The phoenix palm, also known as the Canary date palm, is one of the most popular palm species in the Central European climate for a reason. Because this palm tree is particularly easy to care for and decorative. It is suitable as a houseplant or for summer planting on the balcony.

The care of the phoenix palm is not very complex

The right soil and the best location

The phoenix palm tolerates a slightly acidic and well-drained soil best. In addition, the soil should be fresh and slightly moist. But you don't necessarily have to buy expensive special soil for palm trees. Mix your own substrate. For this you need loamy garden soil as a basis, plus some sand and compost. To acidify the soil, add some leaf compost or rhododendron soil.

Although the non-poisonous phoenix palm generally likes a sunny location, as a young plant it does not tolerate as much sun and should rather be in partial shade. Rapid changes between extreme temperatures or light conditions are also not good for the phoenix palm. That's why it should be slowly acclimated from a moderately bright room to a sunny balcony spot, for example.

Plant the phoenix palm

Plant the phoenix palm in a large flower pot or tub, because the phoenix palm is not very hardy. So it can stay in the apartment all year round or spend the summer on the terrace or balcony.

Choose a tall pot or tub because the phoenix palm develops long taproots. These grow straight down and need a lot of space. A drainage at the bottom of the planter ensures that excess irrigation water can drain off easily. This is how you prevent waterlogging. Water the newly planted palm tree well.

Water and fertilize the phoenix palm properly

Ideally, water your phoenix palm abundantly, but not too often. Only when the top layer of soil has dried slightly does the phoenix palm need water again. A few days of drought are better for you than waterlogging. That is why the drainage layer in the planter is so important. You can fertilize your phoenix palm every two weeks from April until about October.

The phoenix palm in winter

The phoenix palm only tolerates frost down to about -5 °C, so it should not spend the winter in the garden, at least not in our latitudes. It is better to bring your phoenix palm back indoors or in a conservatory before temperatures drop permanently below freezing.

Even as a houseplant, the phoenix palm benefits from a hibernation. Put your palm in a cooler but bright room for a few weeks, it will thank you with more vitality and resilience.

The care of the phoenix palm in brief:

  • bright warm location
  • rather slightly acidic soil
  • medium to high water requirement
  • Fertilizer not essential for survival
  • hardy to about - 5 °C

tips

In summer you can place your phoenix palm on the balcony. Acclimate them to the sun slowly.

Category:

Trees