Phoenix

The genus Date, or Date palm (Phoenix), includes about 20 species. Plants of this genus have long been cultivated as edible (fruits, seeds, and even young leaves). In the closed ground, these palms almost do not form a trunk, but there are many large, arched pinnate leaves, dissected into many lobes. Male and female flowers grow on different plants, so in order to have fruits, you need to plant both male and female specimens. The flowers are small yellowish, collected in inflorescences, on long drooping peduncles. Plants cultivated as houseplants bloom very rarely. Fruit-drupes (fleshy fruit with a seed in a lignified shell). The Canary date (Phoenix canariensis) has a strong trunk with characteristic traces of petioles of fallen leaves. The leaves are thin, drooping, more than 3 m long, pointed (you can even cut them off). The fruit is similar to dates, but smaller and inedible. Palm date (Ph. dactylifera) is a large plant reaching 2-3 m in height, with a crown diameter of up to 2 m. Robelin's date (Ph. roebelinii) is smaller (up to 2 m in height), rather sparse crown and thin leaves. The trunk is practically absent. The length of dark green curved leaves is up to 60 cm.

The genus Date, or Date palm (Phoenix), includes about 20 species. Plants of this genus have long been cultivated as edible (fruits, seeds, and even young leaves).

In the closed ground, these palms almost do not form a trunk, but there are many large, arched pinnate leaves, dissected into many lobes. Male and female flowers grow on different plants, so in order to have fruits, you need to plant both male and female specimens. The flowers are small yellowish, collected in inflorescences, on long drooping peduncles. Plants cultivated as houseplants bloom very rarely. Fruit-drupes (fleshy fruit with a seed in a lignified shell).

The Canary date (Phoenix canariensis) has a strong trunk with characteristic traces of petioles of fallen leaves. The leaves are thin, drooping, more than 3 m long, pointed (you can even cut them off). The fruit is similar to dates, but smaller and inedible.

Palm date (Ph. dactylifera) is a large plant reaching 2-3 m in height, with a crown diameter of up to 2 m.

Robelin's date (Ph. roebelinii) is smaller (up to 2 m in height), rather sparse crown and thin leaves. The trunk is practically absent. The length of dark green curved leaves is up to 60 cm.

Cultivation

Date palms are widely used for decorating winter gardens, halls, lobbies, and other spacious rooms. As potted plants, both at home and in the fresh air, only small-sized young plants are grown (then they are transplanted into the open ground, if the climate allows it). They have no special requirements for the soil (heavy, with a predominance of turf); in summer, 2-3 top-ups with organic or mineral fertilizers are recommended. Plants grown in the open ground are finally planted in the spring. Potted plants in the summer can be taken out on the street, in the air. Water regularly and abundantly. In winter, the air temperature is kept low (6-15 °C), with the exception of the Robelin date (18-20 °C). Avoid draughts at home and cold winds in the open air. When transplanting dates, try not to disturb the roots, often only the top layer of the earth is changed.

Date palms are widely used for decorating winter gardens, halls, lobbies, and other spacious rooms. As potted plants, both at home and in the fresh air, only small-sized young plants are grown (then they are transplanted into the open ground, if the climate allows it).

They have no special requirements for the soil (heavy, with a predominance of turf); in summer, 2-3 top-ups with organic or mineral fertilizers are recommended. Plants grown in the open ground are finally planted in the spring. Potted plants in the summer can be taken out on the street, in the air. Water regularly and abundantly. In winter, the air temperature is kept low (6-15 °C), with the exception of the Robelin date (18-20 °C). Avoid draughts at home and cold winds in the open air. When transplanting dates, try not to disturb the roots, often only the top layer of the earth is changed.

Location

In general, plants of the genus Date are light-loving, prefer a very well-lit place; only the Robelin date requires partial shade.

Temperature

In winter, the Canary date needs a rest period at a temperature of 6-10 °C, for other species, the optimal temperature during this period is 10-12 °C. For a limited period of time, these palms can tolerate a lower temperature. In summer, houseplants should be taken out into the open air, or at least very well ventilated.

Watering

Open ground plants are watered only during droughts. Potted specimens should be watered frequently in spring and summer, and much less frequently in autumn and winter.

Transplant

Dates are transplanted into a new (preferably tall) pot every 2-3 years in the spring. If pots of considerable size (up to 40 cm in diameter) are used, it is sufficient to periodically update the surface layer of the earth.

Care

In the Robelin date, it is recommended to remove the shoots that form at the base of the plant. In other species, it is sufficient to remove dry and damaged leaves, and wipe the remaining leaves with a damp cloth. Do not use lustrating solutions!

Reproduction

They are propagated by seeds. Seeds are soaked for 2 days in warm (35 °C) water; they germinate in an ordinary peat-sand substrate at a temperature of 22-25 °C. After germination (usually after 2 months), as soon as the seedlings grow up, they are transplanted into cups one at a time, and then planted in a permanent place in the spring.

Diseases

These palms are often affected by spider mites, so you need to check your plants regularly. By following the rules of cultivation and avoiding extremes (too dry, too wet, poor lighting), which are the causes of diseases, you can easily prevent infection with pests and diseases.

Acquisition

Canary and Robelin dates are easy to find in flower shops, gardening centers and specialized nurseries. The palmate date is less common. Choose not too large specimens with healthy foliage that are not infested with pests.