You generally do not have to cut date palms. This can even be very harmful for the palm tree because it only has one growth point. You may only cut brown leaves if they have dried up, or the roots when repotting.

Dried leaves of the date palm can be cut off

That's why you shouldn't cut a date palm

Date palms only have one growing point per stem. If you trim the palm tree, you remove the vegetative point so the plant cannot continue to grow. Usually the date palm dies afterwards.

There are only a few reasons to prune a date palm in the first place:

  • remove brown leaves
  • Shorten the brown tips of the leaves
  • Reduce root ball

Cutting off brown leaves allowed

With incorrect care or in an unfavorable location, the date palm sometimes develops brown leaves. Since these don't look very nice, you can grab the scissors and cut them off.

Wait until the leaves are completely dry before cutting. Leave a small piece right at the trunk and don't cut them right at the base.

How to trim the brown tips of the date palm

If the humidity is very low, the tips of the date palm leaves can also turn brown. You can easily cut off these brown tips with sharp scissors.

Be careful not to fray the cut and only use clean and sharp tools.

To avoid brown tips, you should regularly spray the date palm with soft water. This also prevents the palm from being infested by pests.

Cut roots to stunt growth

With good care, date palms can grow huge even indoors. You can limit the growth a little by pruning the lateral roots.

This is best done in spring, when you have to repot the date palm anyway.

Slightly trim only the lateral roots to shape. Never cut the taproots that grow downwards. When planting, also ensure that these roots are not kinked or damaged.

tips

Date palms are not poisonous and can therefore be kept indoors without any problems. However, the pointed leaves of the palm tree can cause injuries. So keep a safe distance so you don't cut yourself on the leaves.

Category:

Trees