Family: Arecaceae
Common name: Ruffled fan palm, Vanuatu palm, Palas palm, Grosse licuala palm, Vanuatu fan palm, Fan palm
Ruffled fan palm is an elegant, majestic plant for gardens or landscaped areas loved for their large, green, circular, pleated leaves that make them look like a sculpture. It is native to the rainforests of Vanuatu, but it now grows well in tropical countries all over the world.
Plant characteristics
They can reach a height of about 3 meters with a short brown trunk and a thick head of 15-20 large green leaves. The leaves are the most captivating feature of the plant, and the name says it all.
Ruffled fan palm has leaves large green leaves that are pleated beautifully like a fan. They are glossy and waxy, with a notched tip that looks like it was cut precisely with scissors and a steady hand.
The plant produces small white flowers that are inconspicuous compared to the foliage. They also produce small yellow fruits that turn red on maturity. These fruits contain a single seed and is preferred by birds and small animals.
Gardening tips
Ruffled fan palms usually grow underneath large trees in their native habitat and therefore prefer indirect or filtered sunlight. Harsh, direct sunlight could burn the tips of the leaves.
They can also be grown as indoor plants near a bright, sunny window. These plants need regular watering or misting, and well-drained soil.
Ruffled fan palms are very slow growers making them ideal landscaping plants since they can stay in a pot for a very long time.
Fertilization requirements are minimal, probably once in 3-4 months. Dead or yellowed leaves can be removed to add to the aesthetic appeal of the plant.
These plants are considered exotic ornamental plants because of their beautiful foliage. And their easy, fuss-free habit makes them ideal for amateur gardeners. What a brilliant combination! You can grow a collector’s-level, exotic plant with very little effort, while adding a tropical elegance to your garden.
Ruffled fan palms are reasonably tolerant of pest and other infestations. It could get yellowed or brown-tipped leaves due to underwatering or overwatering. And the leaves could get torn if handled roughly, or in strong winds, affecting the aesthetic appeal of the plant.
Propagation
Propagation is through seeds or root division. The seeds take over 5 months to germinate under ideal growing conditions.
Once the Ruffled fan palm reaches maturity, it can produce small pups around it, which can then be replanted. But they take many year to reach maturity, and hence the plant is considered a rare, collector’s item.
Photographed at: Penang road, Singapore
