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The compact size of the pygmy date palm tree — Phoenix roebelenii — makes it a favorite for gardeners with small spaces to fill. This native of South Asia thrives in hot climates and demands attention from anyone nearby. Here are some other reasons to consider adding one of these stunning trees to your yard or landscape:
Pygmy date palms’ soft, grayish-green foliage brings giant feathers to mind.
Their low maintenance requirements add to these trees’ popularity.
The pygmy date’s leaves or fronds often reach up to 6 feet in length.
Pygmy date palms thrive in partial shade to full sun, with at least 4 hours of direct light a day.
Watering
Water once a week, or when the soil is dry 2 inches below the surface. Don't let soil get soggy from overwatering.
Fertilizing
Use a slow-release fertilizer that is formulated for palms during the growing season; following package directions.
Planting and Care
by Mary Van Keuren | Gardener (30+ Years Experience) – last update on December 22, 2021
Planting instructions
Wait until the soil has warmed up to at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit before planting your pygmy date. These trees like it warm and won’t tolerate cold feet when being transplanted. Choose a protected, sunny site with well-draining soil that doesn’t get standing water. It is also a good idea to plant pygmy dates away from heavy foot traffic areas as the trees can be messy when fruiting. Pygmy date palms also do well indoors as container plants. Choose a heavy container somewhat larger than the root ball.
Pygmy date palms do not need or want any soil amendment at the time of planting. They do like sandy soil with a pH lower than 7.0, but they are tolerant of many conditions. You should dig a hole that is the exact depth of the container your tree came in, but three times as wide.
Pygmy dates are odd because they enjoy being rootbound. Don’t spread out, loosen, or disturb their roots or the surrounding soil when planting. Remove them from their container and simply place them in the hole. Start backfilling with the same soil until half full, then water deeply. Once the water has drained, keep backfilling and repeat the process until finished. It is a good idea to build up a berm or barrier around the planting hole’s edge to help direct and contain water. Adding a layer of mulch two to three inches deep will also help retain moisture. Be sure to keep the mulch from touching the tree’s trunk.
Watering and nutrients
Pygmy date palm trees are pretty low maintenance once established. They do need regular watering, especially immediately after planting. For the first two weeks, water your new tree daily. After that time, it is recommended to water deeply once a week or as conditions require. Test the soil with your fingers to see if it is dry just below the surface. If it is, you may need to water more during dry spells.
A high-nitrogen slow-release fertilizer is recommended for new pygmy date palms. Follow the manufacturer’s directions regarding dosing and schedule. Ensure the tree gets the best nutrition by placing the feed inside the bermed area and then watering.
Keep the fertilizer from touching the tree’s trunk directly.
Pollination
Pygmy date palms are dioecious. This means each tree has either male or female flowers, never both. To have fruit, you must have at least one of each type. They rely on bees and other insects or the wind to naturally pollinate them. But this open-pollination method requires that the trees be close to each other. If you are set on having fruit from your date trees, artificial pollination may be needed.
Pruning
The pygmy date palm tree is low maintenance. But Phoenix roebelenii is not one of the palm tree varieties with a “self-cleaning” trunk. It needs help shedding the old, dead leaves (fronds) or those showing signs of disease. You will also want to remove any suckers or offshoots that pop up from around the trunk base.
Pests, diseases, and animals
Pygmy date palm trees tend to be resistant to most types of pests or diseases. They do have a few enemies and issues to look out for, though. Aphids, scale, and spider mites are some of the insects that like to pester pygmy dates. The good news is that they are easily treated with natural remedies such as neem oil and ladybugs.
Fungal diseases such as leaf rot can be treated with fungicides. They can also be prevented with good housekeeping habits. Keep any debris from around the base of the tree and remove any diseased or damaged fronds.
FAQs
Can Phoenix roebelenii be grown in pots?
The pygmy date palm tree grows very well in containers on patios or inside. It rarely reaches over 7 feet tall and makes a hardy houseplant. It adapts to indoor growing conditions and is forgiving of temperature and humidity changes. Because it will also grow in lower light areas, it can survive in almost any room of the home.
How fast do pygmy date palm trees grow?
Phoenix roebelenii is a slow to medium growing tree. Pygmy date palms can reach their mature height of seven feet in about six or seven years.
Is the fruit of the pygmy date palm tree toxic?
The fruit of these majestic tropical trees is not what you should be wary of as it is edible and not at all toxic. Overindulging in them may cause stomach upset but no permanent damage. You need to be cautious of the sharp spines or thorns that grow at the base of each palm frond. They can cause quite a bit of pain when someone unaware grabs ahold of them.
Will pygmy palm tree roots damage my foundation or sidewalks?
It is unlikely that your new pygmy date palm tree will ever cause any issues with nearby structures. Upon reaching maturity, their root ball will only be about two feet in diameter. Because palm tree roots tend to be on the thinner side, they rarely damage anything on or near the surface around them.
I purchased a pygmy date Palm recieved in about 5 days excellent condition in box planted it following day doing great. Ordered one more week later .
Anonymous
Verified Buyer January 20, 2021 at 4:13am
Pygmy palms
Excellent excellent
Anonymous
Verified Buyer November 10, 2020 at 1:28am
Great Gift Idea
My girlfriend loves them both. She was very surprised and so was I. Love these plants
Deer Resistant
Mature height
6-7 ft Indoors 7-12 ft Outdoors
Mature width
3-5 ft Indoors 3-5 ft Outdoors
Sunlight requirement
Full-Partial
Growth rate
Slow
Botanical name
Phoenix roebelenii
Shipping exclusions
AZ
Grows Well In Zones
4-11 patio / 10-11 outdoors
Growing Zones: 4-11 patio / 10-11 outdoors i
Growing zones help determine if a particular plant is likely to grow well in a location. It identifies the average annual minimum winter temperatures across the U.S. provided as a map by the USDA.
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