Phoenix dactylifera aka Date Palm

Taxonomy

Genus Phoenix Family Arecaceae Order Arecales Class Liliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Phoenix dactylifera, also known as the date palm, is a flowering plant species in the palm family. It is cultivated for its edible sweet fruit, which is called dates. The species is widely grown across northern Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia and is naturalized in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Date trees can grow up to 30 meters in height, either growing singly or forming a clump with multiple stems from a single root system. The date fruit is oval-cylindrical, 3 to 7 centimeters long, and about 2.5 cm in diameter, with colors ranging from dark brown to bright red or yellow, depending on the variety. Dates are very sweet and contain 61-68% sugar by mass when dried, making them a popular dessert on their own or within confections. Dates have been cultivated in the Middle East and the Indus Valley for thousands of years and have archaeological evidence of cultivation in Arabia from the 6th millennium BCE. Today, the total annual world production of dates amounts to 8.5 million metric tons, with countries of the Middle East and North Africa being the largest producers and consumers. Dates are emblematic of oasis agriculture and highly symbolic in Muslim, Christian, and Jewish religions. Phoenix dactylifera L. fruits are a rich source of sugars, vitamins, fibers, minerals, and phenolic compounds having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They are also used for skincare, as a single-blinded, placebo control trial has shown that the Phoenix dactylifera L. extract (4%) is effective in cream form after one, two, three, four, six, and eight weeks of treatment. Prior to the study, the composition of the extract was analyzed to understand the underlying mechanisms by which the extract affects skin. As a houseplant, the date palm needs regular watering and abundant sunlight. They do best in well-draining soil and should be less than 3 feet from a window. If repotted each time it doubles in size, the plant shouldn't need added fertilizers.

Common names

Date Palm, Date, Keureuma

How to care for Date Palm

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Date Palm, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Date Palm should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Date Palm loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Date Palm thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Keureuma.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Date Palm plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Humidity

The Date Palm does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.

Fertilizer

Once the Date Palm has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Date Palm’s native range is Southern Europe through Northern Africa to China.

More info:
Wikipedia

More Species in Phoenix Genus

Phoenix Date Palm

Phoenix reclinata Senegal Date Palm

Phoenix loureiroi Loureiro's Palm

Phoenix canariensis Canary Island Date Palm

Phoenix rupicola East Indian Wine Palm

Phoenix roebelenii Miniature Date Palm

Phoenix theophrasti Cretan Date Palm

Phoenix dactylifera Date Palm