Phoenix Roebeleni Pigmy Date Palm

[azmrjon]

In Phoenix. Planted these end of April and they were doing really well up to about 2-3 weeks ago.  Get plenty of water (I think) with a gallon bucket of water every day.  The soil is moist around them. Too much water, or is the intense sun too much. Can't really protect from sun. 

[Rubberboots]

49 minutes ago, azmrjon said:

In Phoenix. Planted these end of April and they were doing really well up to about 2-3 weeks ago.  Get plenty of water (I think) with a gallon bucket of water every day.  The soil is moist around them. Too much water, or is the intense sun too much. Can't really protect from sun. 

@azmrjon you have a larger photo of this...hard to see?

 

Is is sandy soil or clay?

[Jim in Los Altos]

Looks like intense sun. You may need to water twice a day during the excessive dry heat of your summers. The palm will likely acclimate and eventually tolerate the heat better when it has a larger root mass. 

[azmrjon]

See below message.

Edited July 15 by azmrjon
Added info

[azmrjon]

Unfortunately I don't have a bigger picture. Maybe you can copy or snip it and then enlarge it.  Rocky soil, but used a good soil bag for succulent cacti and palm trees with fertilizer. It has a drip for about 25 minutes every other day with other plants (TX Sage) which are doing really well so far. I was putting 1 gallon bucket of water every evening after sunset, and about a week ago started doing in the morning too. But someone said I may be overwatering it. I have some shade cloths that I just started putting over the trees from about 12noon to 5pm. Trying to hold them a little above the fronds, and they don't reach the ground, for air flow. Trying to determine if sun intensity, too much, or too little watering is the issue. They looked really good and green until about 2 weeks ago. 

[Rubberboots]

@azmrjonthey are desert palms ...mulch around the trunk if you haven't 🤘🏿and no fertilizer for about another month🤔

[azmrjon]

Mulch under the landscape rock or above? I'm certainly no landscape expert! Is 1 gallon bucket of water once per day at dawn enough or not enough? 

[Rubberboots]

@azmrjon slow drip from 5am-9am deep soaking 💪🏾... probably just needs like 10-15minute soaking...play with it...less evaporation in the AM🤘🏿

[Rubberboots]

13 minutes ago, azmrjon said:

Mulch under the landscape rock or above? I'm certainly no landscape expert! Is 1 gallon bucket of water once per day at dawn enough or not enough? 

Mulch around the trunk on top of the dirt....keeps the water from evaporating too fast and keeps the soil cooler for the roots.

[azmrjon]

Thanks.  Have been working to water in am. I'm sure you mean drip between 5am and 9am. Currently from about 615am to 640am. Is that all or should I continue with a gallon bucket of water too once a day, once every other day, etc.? Is the underlying problem too much water, too little water, or sun intensity? I can pretty easily press down 2-3 inches into the soil (moist but not real wet). 

[SeanK]

Too much sun. It's best to leave them potted so you can slowly acclimate them prior to planting.

[Rubberboots]

23 minutes ago, azmrjon said:

Thanks.  Have been working to water in am. I'm sure you mean drip between 5am and 9am. Currently from about 615am to 640am. Is that all or should I continue with a gallon bucket of water too once a day, once every other day, etc.? Is the underlying problem too much water, too little water, or sun intensity? I can pretty easily press down 2-3 inches into the soil (moist but not real wet). 

What temps are you at daily in texas?

[Rubberboots]

27 minutes ago, azmrjon said:

Thanks.  Have been working to water in am. I'm sure you mean drip between 5am and 9am. Currently from about 615am to 640am. Is that all or should I continue with a gallon bucket of water too once a day, once every other day, etc.? Is the underlying problem too much water, too little water, or sun intensity? I can pretty easily press down 2-3 inches into the soil (moist but not real wet). 

Do you have a patio umbrella you can use to give it afternoon shade?

[azmrjon]

To first questions, they were planted then end of March, when in the 80s. It's been relatively cooler weather until 2-3 weeks ago. In Phoenix. We were 118 a week or so ago. Mid 100s now. 

[Rubberboots]

4 minutes ago, azmrjon said:

To first questions, they were planted then end of March, when in the 80s. It's been relatively cooler weather until 2-3 weeks ago. In Phoenix. We were 118 a week or so ago. Mid 100s now. 

Micro roots probably still trying to adjust to new home... stressing the plant a bit 2 months in...need shade in afternoon like us humans

[Rubberboots]

1 hour ago, azmrjon said:

To first questions, they were planted then end of March, when in the 80s. It's been relatively cooler weather until 2-3 weeks ago. In Phoenix. We were 118 a week or so ago. Mid 100s now. 

I just carved up a triple pygmy and it didn't like it very much in this summer heat 🤣🥴🍻

[Fusca]

2 hours ago, Rubberboots said:

@azmrjonthey are desert palms

There are several desert Phoenix palms like dactylifera and theophrasti but roebelenii are not - quite the opposite.  They're native to South China, Laos and Vietnam and receive copious amounts of rainfall each year in habitat.  Although they do well in the Arizona oven they need lots of water to get established and do well like Jim mentioned.  It's hard to over water them.

[Johnny Palmseed]

42 minutes ago, Fusca said:

There are several desert Phoenix palms like dactylifera and theophrasti but roebelenii are not - quite the opposite.  They're native to South China, Laos and Vietnam and receive copious amounts of rainfall each year in habitat.  Although they do well in the Arizona oven they need lots of water to get established and do well like Jim mentioned.  It's hard to over water them.

This right here. Basically, your plant (A rainforest palm, not a desert palm) was grown under controlled conditions and then you planted it in full sun in the desert. And now it’s summer. You need to water it more. It is not overwatered and it is being burned by the sun. The burnt fronds will not recover but if you can get it to grow, the new fronds should be able to acclimate. If you can provide any shade at all, it will help. Even putting a lawn chair next to it to provide some sun protection would be better than full sun.

[Harry’s Palms]

Phoenix Roebelini are as was stated by @Fusca….not desert palms . 118f is way too hot for a small palm like that . Get it in the shade , in the coolest part of your yard and water . I hope it survives , Phoenix is pushing the limits on this species. Harry

[Las Palmas Norte]

118°F ambient temps are one aspect, and direct sun pushes that to punishing levels. Couple that with low humidity for a palm that originates in humid regions, now there's a palm well out of it's true comfort zone. Struggles will ensue that will have the owner trying to combat.

[azmrjon]

I did find this while poking around.

How to Grow the Pygmy Date Palm Tree (Phoenix Roebelenii)

The Pygmy Date Palm Tree, scientifically known as Phoenix Roebelenii, is one of the most commonly used palms in American landscaping. It not only thrives in a variety of outdoor settings but also presents a striking appearance when cultivated in containers.

This slow-growing palm typically reaches a maximum height of 10 feet, making it ideal for small gardens and often regarded as a dwarf palm. It exhibits exceptional grace when planted in groups of three to five specimens.

The Pygmy Date Palm is native to Southeast Asia. It originates from regions in southeastern Asia, including areas in southern China, Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand.

Phoenix Roebelenii can endure cold temperatures down to 15°F and is suitable for cultivation in states such as Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, Oregon, and Texas.

Scientific name:	Phoenix Roebelenii
Common names:	Pygmy Date Palm, Robellini Palm, Miniature Date Palm.
Origin:	Native to Southern China.
Growth Rate:	Slow. Up to 5 – 10 ft tall and 1-5 ft wide.
Cold Tolerance:	USDA Zones 10a (30 – 35 F) to 11 (above 40 F).
Light Req:	Partial shade to full sun.
Water Req:	Moderate.
Soil Req:	Widely adaptable.
Fruit:	Yes. Black. Not edible.
Propagation:	By seeds, germinating in 2-3 months.

 In its natural habitat, the Pygmy Date Palm boasts a single trunk, but in cultivation, it’s commonly planted in groups of 3-5 specimens. When arranged in clusters, the trunks gracefully curve away from the center, creating a particularly attractive display.

The trunk of the Pygmy Date Palm is adorned with old leaf scars and crowned with pinnate, feather-like leaves that extend to about 4 feet in length.

These leaves are bright green, droopy, and equipped with 4-5-inch leaflets that transform into 2-3-inch sharp spines at the base of the petiole. Caution is advised when pruning, and it’s essential to keep children away from the sharp spines.

How To Care For Pygmy Date Palm

Phoenix Roebelenii is a compact palm that generally grows to a height of 5-10 feet and a width of 1-5 feet, although it typically stays under 7 feet.

It is highly favored as an indoor palm tree due to its adaptability to various container sizes, making it perfect for decks or entryways.

Phoenix Roebelenii is a cold-hardy palm, capable of withstanding temperatures as low as 15°F once it matures. It thrives in USDA Zones 10a (30 – 35°F) to 11 (above 40°F).

This palm thrives in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. It adapts well to various soil types but prefers moist, well-drained soil and is not particularly drought tolerant.

The Pygmy Date Palm does not naturally shed its old leaves and requires regular removal to maintain its attractive appearance. To prevent nutritional deficiencies, it’s recommended to use high-quality palm fertilizer with a continuous-release formula, applied twice a year during the growing season.

Propagation is typically done by seed, which takes approximately 3-4 months to germinate. Ideal conditions for germination include warm, moist soil with adequate shade to protect young seedlings from direct sunlight.

Source: https://www.florida-palm-trees.com/pygmy-date-palm-tree.