How to Care for a Robellini Palm

Roebelenii palm trees, also known as Phoenix roebelenii or pygmy date palms, are fruit-bearing palms that produce small black dates that deepen to a dark red color when ripe. Topping out at 12 feet tall with a 10-foot spread, Roebelenii palms are an excellent choice for gardens and home landscapes with limited space. Native to tropical southeast Asia, Roebelenii palm trees grow best in warm climates such as USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9 and 10.

Shovel

Spade

Garden hose

Palm tree fertilizer

Pruning shears or loppers

Plant your Roebelenii palm tree in a full sun location that receives six or more hours of direct sun exposure and has well-draining, fertile soil. Plant the palm at the same level it was growing in its nursery container. Use your hands to pack down the surface of the surrounding soil.

Water your Roebelenii palm directly after planting to ensure that the soil surrounding the roots is adequately moistened. Continue to water your date palm regularly to keep its soil consistently moist. Reduce the frequency of watering, if desired, once the palm establishes itself in its new location.

Fertilize with a specially formulated palm tree fertilizer three times each growing season. Apply the first fertilizer application in the early spring, the second in early June and the third in late August. Follow the label directions for specific application instructions.

Prune the palm annually in the early spring to maintain its health and appearance. Cut discolored, diseased, damaged or dead fronds with a pair of sharpened and sterilized pruning shears or loppers.

Fertilize Roebelenii palm trees with slow-release palm fertilizer spikes, if preferred.

Roebelenii palm trees are susceptible to problems with scale insects and palm leaf skeletonizers. Monitor your palm for signs of infestation and treat with an insecticide, if necessary.