Phoenix roebelenii

Description

Height: 6-12 feet (1.8-3.6 meters)
Spread: 6-10 feet (1.8-3.0 meters)
Leaf: 8-12 inches (20-30 cm)
Range: Not native to North America. (USDA Hardiness Zones 10 through 11- southern Florida, southern Arizona and southern coastal California.)

General Information

This plant is also referred to as the miniature date palm. It is native to northern Laos, Vietnam and southern China.

General Care Tips

The pygmy palm is hardy for a tropical species, withstanding temperatures slightly below freezing without damage; it makes a good candidate in zones 10 and 11. the cultural requirement most often neglected with this species is its moisture needs: it is thirsty and needs constant and adequate water, even withstanding occasional flooding. It needs full sun and slightly acidic soil.

This palm is often sold in containers and is an excellent choice for indoor growing if enough light is provided.

Things to Watch For:

Pests include palm leaf skeletonizer and scales.  Disease vulnerabilities include leaf spot and bud rot.