Phoenix roebelenii aka Miniature Date Palm

Taxonomy

Phoenix roebelenii, commonly known as the dwarf date palm, pygmy date palm, miniature date palm, or robellini palm, is a species of date palm native to southeastern Asia, from southwestern China (Yunnan Province), northern Laos, and northern Vietnam (in Dien Bien Province, Ha Giang Province, Cao Bang Province, and Lang Son Province). The Latin specific epithet roebelenii honors the orchid collector Carl Roebelen (1855–1927). It is a small to medium-sized, slow-growing slender tree growing to 2–7 metres (6.6–23.0 ft) tall. The leaves are 60–120 cm (24–47 in) long, pinnate, with around 100 leaflets arranged in a single plane (unlike the related P. loureiroi where the leaflets are in two planes). Each leaflet is 15–25 cm (6–10 in) long and 1 cm broad, slightly drooping, and grey-green in color with scurfy pubescence below. The flowers are small, yellowish, produced on a 45 cm (18 in) inflorescence. The fruit is an edible 1 cm drupe resembling a small, thin-fleshed date. The pygmy date palm is an ideal indoor houseplant, but when grown outdoors it can grow over 20 feet tall and produce hundreds of fruits similar to a date.

Common names

Miniature Date Palm, Roebelin Palm, Pygmy Date Palm

How to care for Miniature Date Palm

Difficulty

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

Water

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

Soil

Miniature 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

Miniature Date Palm requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Miniature Date Palm will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

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

Cat approves this plant

Toxicity

Miniature Date Palm is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.

Humidity

The Miniature 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 Miniature 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.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

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

Flower

If you provide your Miniature Date Palm with adequate amounts of sunlight and water, it will bloom.


More info:
Wikipedia