The dwarf date palm (Phoenix roebelenii) is the smallest representative of the date palm species. At local latitudes it rarely grows higher than one meter and often appears wider than it is high. Caring for dwarf date palms requires a little bit of sensitivity. How to care for dwarf date palms.
How do you properly care for a dwarf date palm?
Caring for a dwarf date palm includes regular watering with soft water, high humidity, fertilizing every two weeks during the growing phase, repotting every three to four years and pest control. It is conditionally hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to -6 degrees.
How do you water dwarf date palms correctly?
Water dwarf date palms regularly and thoroughly during the growth phase. The root ball should always be slightly moist but definitely not wet. Waterlogging should be avoided. In winter, only water enough to prevent the roots from drying out completely.
Rainwater is suitable for watering. The dwarf date palm does not tolerate calcareous water very well. The water should be stale and as soft as possible.
High humidity is important for thriving. Mist the dwarf date palm regularly, even in winter.
When should the dwarf date palm be fertilized?
The dwarf date palm is only fertilized every two weeks during the growth phase. A standard liquid fertilizer (€8.00 on Amazon) is sufficient.
How often does the palm tree need to be repotted?
Every three to four years the dwarf date palm needs a larger pot. Carefully remove them from the old pot. The old substrate is removed and replaced with fresh one.
If the dwarf date palm has become too large, you can prune the root ball a little when repotting.
Are dwarf date palms pruned?
Palm trees are generally not cut. If necessary, you may remove brown leaves when they are completely dry.
What diseases and pests occur?
Root rot occurs when the dwarf date palm is too moist.
Pests that can occur on this type of palm include:
- Spider mites
- Scale insects
- Trips
Pests can often be avoided by regularly spraying the leaves, as they mainly occur when the humidity is low.
How is the dwarf date palm properly overwintered?
Dwarf date palms are partially hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to -6 degrees.
You should overwinter the palm in a pot in a frost-free, bright place. Installing plant lamps is recommended in dark rooms.
Tip
When cared for as a houseplant, the dwarf date palm rarely produces flowers and later fruits in our regions. The fruits would not be edible anyway because they have a much too bitter taste.
