Washingtonia robusta

Origin and ornamental history of Washingtonia robusta

Washingtonia robusta is native to northwestern Mexico, where it grows in hot, sunny places near reliable sources of water.

Its tall trunk and fan-shaped crown have made it a common landscape palm in warm parts of the world.

Growing Washingtonia robusta in a container

• Light: Give the palm full indoor light and direct sun. If it has been kept in softer light, increase sun exposure in stages.
• Water: During active growth, soak the compost thoroughly and drain the pot. Water again after the upper layer has dried.
• Slower growth: Wait longer between waterings and let the compost dry more deeply.
• Palm potting mix: Use loam-based peat-free compost with sharp sand and grit for dependable drainage.
• Feeding: Use a complete palm fertiliser and follow the label for dose and timing.
• Repotting: Move to a deep, stable pot once the roots fill the existing container or the palm becomes hard to balance.
• Temperature: Bright indoor warmth encourages growth. Keep potted roots frost-free and sheltered from prolonged cold.
• Humidity: Typical indoor humidity works well for this palm. Keep the leaves away from hot air blowing directly from a heater.
• Space and stability: Allow room around the crown as the stalks lengthen, and choose a heavy pot for taller plants.

Palm health signs in Washingtonia robusta

• New fans are narrow, floppy or angle sharply toward the glass: Increase the available light. Build up direct sun gradually so new fronds grow more strongly.
• Leaf tips dry brown while the compost is also dry: The palm has gone too long between waterings. Give it a thorough drink and check the pot sooner next time.
• Several fronds yellow or brown in damp compost: The palm's roots have been wet for too long. Extend the drying time, make sure water can escape and check the roots if the yellowing continues.
• Fine webbing, pale speckles or fixed brown bumps appear: These signs may come from spider mites or scale. Move the palm away from nearby plants, use a labelled control for the pest and follow its directions.
• Older fronds repeatedly discolour or die back at the tips: If watering and root health look good, check how regularly the palm has been fed. Use a complete palm fertiliser during active growth before adding any single nutrient on its own.

Keep Washingtonia robusta away from children and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its effects after chewing or swallowing are unclear, and plant material can still cause an upset stomach.
• Contact a veterinarian or medical professional if symptoms develop or do not settle.

Washingtonia robusta and Washingtonia filifera var. robusta: why did the name change?

Washingtonia commemorates George Washington, the first president of the United States. The Latin epithet robusta means robust, strong or stout.

Hermann Wendland established the genus Washingtonia in 1879 in Botanische Zeitung (Berlin), volume 37, page 68.

Hermann Wendland first described Washingtonia robusta in 1883 in Garten-Zeitung (Berlin), volume 2, page 198.

Kew’s World Checklist treats Washingtonia robusta as a synonym of Washingtonia filifera var. robusta. Samuel Bonsall Parish placed the species in Washingtonia as Washingtonia filifera var. robusta in 1907 in Botanical Gazette, volume 44, page 420.