Light. Grows in full sun and also takes partial shade.
Water. Water regularly while it establishes; after that it is drought tolerant. Poorly drained, soggy sites lead to iron deficiency.
Soil and feeding. Adapts to many soils. Feed with an 8-2-12 palm fertilizer with controlled-release potassium and magnesium, such as Palm Special. Frizzled new leaves on alkaline soil signal manganese deficiency; treat with Manganese Sulfate.
Size. Usually about 8 ft; old palms can reach 12 ft with a 6–8 ft spread. Often planted as clumps of 2–4.
Pruning. Leave yellow-orange older leaves until they are fully dead; they feed potassium back to the palm.
Problems to watch. Ganoderma butt rot decays the lower trunk and has no cure. Pestalotiopsis leaf spot appears in cooler months. White coating on young leaves is natural.
Good to know. Cold hardy to about 30°F. Not tolerant of salt spray. Leaf bases carry sharp 2–3 inch spines.
Sources: UF/IFAS EDIS (ST441): Phoenix roebelenii, Pygmy Date Palm · NC State Extension Plant Toolbox: Phoenix roebelenii · UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Date Palm
