The Canary date is also called the Canary date palm (Phoenix canariensis). The family to which the plant belongs is Palmaceae, and its genus is the date. The habitat is the rocky areas of the Canary Islands.
The Canary date is distinguished by its large size. The palm tree can reach 18 meters in height, and its trunk is 1 meter wide. The trunk itself is straight and unbranched, and is also highly durable. Its surface is covered with stumps, which are the remnants of leaves that have fallen off or died out. Leaves in the amount of 150-200 pieces decorate only the top of the ficus. The length of leaflets with short petioles varies within 4-6 meters. On complex-pinnate leaves of a greenish-gray color, there are narrow and tough leaves, the number of which ranges from 80 to 100 copies.
The cream-colored flowers act as masculine ones, and the yellow-orange ones act as feminine ones. All of them are part of the axillary inflorescences, rather large and branched. By the way, the length of female inflorescences can be about 2 meters. Two centimeter orange fruits are oval in shape, each of them is equipped with a large seed.
Caring for Canarian dates at home
A few helpful tips for caring for Canary dates will help you grow a healthy palm tree.
Location and lighting
The flower needs sunlight all year round, while the rays falling on it should be direct. It must be placed on windows facing south. In summer, the plant will do great outdoors (on the balcony or in the garden).
In the autumn-winter period, the palm tree should be provided with additional illumination through phytolamps. The duration of daylight hours should be at least 10 hours.
Turn the container with the date periodically - then its crown will grow evenly.
Temperature
While the plant is developing vigorously, the optimum temperature for it will be in the range of 22-25 degrees. If it rises higher, the flower will have to be sprayed more often - otherwise the ends of the leaves will begin to dry out. In winter, it will need to be placed in a cooler place, the temperature in which will reach 16-18 degrees.
Ventilation mode
A constant supply of fresh air is the main condition for the health of the Canary date. That is why it is necessary to ensure the flow of a slight draft into the room where it is located. In winter, airing should be approached with caution - the plant reacts negatively to sudden changes in temperature.
Watering
If the Canary date is in the stage of intensive growth, it will need to be watered as much as possible. As soon as the top of the soil is dry, you can do the next watering. The palm tree equally does not tolerate both too dry and excessively moist soil. In the first case, the leaves will droop and will forever remain in this position. In the second, the young leaves will soften and become pale.
The plant should be watered with soft settled water, the potassium content of which is minimal. In winter, the frequency of watering will need to be reduced.
Air humidity
The air must be sufficiently humidified (50%). To achieve this, the Canarian date must be sprayed regularly. In winter, this is especially true, because the air around the plant is dried by batteries. By placing an aquarium or fountain next to it, you can improve the well-being of the flower.
The soil
In flower shops ready-made soil mixture for palm trees is sold. When filling such soil in a pot, add a small handful of large baking powder to it (this is what professionals advise to do). If you decide to prepare the soil yourself, take the same amount of turf, humus, compost soil and coarse sand, and then mix all the parts together.
The bottom of the tank should be laid with a thick layer of drainage. Expanded clay is perfect for this purpose.
Fertilization
While the date is actively growing, it must be fed once every 14 days. In winter, it can be fertilized less often - about 1 time per month. In this case, mineral complex fertilizers should be alternated with organic ones.
Transfer
The frequency of transplanting the Canary date directly depends on the age. If the plant is young, it will need to be replanted quite often (once a year). If it is already mature, the number of transplants can be reduced to 1 time in 3-4 years. If the date reaches an impressive size, it will be necessary to replace the top layer of the soil mixture (carried out once a year).
The age of the plant also influences the choice of soil used for transplanting. So, if it is already an adult, you will need a rather heavy dredge. The use of clay-sod soil makes it possible to achieve its weight.
Reproduction of the Canary date
Fresh seeds are great for propagating and growing a new plant. You can also grow a Canarian date from a stone (provided that the fruit has not been heat treated).
The appearance of seedlings should be expected 2-3 months after the sowing has been completed. Immediately, we note that the seedlings grow very slowly. Only after 4-5 years of life, young complex-pinnate leaves will grow on the palm.
Diseases and pests
The date is a favorite parasitic site for scale insects, mealybugs and spider mites. If you find them on the plant, treat the leaves with a suitable chemical solution.
Carrying out improper care of the Canary date, you provoke the development of diseases:
- The foliage turns yellow - this indicates poor watering;
- The surface of the leaves is covered with spots - either a sharp temperature jump or abundant watering leads to this;
- The lower leaves darken and fall off - such a process is natural and indicates the growth and development of the date;
- The tips of the leaves dry up - this happens due to dry air;
- Castings darkened and began to rot - this happens due to overflow. If the roots also began to turn black, the palm tree will soon die.
Purchase features
Don't buy Canarian dates in winter. By taking it out of the store to the street, and then placing it in the apartment, you create a sharp temperature drop for the flower. This can lead to the death of the leaves. Better to postpone the purchase until the warmth.
