Phoenix reclinata aka Senegal Date Palm

Taxonomy ID: 1830

Phoenix reclinata, commonly known as the wild date palm, Arabian date palm, or Senegal date palm, is a tropical species native to Africa, the Levant, the Arabian Peninsula, Madagascar and the Comoro Islands, but has been naturalized in several other places. These palms are adaptable to many different habitats, from sea level to 3000 m, and can be found in rainforest clearings, monsoonal forests and rocky mountainsides. This palm is highly ornamental and valued for its graceful, arcs of slender stems that are covered with brown fiber. Its edible dates and edible heart, which can be enjoyed as a vegetable, make it even more desirable. Wild Date Palms need regular watering, abundant sunlight and well draining soil to thrive and can generally be grown as a houseplant. Fertilizers are generally unnecessary as long as you repot your plant every time it doubles in size.

Common names

Senegal Date Palm, Wild Date Palm, Isundu

More information about Senegal Date Palm

How difficult is it to take care of Senegal Date Palm

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Senegal Date Palm due to its easy-going nature.

What is the region of origin of Senegal Date Palm

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

What are the water needs for Senegal Date Palm

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

What is the right soil for Senegal Date Palm

Senegal 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.

What is the sunlight requirement for Senegal Date Palm

Senegal 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 Isundu.

What's the right humidity for Senegal Date Palm

No extra humidity is necessary for the Senegal Date Palm. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.

How to fertilize Senegal Date Palm

Repotting the Senegal Date Palm should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Is Senegal Date Palm toxic to humans/pets?

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

What's the dormancy for Senegal Date Palm

During the wintertime, it's common for Senegal Date Palm to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

More info:
Wikipedia