Many varieties of palm (Arecaceae) grow well in patio containers, but they still require some protection and special care during the colder winter temperatures. While many cold hardy palm trees such as Mediterranean fan palms (Chamaerops humilis) and sago palm (Cycas revoluta) can withstand temperatures down to 5 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit respectively, younger plants and many other palm species such as Areca palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens) are less tolerant of cold temperatures and winds. Mediterranean fan palms grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11, Sago palms grow in zones 9 through 11 and Areca palms grow in zones 10 and 11.
Move the container to a location sheltered from cold winds and frost, such as a garage, shed or inside your home. If possible, keep the plants in an area with access to sunlight.
Wrap, with burlap or bubble wrap, large palms that are too heavy to move. Wrap the container with about three layers of burlap or bubble wrap, and tape it in place with duct tape. Wrap the base of the tree up to the fronds the same way.
Reduce watering during the winter so that the soil dries out completely between waterings. One deep watering per month is sufficient for most palms since they go dormant during the winter. Don't fertilize.
Trim off and dispose of any brown or dead fronds with scissors or pruning shears during the winter on unwrapped palm plants. Before trimming, disinfect cutting tools with a solution such as rubbing alcohol or a household disinfectant. Don't do any other pruning during this time.
Remove any wrappings and relocate the plants to a sunny, outdoor location once temperatures begin to warm up in the early spring and danger of frigid nights has passed. Resume normal care.
Things You Will Need
- Burlap or bubble wrap
- Duct tape
- Watering can
- Pruning shears
- Begin winterizing palms before temperatures dip below tolerance for your specific type.
- Port Kells Nurseries: Winterizing Your Palm Tree
- Cole Farms: Caring for Palm Trees - Fertilizing, Troubleshooting, Winterizing, Watering, Pruning and More - General Guide for All Palms
- Cole Farms: Winterizing Palm Trees - USDA Growing Zone Map & Cold Hardy Palm Tree Chart
- University of Illinois Extension: Winterizing a Sago Palm
- Clemson University Cooperative Extension: Indoor Palms
- Monrovia: Sago Palm Cycas Revoluta
- Monrovia: Mediterranean Fan Palm Chamaerops Humilis
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