Canary Island Date Palm

The Canary island date palm is not the first choice of palms for indoor growers to display, although they’re just as easy as many others to care for and grow.

In tropical and sub-tropical climates these can be found standing tall (grow up to 20m tall) and broad in many locations, including parks, outside large company buildings and within front gardens.

Description

The Canary date palm is a popular ornamental plant grown outdoors in tropical, sub-tropical and in some warmer temperate regions. While it grows up to 20 metres in it’s native Mediterranean habitat the indoor variety can be kept at a more manageable height, of 6ft tall.

This slow growing feather type palm is best suited to growing in a greenhouse or conservatory and can be moved outdoors on a patio when temperatures rise in temperate regions.

Once it matures the plant will need plenty or room for it’s size in spread rather than height.

Foliage: The leaflets are very straight on this palm and narrow compared to other feather types, like the Kentia and Parlor. The large fronds grow upwards from a single crown (grow over a metre long) and arch over slightly, although they’re quite stiff. Once the lower fronds die off the crown begins to look more like a trunk.

Ease of growing: The Phoenix canariensis is a real joy to grow and easy enough “even for the beginner” to care for, if enough light can be provided, good drainage and they have enough space within a room.

These live for many years and grow slowly, so you may want to pick up a plant that is already at least 3 – 4ft tall to be able to display it in it’s full glory.

Facts

Origin:	Canary Islands.
Names:	Canary Island Date Palm (common). Phoenix Canariensis (botanical/scientific).
Max Growth (approx):	Height 6ft indoors.
Poisionous for pets:	Non toxic for cats, dogs

Canary Date Palm Care

Temperature:	Happily tolerate temperatures from 20-100°F (-6-37°C), and can survive short stays outside of this temperature zone.
Light:	The Canary date palm loves it’s sunlight. Your best to provide it a combination of sunlight and shade, which makes an east or west facing window a good spot to place your plant.
Watering:	AVOID over-watering and don’t allow the soil to lack good drainage. I would allow the soil to become slightly dry at the top and then water.
Soil:	A peat based potting mix with good drainage is best used. Two parts peat and one perlite or sand works fine. Fine pine bark works well within a mix too.
Fertilizer:	I always use a feed specifically for palms because they are very sensitive to being over fed and need the right balance of nutrients suitable for them. Keep in mind that your b
Re-Potting:	You only need to re-pot this palm when it has become pot bound. Every 2 years you can top dress the soil by removing the top few inches and replacing it, then every 4 years completely renew the soil and check the root systems size and health. Roots may need pruning.
Humidity:	Average room humidity is fine and mist leaves during summer.
Propagation:	Propagate from seed. Temperatures of approximately 80°F (27°C) are required – making propagation difficult for the average grower.