Description of the Robelini date palm, planting and care

In its natural environment, the miniature date called Robelini is found in the rainforests of India, Laos, China and Burma. It was under such conditions that it was first seen by a German botanist, in whose honor the plant got its name.

Description and characteristics of the Robelini date

The dwarf date palm in nature will grow to a maximum of 3 meters.The cultivated species of the plant is even more miniature in size, rarely exceeding 1.5 meters in height.

The trunk of the palm tree is smooth and thin. The tree trunk acquired its unusual appearance thanks to the dead leaves of the plant, which left marks on it. The leaves are thin, feathery and elongated, arched. Young leaves have a powdery whitish coating. In an adult crop, the color of the foliage depends on the lighting.

If the date is in the open sun, the leaves acquire a silvery tint; indoors they are dark green. Mature date palms bear fruit after flowering, and the elongated fruits are eaten.

Important! The dwarf palm begins to bloom in the 10th year of growth. For a plant to bear fruit, it needs cross-pollination..

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

The main advantage of the Robelen date is its decorative properties. After all, a fabulous guest from the tropics will decorate any room or garden with her presence. But the disadvantage of the culture can be considered an unusual trunk, which, as it grows, is cleared of old leaves and becomes less exotic.

Features of growing dates

The Robelena date, although it is a decoration for any interior, has many features during its growth.

The miniature tree is grown in open ground only in tropical or subtropical climates. The date root system is sensitive to the slightest frost. But in the summer, an exotic tree will become the center of the garden composition.

And to produce date fruits, the palm tree needs pollination, for which several plants are grown at once.

Rules of care

The Robelen date palm is a beautiful but difficult tree to care for.In order for a plant to become a decoration of a winter garden, greenhouse or plot, it is necessary to fulfill certain conditions for the maintenance and care of a tropical tree.

Lighting

The miniature date requires a lot of light, but it does not tolerate direct sunlight. In summer, the tree feels good outdoors. But the winter existence of the plant must be brightened up with additional lighting. For this purpose, fluorescent lamps are suitable, which purposefully illuminate the palm tree for at least 12 hours a day.

Important! If the leaves on the plant begin to turn yellow, this is the first sign of a lack of light.

Temperature

During the summer months, the dwarf palm will do well with average daytime temperatures of 20 to 28 degrees. But in winter, the temperature should be much lower and should not exceed +20 degrees. In this way, the activity of the metabolic processes of the tropical guest decreases. If the palm tree remains at high temperatures in winter, then the lack of natural daylight will lead to complete depletion and death.

How to water

The date is watered carefully and in a balanced manner. Excess moisture and lack of moisture will lead to serious consequences and even death of the tree. Too frequent and abundant watering causes the spread of fungal diseases. And after a drought, the palm tree does not recover and dies.

Water the miniature tropical guest with settled, heated water. Irrigation procedures are carried out as needed. As soon as the soil around the plant dries out, it’s time to water.

Air humidity

In its natural environment, the palm tree grows in tropical rainforests. Therefore, air humidity indicators must be observed. To do this, water tanks are placed next to the plant.A nebulizer or humidifier is also used. Be sure to moisten the plant once a week with a sprayer. To avoid waterlogging, the soil is covered with a waterproof film during the procedure.

Trimming

There is no need to carry out the palm tree pruning procedure. But it is necessary to cut off dry or damaged leaves and twigs.

Important! The base of the tree petiole has a sharp, long thorn, the presence of which must be taken into account when working with the plant.

soil mixture

Soil for palm trees is purchased in specialized stores. But if this is not possible, then you can do it yourself. To do this, you will need turf, peat and humus soil with a small content of clay rocks. Sand and manure are added to the soil mixture.

Fertilizer

A small palm tree requires care and feeding in the form of fertilizers. Such work is carried out from spring to October. At least 2 times a month, the tree is fertilized with organic or mineral fertilizers. In winter, the plant does not require additional fertilizers. Specialized stores sell fertilizers for palm trees that replace other products and preparations.

Features of transplantation

Date Robelini painfully endures the invasion of his life. Therefore, replanting is stressful for the plant, although it is a mandatory procedure in the first years of a palm tree’s life. The main thing when working is not to damage the delicate roots of the date.

The tree is replanted by transferring it from one pot to another of larger diameter. For a painless procedure, the plant is first watered abundantly, and only then dumped out of the pot. If the tree comes out of the pot with difficulty, the pot is broken or cut.

Important! The plant should not be replanted in the autumn months.It is then that the palm tree gains strength and accumulates nutrients for a comfortable winter.

Treatment against diseases and pests

The date palm, like other plants, is susceptible to diseases and pests.

As soon as the tree has lost its appearance, and the leaves and twigs dry out, it means the plant is sick or is exposed to pests.

The following activities are carried out first:

1. Wipe the branches and leaves of the tree with an alcohol solution.
2. Spray the palm tree with a solution made from laundry soap.
3. Treat the palm tree with a tincture of garlic and water.

If such measures to save the plant do not produce results, then special chemicals are purchased that will help cope with diseases or pests.

Breeding methods

The Robelena date is grown in several ways.

Propagation by seeds is a long-term method of growing a new plant. From the planted seeds, the first shoots appear after 3-5 years. For propagation, daughter shoots are separated from the palm tree, which, after being kept in greenhouse conditions, can be safely planted in the soil.

Possible problems

If the tree has stopped growing or has lost its healthy appearance, then you may be faced with the following problems:

1. Brown leaves on a palm tree indicate severe sunburn.
2. If the tree has stopped growing, this means a lack of nutrients, low air temperature or increased acidity in the soil.
3. Drafts cause leaves to fall.
4. Yellow leaves on the plant indicate insufficient humidity or the palm tree is reacting to hard water.
5. Drooping leaves indicate low air humidity.

By devoting a little time to caring for your date palm and providing it with the necessary growth conditions, you will get a beautiful and unusual decoration for your garden or greenhouse.