Ruffled Fan Palm

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

10-15 Feet outdoors; 5-6 Feet indoors

Mature Spread

5-6 Feet

Growing Zones

10 to 11

Ruffled Fan Palm (Licuala grandis) brings couture-level texture to any space. Its perfectly round, pleated fronds ripple like fabric, catching light and shadow for a dramatic, sculptural look. Slow-growing and compact, it delivers tropical luxury without overpowering nearby plants or furnishings.

Use it to anchor a modern living room, soften a shaded patio, or elevate a conservatory with lush, glossy green. The tidy, upright habit reads refined from every angle, making this palm a natural focal point in containers or as a specimen in warm climates.

Ruffled Fan Palm Care

Provide bright, indirect light to dappled shade; avoid harsh, all-day sun that can scorch leaves. Keep soil evenly moist but never waterlogged—water when the top 1 inch is barely dry. Aim for high humidity (50–70%+); use a humidifier, pebble tray, or group plants to boost moisture in the air. Plant in a rich, well-draining mix (two parts high-quality potting soil, one part fine bark, one part perlite) at a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0–7.0.

Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced, dilute palm fertilizer that includes magnesium and micronutrients; pause feeding in winter. Prune only fully brown fronds at the base; avoid trimming green tissue. Outdoors, best in USDA zones 10b–11; protect from temperatures below 55°F and drying winds.

Ruffled Fan Palm Spacing

For a specimen, allow 5–7 feet of horizontal clearance to showcase the circular fronds. Near walls or paths, keep 3–4 feet of clearance so leaves don’t brush traffic. For a small grouping, space 4–6 feet on center.

In containers, start with a 14–16 inch pot with generous drainage; step up to 18–22 inches as roots fill the space. Place 3–6 feet from a bright east or south window with sheer filtering, and rotate the pot monthly for even growth. No staking is needed in calm, indoor settings; shelter new outdoor plantings from wind.

Why Grow Ruffled Fan Palm?

• Iconic, round, pleated leaves that read like living art
• Compact, slow growth ideal for interiors and shaded patios
• Thrives in bright indirect light with consistent moisture and humidity
• Refined, upright habit that pairs well with modern and tropical designs

Treat your space to a palm that feels like living sculpture. With simple, consistent care, Ruffled Fan Palm delivers standout texture and a calm, evergreen elegance year-round.