How Fast Do Windmill Palms Grow? A Complete Guide

Windmill palms, also known as Chinese fan palms or Chusan palms, are a popular landscaping tree in warm climates for their tropical appeal and cold hardiness. Their charming windmill-shaped leaves and furry trunks make them visually appealing at every stage of growth.

If you’re considering adding a windmill palm to your yard, you probably want to know how fast they grow Windmill palms are generally slow growing trees, but their growth rate can vary depending on climate, care, and other factors.

In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about windmill palm growth rate, including:

Typical Growth Rate of Windmill Palms

• Windmill palms grow at an average rate of 6-12 inches per year. This equates to about 1 foot of new growth annually.

• Their slow steady growth means they can take many years to reach mature height. A 10-20 foot palm may be 10-20 years old.

• Maximum height ranges from 20-40 feet tall. In ideal conditions, windmill palms may exceed 40 feet after several decades of growth.

• The trunk thickness also increases slowly, at a rate of about 2-3 inches per year.

• Windmill palms generally grow slower in cool climates and faster in warm, tropical climates.

Factors That Affect Windmill Palm Growth Rate

While genetics limit their overall speed, several cultural factors can slightly increase or decrease their annual growth rate:

Climate and Location

• Warmer year-round temperatures encourage faster growth. Cool winter climates result in slower annual growth.

• In tropical locations like Southern Florida and Hawaii, windmill palms may grow up to 2 feet per year. In cooler climates, growth of 6 inches annually is more common.

Soil Quality

• Rich, loamy, well-draining soil provides better nutrients to support an optimal growth rate.

• Poor soil limits nutrient availability and slows growth.

Irrigation

• Adequate moisture is important, especially in hot climates. Drought stress restricts growth.

• Overwatering can also limit growth by depleting roots of oxygen.

Sun Exposure

• Windmill palms grow fastest with full sun. Too much shade reduces growth rate.

• A minimum of 4-6 hours of direct sun is recommended.

Fertilization

• Regular fertilization supplies nutrients for better growth.

• Unfertilized palms grow slower than fertilized palms. Apply a palm fertilizer every 2-3 months during the warm season.

Palm Health and Age

• Younger palms grow faster than older palms. Vigorous youth results in rapid growth.

• Age, disease, pests, or any other stresses slow the growth rate.

Tips for Maximizing Windmill Palm Growth Rate

While windmill palms will never grow rapidly, you can maximize growth by providing optimal care:

• Plant in full sun to increase growth rate.

• Choose rich soil and amend with compost if needed.

• Water 1-2 times per week in warm months to maintain moist soil.

• Apply regular palm fertilizer for nutrition.

• Protect from strong winds which can shred leaves.

• Allow adequate space between palms and other plants to reduce competition.

• Prune only dead leaves, never living green ones.

• Prevent nutritional deficiencies which retard growth.

• Eliminate stresses like pests, diseases, drought, and cold damage.

Growth Rate in a Container vs. the Ground

Container-grown windmill palms grow a bit slower than those planted directly in the landscape. Their roots are more confined, limiting access to nutrients and moisture. Limit the size of container-grown specimens to smaller scales.

However, in-ground planting allows the palm to develop its full height potential. Site an in-ground windmill palm where vertical height is desirable over the years as it ascends.

Timeline of Growth Stages

Here is an approximate timeline of what to expect with windmill palm growth rate:

• Years 1-2: Slow growth of 6-12 inches per year. Establish roots and trunk.

• Years 3-10: Reaches 6-10 feet tall. Moderate growth period in youth.

• Years 10-20: Achieves 10-20 feet height. Enters slowest growth period.

• Years 20-40: Gradually reaches 20-40 feet tall. Very slow increase in height.

• 40+ years: Stops actively growing taller. Extremely slow trunk thickening over time.

Of course, this growth timeline can vary based on all the factors discussed. But in general, expect relatively rapid growth when young, moderate growth in the middle years, and very slow height increases in maturity past 20-40 years.

When Do Windmill Palms Stop Growing?

Windmill palms continue increasing in height throughout their lifespan, but the speed declines with age. They may technically never stop growing taller, but the growth becomes almost negligible.

Here is when you can expect their upward growth to maximize:

• Most varieties stop gaining significant height after 20-40 years.

• Dwarf varieties may max out below 20 feet tall within 15-20 years.

• Some exceptionally tall varieties may continue growing past 40 years before slowing.

• The trunk does continue expanding in diameter slowly throughout life.

So realistically, windmill palms won’t get noticeably taller past the 20-40 year mark for most varieties. But the gradual trunk thickening never fully stops.

Growth Rate of Windmill Palm in containers

As mentioned, container-grown windmill palms reach shorter maximum heights than in-ground plants. You can expect container specimens to grow:

• 6-12 inches per year when young.

• Slow to under 12 inches annually when mature.

• Reach 10-15 feet tall at maturity.

• Need re-potting every 2-3 years as it outgrows each container size.

Limit container size to restrict the ultimate dimensions. A 30-gallon pot can accommodate a 10-15 foot windmill palm long-term. Fertilize regularly and keep the root ball moist.

When to Expect the First Bloom

Windmill palms take many years before flowering for the first time. Here’s when to expect the initial bloom:

• Windmill palms are dioecious. You need both a male and female plant for fruit.

• Blooming occurs in summer, usually June to August.

• Male palms typically bloom first, starting as early as 6-8 years.

• Female blooms often appear after 10-15 years.

• No bloom can occur before age 5 years.

• Optimal palm health encourages early flowering.

So be patient, as your windmill won’t bloom until it has been growing for around a decade. The male flowers will emerge first, allowing pollination once the female finally blooms after 10-15 years.

Growth Rate Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about windmill palm growth rate:

How tall do windmill palms grow?

Windmill palms typically reach 20-40 feet tall at maturity. Maximum height ranges from 10 feet to over 50 feet tall depending on variety, climate, and care.

How fast do windmill palms grow per year?

The average growth rate is 6-12 inches per year. Some palms grow faster (up to 2 feet annually) and others slower (3-6 inches yearly).

How long does it take a windmill palm to reach full size?

Windmill palms can take 20 years or longer to reach their maximum height potential. Their growth rate slows significantly as they age.

At what age do windmill palms stop growing taller?

Upward growth typically slows after the palm is 20-40 years old. Some varieties may continue increasing in height slowly after 40 years.

Should I fertilize my windmill palm to make it grow faster?

Regular fertilization every 2-3 months during the warm season supplies nutrients and encourages a slightly faster growth rate.

How often should I re-pot my container windmill palm?

Repot containerized windmill palms every 2-3 years as needed until they reach their height limit. Limit container size to restrict mature dimensions.

When will my windmill palm tree start blooming?

Expect the first bloom after at least 6-8 years for male palms, and 10-15 years for female palms. Optimal health encourages early flowering.