outdoors north of Coffs Harbour.

Indoors use a humus rich potting mix and again dappled shade or filtered light. In cooler climates the plant will benefit from some time outdoors during the warmer months, again in dappled shade.

Also look for Licuala cordata

Propagation

Easy from seed.

Summary Information

• Botanical/Scientific Name – Licuala grandis
• Common Names – Ruffled Fan Palm, Vanuatu Fan Palm.
• Origins – South East Asia.
• Light – Dapped shade.
• Soil – Humus rich moist.
• Height – To around 2 metres
• Spread – To around 1 metre.
• Foliage – Large rounded pleated and glossy green.
• Root system – Shallow
• Frost tolerant – No
• Drought Tolerant – No

Licuala grandis is available for sale from the following nurseries.