Windmill Palm Leaning Toward Light in London: Rotate, Feed, Check Roots

Four 8-ft windmill palms (Trachycarpus fortunei) on east-facing London patio. One leans at top; frond tips brown. Rainy, low light.

Diagnosis & Fixes

• Lean: Phototropism—reaching for light. Rotate pot 180°. It'll straighten in weeks.
• Brown tips: Low humidity or nutrient deficiency. Fertilize 3×/year with palm granular. Mist daily or use humidity tray.
• Root bound? Check drainage holes. If roots circling, repot in larger container with gritty mix.
• Winter: Consider LED grow light (full spectrum) on timer—mimics sun, prevents etiolation.

London-Specific

Trachycarpus is hardy to -10°C. Cold isn't the issue—light and container constraints are. They want full sun; east patio gives only morning. Rotate, feed, upsize pots.