Troubleshooting
Hardy Chinese Windmill Palm problems — and how to fix them
Hardy Chinese Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Wind-tattered fronds
Large fan leaves shred and brown at the edges in exposed, windy sites. Plant in a sheltered spot to keep the crown looking neat; tatty fronds can be trimmed off.
Cold and frost damage
Severe cold or wet cold can spot or kill fronds and, in extreme cases, rot the growing point. Improve winter drainage and protect the crown of young plants in hard frosts.
Yellowing or frizzled new growth
Often magnesium or potassium deficiency, or poor drainage. Apply a palm-specific fertiliser and ensure the soil is not waterlogged.
Crown and bud rot
Cold, wet conditions can cause fatal rot at the central spear. Avoid water sitting in the crown over winter and improve drainage around the base.
Prevent hardy chinese windmill palm problems before they start
Most hardy chinese windmill palm issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
- Common chusan palm problems — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Hardy Chinese Windmill Palm watering schedule
- Hardy Chinese Windmill Palm light requirements
- Best soil mix for hardy chinese windmill palm
- Hardy Chinese Windmill Palm temperature & humidity
- Full hardy chinese windmill palm care guide
Looking for hardy chinese windmill palm in general rather than its problems? Read the full hardy chinese windmill palm care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Hardy Chinese Windmill Palm problems — FAQ
Why is my hardy chinese windmill palm wind-tattered fronds?
Large fan leaves shred and brown at the edges in exposed, windy sites. Plant in a sheltered spot to keep the crown looking neat; tatty fronds can be trimmed off.
Why is my hardy chinese windmill palm cold and frost damage?
Severe cold or wet cold can spot or kill fronds and, in extreme cases, rot the growing point. Improve winter drainage and protect the crown of young plants in hard frosts.
Why is my hardy chinese windmill palm yellowing or frizzled new growth?
Often magnesium or potassium deficiency, or poor drainage. Apply a palm-specific fertiliser and ensure the soil is not waterlogged.
Why is my hardy chinese windmill palm crown and bud rot?
Cold, wet conditions can cause fatal rot at the central spear. Avoid water sitting in the crown over winter and improve drainage around the base.