Because of its robust properties, the Canary Island date palm is one of the most popular potted palms. It can be cultivated indoors all year round or gives the balcony and terrace a southern flair during the summer months. Unfortunately, the palm occasionally gets brown leaves. In this article you will find out what the cause is and how you can help the plant regain its strong green head.
Why does my Phoenix Canariensis have dry leaves?
The Canary Islands date palm gets dry leaves due to incorrect location conditions, sun damage or air that is too dry. A bright location, slow acclimation to the sun or humidification can help. Also pay attention to proper watering to avoid root rot.
Trigger: The wrong location conditions
In its natural home, the Canary Islands date palm is caressed by the sun. It is always warm and the humidity is relatively high. The plant also prefers similar conditions when cultivated indoors or outdoors in summer. However, if Phoenix Canariensis is too dark, photosynthesis does not proceed optimally, the tips of the leaves turn brown and dry out.
Countermeasures
If you discover these symptoms in your palm tree, you should move it to another place immediately:
- Full sun, at most partially shaded outdoor locations are ideal. The Canary Island date palm feels very comfortable on a south-facing balcony or a south-facing terrace.
- It shouldn't be too dark during winter rest. A location in front of the stairwell window, in the winter garden or in a frost-free greenhouse is ideal.
Trigger: Sun damage
Plants can also get sunburned if they are exposed to strong sunlight without an acclimatization period. The palm tree is still sensitive, especially after winter rest. If it is placed directly in the midday sun, yellow and later brown spots may appear on the fronds, which will no longer disappear.
Countermeasures:
- Slowly get the plant used to the changed conditions.
- In the first 14 days after hibernation, a partially shaded, protected location is ideal. Only then can Phoenix Canariensis move to a place in full sun.
Trigger: Too dry air
The air in heated rooms is often very dry. The Canary Islands date palm has difficulty coping with this and often reacts to this with the fronds turning brown.
Countermeasure
If you notice brown leaf tips, you should immediately increase the humidity. This can be done by spraying the leaves with lime-free water. Alternatively, you can place a humidifier (€69.00 on Amazon) or an indoor fountain near the plant.
Tip
Incorrect watering behavior may be to blame for the leaves drying out. Under no circumstances should the root ball dry out completely. On the other hand, if you water too much, this will lead to root rot. Despite the excess supply of liquid, the palm tree dies of thirst because the damaged storage organs can no longer transport water.
