Martius' Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus martianus)

Photo: Sagnik Dutta RoyCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped

Martius' Windmill Palm Plant Care

Trachycarpus martianus (Wall.) H.Wendl.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This palm species boasts unique fan-shaped leaves that are a vibrant blue-green color, making it a standout addition to any collection. Originating from the mountains of Nepal, Trachycarpus martianus is highly sought after by plant collectors for its rare beauty and ability to thrive in colder climates.

🪴Houseplants🌴Palms
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–90°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Martius' Windmill Palm?

Water Martius' Windmill Palm every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–90°F (10–32°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

What Is the Martius' Windmill Palm?

Martius' Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus martianus) belongs to the Arecaceae family within the Trachycarpus genus. Martius' Windmill Palm is native to Himalayas, India, Nepal. Martius' Windmill Palm is also known as Himalayan Chusan Palm.

Martius' Windmill Palm displays a single trunk palm growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Martius' Windmill Palm produces creamy yellow flowers in large clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Martius' Windmill Palm?

Trachycarpus martianus requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the Martius' Windmill Palm Need?

Martius' Windmill Palm thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Martius' Windmill Palm Prefer?

Trachycarpus martianus grows best at temperatures of 50–90°F. Martius' Windmill Palm prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

50–90°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Martius' Windmill Palm?

Well-draining soil with a mix of peat, sand, and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Martius' Windmill Palm to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Martius' Windmill Palm?

Feed Martius' Windmill Palm every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.

Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

How Do You Repot a Martius' Windmill Palm?

Repot every 2-3 years. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

How Do You Propagate a Martius' Windmill Palm?

Martius' Windmill Palm can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to chinese fan palm plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Martius' Windmill Palm Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Martius' Windmill Palm, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Martius' Windmill Palm?

Martius' Windmill Palm is susceptible to spider mites, aphids. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Martius' Windmill Palm Need?

Martius' Windmill Palm grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Martius' Windmill Palm is native to Himalayas, India, Nepal. In cooler regions, grow Martius' Windmill Palm as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Martius' Windmill Palm is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Trachycarpus genus — compare its care with other Trachycarpus species on PlantoScan.

Trachycarpus is part of the Arecaceae plant family — browse all Arecaceae genera and species.

Martius' Windmill Palm thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Trachycarpus Species

Other Trachycarpus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Trachycarpus martianus (Wall.) H.Wendl., family Arecaceae (first published in Bull. Soc. Bot. France 8: 429 (1861)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Martius' Windmill Palm, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Photo: Sagnik Dutta Roy, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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