Swamp Fan Palm 25G

Swamp Fan Palm – Sabal minor (25 Gallon Pot) available in Jupiter, FL.

Bring native beauty and resilience to your landscape with the Swamp Fan Palm (Sabal minor), a compact, cold-hardy palm known for its fan-shaped leaves, slow growth, and tolerance for both shade and standing water. Grown in a 25-gallon pot, this well-established palm is perfect for native plant gardens, wetland edges, understory plantings, or shady courtyards.

Native to the southeastern United States, including parts of Florida, the Swamp Fan Palm is part of the Arecaceae family and belongs to the Liliopsida (monocot) class. Its low-growing habit and lush, fan-like fronds make it a natural choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance structure and year-round evergreen presence in challenging spots.

Ideal for South Florida’s wet and humid environment, Sabal minor is especially valuable in low-lying or flood-prone areas where many ornamental plants struggle to survive.

Key Features:

• Botanical Name: Sabal minor

• Common Name: Swamp Fan Palm, Dwarf Palmetto

• Family: Arecaceae

• Class: Liliopsida

• Pot Size: 25 Gallon

• Mature Height: 4–8 feet

• Spread: 4–6 feet

• USDA Zones: 7–11

• Foliage: Blue-green fan-shaped leaves

• Growth Habit: Clumping, trunkless or with a very short trunk

• Evergreen: Yes

• Native to Florida: Yes

Sunlight Needs:

Thrives in partial shade to full sun, but performs best in dappled or filtered light in South Florida. Tolerant of deeper shade, making it an excellent choice under large trees or in woodland edges.

Watering Requirements:

Loves moist to wet soils and can tolerate occasional flooding. Water regularly during establishment. Once rooted, it is highly tolerant of both wet and dry conditions, though it prefers consistent moisture for optimal growth.

Soil Preferences:

Performs best in sandy, loamy, or mucky soils that retain moisture. Naturally adapted to poorly drained areas, swales, and riparian zones. Slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal.

Fertilization:

Fertilize lightly once or twice a year using a palm-specific slow-release formula. Excessive fertilizer is unnecessary and may harm the plant in nutrient-rich soils.

Pest & Disease Tips:

Exceptionally resistant to pests and diseases. A true native survivor, it requires minimal intervention. Watch for rare issues such as scale or leaf spot in overly crowded, humid conditions.

Maintenance & Pruning:

Extremely low maintenance. Remove any dead or yellowing fronds occasionally to maintain appearance. No major pruning needed.

Why It Works in South Florida:

• Native plant that thrives in swampy or shaded areas

• Tolerates flooding, poor drainage, and drought

• Ideal for naturalized areas, native gardens, and understory design

• Low-growing form suits foundation plantings or walkway borders

• Requires minimal care and fertilization

Jupiter Farms & Nursery