Pygmy Date Palms

Knnn · Post by **Knnn** » Sat Jun 21, 2008 6:54 pm

Phoenix roebeleni

These two are finally starting to recover, sunburn, wind, and hail had just about defoliated them.

( I'm not very creative with my planters, one is a laundry tub, the other is the grass catcher attachment off the lawnmower

Steve

Alchris · Post by **Alchris** » Sat Jun 21, 2008 7:34 pm

That is the same color as one of the laundry tubs that I got for my bananas.

They are recovering nicely and look a lot better than my bananas.

Allen

cedardave · Post by **cedardave** » Sat Jun 21, 2008 8:10 pm

Those are really nice. Whats the secret to growing these. They are the only palm I have tried that die without fail...

Knnn · Post by **Knnn** » Sat Jun 21, 2008 10:31 pm

For mine, I mix up a fast draining potting mix, any good off the shelf mix with about 30% Perlite added will work.
(Most of these that get shipped up here have a potting soil that contains a lot of sand, if you leave it in that over the winter it will stay too damp and cause root problems)

Increase you watering frequency with the temps. Inside during the winter, water about every week or two.
During the summer with temps at 80*F or higher, every other day.

These adapt well anywhere from 50% shade to full sun, but they do burn easily, use caution whenever increasing the amount of direct sun they receive. (and, whenever you buy one, assume it was grown in shady conditions)

Other than that, a good fertilizer with micros at least once a year.

That's what works for me at least

Steve

cedardave · Post by **cedardave** » Sun Jun 22, 2008 7:21 am

Thanks..I may have to try them again.

Kansas · Post by **Kansas** » Sun Jun 22, 2008 8:40 am

These USED to be one of my hardest to grow. Now that I have found out the almost human like nature of these with their likeing one thing for a month then needing to change something, they are one of my easiest.
However, I really wish they would stop selling these in 4-5 trees to a pot. I really like the single or two at the most looks of these.
Steve, those look GREAT!

Dean W. · Post by **Dean W.** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 7:16 am

Steve, those look great. Did you grow them from seeds? Or did you buy them already big?

Dean

Knnn · Post by **Knnn** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 8:12 am

Dean,
The Wal-Mart in Salina, KS used to bring a shipment of these in every Feb/March.
( used to..... now were back to Majesty's, Cat Palms, and Dypsis lutescens

This one was brought home in March, 2006

This one, February, 2007

Took some cold damage that showed up a week later, (must have been shipped up here in a cold trailer)

Steve

cedardave · Post by **cedardave** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 6:03 pm

Well Im convinced...Our WalMart got a bunch in ,so for 10 bucks I shall try again. Day 1 and its still alive.

lucky1 · Post by **lucky1** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 4:10 pm

Nice specimens AND planters...how clever (that grass catcher!)

My PDP seems bulletproof, with the exception of a few bent fronds from recent high winds.
It gets full sun until 4 p.m.

You may recall that I "limbed up" the trunks during the winter, with no apparent harm resulting.
I like the look of boots on the trunk and wanted to hurry them up.

Seems to do well if I mist the trunks and top of soil daily.
I recall the nurserywoman telling me to not let the top of soil dry out.

Can't wait until it's larger like yours, Steve.
Barb

Knnn · Post by **Knnn** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 8:43 am

Barb,
Yours look good! Just about a full crown, they will start putting on some trunk soon

Steve