The Phoenix palm tree naturally grows in the Asian and African tropics. Its second and more common name is date palm.
The dimensions of the phoenix are quite impressive. The trunk height can be tens of meters. Its half-meter feathery leaves are often used by Africans as a material for weaving and construction: they line the roofs of houses. Fruits - dates - are tasty and nutritious. The plant begins to bear them no earlier than in the 10th year of life. From one such palm, up to a whole centner of sweet dates is obtained per year. Locals consume them fresh, dried or dried, and also export them.
Certain types of giant palm are grown as a pot or greenhouse crop. The most popular domesticated species is the Finger Phoenix (Phoenix dactylifera). Such a plant can often be found in the countries of North Africa. Its foliage is gray-green, with curved ends. As it stretches, the trunk of such a plant is exposed. The species is fast growing.
Phoenix palm care at home
Location and lighting
The phoenix palm tree belongs to the light-loving, but is able to tolerate shade normally. For faster and more uniform growth, it is recommended to turn it to the sun with different sides.
Optimum temperature
The phoenix does not have a pronounced rest period. He will be satisfied with a uniform and relatively high temperature throughout the year - from 20 degrees and above. If desired, in the winter, you can move the pot with the plant to a cool room, but drafts and cold window sills are contraindicated for him.
Watering
In winter, the phoenix palm is watered only lightly, but at the same time they try not to dry the ground. In dry soil, the leaves of the plant can wilt and retain this position. From spring to autumn, it will be satisfied with a rare but abundant watering with soft water. Foliage can be additionally moistened by spraying or wiping. If possible, once a week, they give her a shower, covering the ground with a film. Periodically, the palm tree can be fed with specialized fertilizers.
Humidity level
For a date palm, air humidity is not too important, it does not need high humidity.
Transfer
Young specimens up to 5 years old will have to be transplanted annually. They will require a spacious capacity. In order not to damage the roots, the plant is transferred into a new pot. Every six months, the top layer of soil is advised to be replaced with a fresh one. An adult palm will need replanting every 2 years. For a large one, this is done every 5-6 years. The length of the roots can serve as a guide. The need for a higher pot arises if the roots begin to be seen in the drainage holes.
The soil
The composition of the soil for the phoenix palm should change as it grows. The basis is a mixture of equal parts of humus with leafy soil and turf, as well as half of the sand. After a few years, the content of the turf increases. Plants up to 15 years old will need 3 parts, older ones - 5. You can use universal or specialized commercial primer.So that the water does not stagnate at the roots, it is worth taking care of the drainage layer.
Phoenix palm tree propagation
The easiest way to do this is by simply planting dates in the ground. Previously, they should be soaked for several days, sometimes changing the water. To speed up the germination process, you can pour boiling water over the bone. Sand, sphagnum moss and peat or sawdust can be used as soil for them. At a temperature of at least 25 degrees, seedlings will appear in a couple of months. From the same seeds, both a small tree with a spreading crown and a tall and slender one can turn out. It will not work to form the crown - by cutting off the upper leaves, you can destroy the plant.
Growing difficulties
Of all types of palms, dates are considered the most resistant to all kinds of pests. Diseases of the plant are usually caused by improper care of it. Due to too dry soil or hard water, phoenix leaves can turn yellow. Dark spots on them are a sign of cold and waterlogging. In this case, you need to inspect the roots and remove the decayed areas.
Drying leaf tips indicate dry air or temperature changes. Cut them off, leaving a thin dry edge. But the darkening and drying leaves in the lower part of the trunk are just an age sign.
