Like other palm types, it thrives in tropical to subtropical climates.
It is sensitive to overwatering so lessen watering intervals once the roots are established.
It thrives on well-draining soils.
During the growing season, weak liquid fertilizer should be applied twice.
Its trunk is brown in color and grows at a diameter of 6-inches.
Outdoors, they grow to up to 10ft and indoors, it grows at a manageable height of 6ft.
Since it is planted in clumps, it looks like it is multi-stemmed.
It grows edible fruits, but they are not harvested for food.
It also blooms clusters of cream-colored flowers during spring, emerging from the center.
Planting pygmy date palm
So, how do you plant a pygmy date palm?
As such, you must know when, where, and how to plant a pygmy date palm.
When to plant?
The best time to plant or propagate pygmy date palms would be during spring.
Doing so spares you from over-moisture because the soil is always moist during this season.
They should not be planted in coastal areas, however, because pygmy date palms cannot tolerate salt.
Where to plant?
As have been mentioned, pygmy date palms love sunlight and afternoon shades.
Temperature and humidity
The pygmy date palm is a true tropical palm.
It thrives in warm temperatures and high humidity.
As for temperature, it prefers in between 50-75F and cannot tolerate below 45F.
To boost humidity, consider regular misting.
Watering
Pygmy palm dates love moist soils most of the year.
They only require heavy watering during the first year or as soon as the roots are established.
After that, watering is lessened.
There are two watering tips to remember, however.
During extended dry season or drought conditions, watering should be done once a week.
On the other hand, never water during winter months.
Soil
They pygmy date palm can tolerate a wide range of soil types including loam and clay.
But like the others, it should be added with sand and perlite to make it a well-draining one.
Fertilizing
Upon planting, pygmy palm dates require weekly fertilizing from spring to summer.
Once the roots are established, fertilizing can be done six times a year.
Palm dates are heavy fertilizer feeders and the best one to use would be liquid fertilizer.
Pruning
Compared to fan palms, date palms require a bit of pruning during spring or summer.
You must wear protective hand gears when pruning this date palm because it has spiky fronds.
The seeds must be soaked in warm water first and then thoroughly dried out before sowing.
They, however, follow a remote germination which takes 2-3 weeks after sowing.
This means that the roots would probably sprout a few distance away from the actual seed.
The seeds should not be sown too deep.
Transplanting
Repotting or transplanting should be done every two years.
Always use gloves when repotting because its slender spines are spikey.
As such, here are some steps that you should carry out before that harsh winter comes.
Troubleshooting
Pygmy date palms are usually disease resistant and are durable and hardy.
Growing Problems
Care requirement surplus or deficit can affect the growth of pygmy date palms.
The following should be looked out for to ensure that your pygmy date palm grows to its potential.
Related:How Much Do Palm Trees Cost?
How fast do pygmy date palms grow?
Considered as slow growers, pygmy date palms have a growth rate of 1-2ft annually.
As such, it is understandable as to why they reach their mature height in the 9thor 10thyear.
How tall do pygmy date palms get?
In the wild, pygmy date palms can grow to up to 25ft.
This is a manageable height for indoor plants.
In terms of width, pygmy date palms grow wide to up to 10ft.
Are pygmy date palms poisonous to pets?
Like the dracaena, it absorbs carbon, benzene, and formaldehyde from the air.
How long do pygmy date palms live?
Nonetheless, with their majestic look, they can be kept around for more years to be landscape plants.
Where do pygmy date palms grow?
As such, they grow well in USDA zones 9-11 where temperatures do not consistently drop below 40F.
Do pygmy date palm trees produce fruit?
But unlike the true date palm, the pygmy date palm is not planted for their edible fruits.
The seed coat is softer than the edible fruits of true date palms.
If the growing pointers and caring requirements are followed, it becomes uncomplicated to cultivate.
It can be used around outdoor landscapes, by the pool cage or in entryways.
Growing them indoors, however, offer a different kind of beauty to spruce up any spot.
