Pygmy date palm care: watering, light and repotting
Also called dwarf date palm, miniature date palm · Phoenix roebelenii · Arecaceae family
10 d in winter
How often to water the pygmy date palm?
Allow about 5 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 10 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
Likes bright light and moist soil in summer. Watch out for the spines at the base of the fronds.
Misting every 5 days helps keep the air humid around its leaves, especially in winter when central heating dries the house out.
What light does it need?
The pygmy date palm loves the sun: a south- or west-facing window suits it, ideally less than 3 ft (1 m) from the glass. Without enough light, the stems stretch and growth slows down.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 3 years, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from April to September, feeding every 30 days is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 3–6 ft (1–2 m).
Safe for cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA.
Common problems
Brown tips
Cause: Dry air. What to do: Mist the foliage.
Yellow lower fronds
Cause: Ageing or lack of fertiliser. What to do: Cut them off and start feeding again in spring.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the pygmy date palm?
About every 5 days in spring and summer, and every 10 days in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the pygmy date palm?
The pygmy date palm loves the sun: a south- or west-facing window suits it, ideally less than 3 ft (1 m) from the glass. Without enough light, the stems stretch and growth slows down.
Should you mist the pygmy date palm?
Yes, misting every 5 days does it good, especially in winter when heating dries the air. Use soft, room-temperature water.
When should you repot the pygmy date palm?
Every 3 years, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the pygmy date palm safe?
The pygmy date palm is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. A pet that eats a lot of it may still vomit, so it's best not to let it nibble.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Fairly: the pygmy date palm needs a little attention, mostly with watering and light. Nothing complicated with a reminder at the right time.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.