Pygmy date palm - Phoenix roebelenii (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images)

Pygmy date palm

Also known as: Dwarf date palm, Robellini

Pygmy date palm (Phoenix roebelenii) is a palm species native to China, Laos, and Vietnam. Pygmy date palm is commonly cultivated as an indoor houseplant. This plant requires direct sunlight for optimal growth. In nature, it grows alongside rivers.

Scientific classification

Species

Pygmy date palm (Phoenix roebelenii)

Palms, bullanocks, and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Palm

Plant Type

Summer

Bloom Time

Spring, Summer

Harvest Time

1 m to 3 m

Plant Height

1.8 m to 2.5 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

30 cm

Flower Size

Black, Brown, Red, Copper, Burgundy, Purple, Lavender

Fruit Color

Yellow, Cream

Flower Color

Green, Yellow, Black

Stem Color

Non-dormant

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring

Growth Season

Slow

Growth Rate

Images of Pygmy date palm

Distribution of Pygmy date palm

Distribution Map

The pygmy date palm is native to Asia. It is not considered invasive. The pygmy date palm does well alongside riversides and cliffs. It is considered a popular ornamental plant in botanical gardens.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Gardens in tropical and subtropical climate areas

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Pygmy date palm is a popular tree prized for its short stature and green drooping fronds. It is commonly used as a focal point in landscaping and is an essential plant in tropical gardens. Plant it with foxtail fern for texture or add color with pentas, bromeliads, dwarf oysters, and other shade-loving plants.

Symbolism

Life and fertility, freedom, righteousness, victory, reward, and resurrection, also longevity, good luck

Interesting Facts

A 1989 clean air study by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration that sought to discover plants with the most potential for cleaning the air on space stations featured the pygmy date palm. The study found that the pygmy date palm could clean toxic pollutants formaldehyde, xylene and toluene from the air. However, the study found that the pygmy date palm could not remove ammonia, benzene, or trichloroethylene from the air.

Name Story

Pygmy date palm||Dwarf date palm: This plant is known as a date palm due to its often sweet, sugary fruit pulp found in some species of Arecaceae. Since it is shorter in height than the regular date palm, it is called Pygmy date palm or dwarf date palm.

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Quickly Identify Pygmy date palm

Slender trunk reaching 6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters) with a rounded crown and long pinnate leaves.

Cream-colored flowers on separate trees, appearing in spring on interfoliar 1-foot-long (30 cm) panicles.

Small ellipsoidal drupe fruit, 1/2 inch (about 1.3 cm), transitioning from red-brown to dark purple.

Odd pinnately compound leaves, 24-45 inches (61-114 cm) with linear-lanceolate leaflets and gray-green color.

Slender stem clustered with gray to brown color, widening towards the crown, reaching 6 inches (15 cm) diameter.

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Care Guide for Pygmy date palm

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Potting Mix, Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Pygmy date palm thrives in humid environments and prefers consistent moisture, requiring watering every 1-2 weeks. While moderately drought-tolerant, occasional misting helps maintain its health and vibrant evergreen fronds, emulating its tropical habitat.

Fertilize: Pygmy date palm benefits from balanced nutrition fertilizers to enhance growth. Use high-nitrogen blends during active growth, applying quarterly and reducing in winter. Careful application is vital to avoid root damage, and always water post-application to ensure nutrient distribution.

Pruning: Pygmy date palm is a small ornamental palm with feathery fronds. Prune in early spring by removing dead fronds and trimming suckers while retaining healthy green fronds for photosynthesis. Regular pruning maintains its compact shape and prevents pests; always use clean, sharp tools to avoid disease.

Propagation: Pygmy date palm, a small palm from the Arecaceae family, thrives indoors or in mild climates. Propagate via seeds in well-draining soil, ensuring consistent moisture. Use fresh seeds for higher germination rates. Post-germination, seedlings require warmth and bright, indirect light for optimal growth.

Repotting: Repot pygmy date palm every 1-2 years, preferably in spring for optimal growth. Use a deep pot to support root expansion and stability. After repotting, ensure ample indirect light and avoid overwatering to promote recovery, leading to a thriving pygmy date palm.

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