Description of the date palm variety Robelini, planting and care
In its natural environment, a miniature date called Robelini is found in the humid forests of India, Laos, China and Burma. It was in such conditions that a German scientist botanist first saw him, in whose honor the plant got its name.
Description and characteristics of the Robelini date
A dwarf date palm in nature will grow to a maximum of 3 meters. The cultivated type of plant is even more miniature in size, which rarely exceed 1.5 meters in height.
The trunk of the palm is smooth and thin. The tree trunk acquired its unusual appearance thanks to the dead leaves of the plant, which left marks on it. The leaves are thin, feathery and elongated, arched in shape. Young leaves have a powdery whitish coating. In an adult culture, the color of the foliage depends on the lighting.
If the date is in the open sun, then the leaves acquire a silvery hue, indoors they are dark green. Adult date palms bear fruit after flowering, and elongated fruits are eaten.
Important! A dwarf palm tree begins to bloom in the 10th year of growth. And for a plant to bear fruit, it needs cross-pollination..
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
The main advantage of the Robelen date is its decorative properties. After all, a fabulous guest from the tropics will decorate any room or garden with her presence. But the disadvantage of culture can be considered an unusual trunk, which, as it grows, is cleared of old leaves and becomes less exotic.
Features of growing dates
The date of Robelena, although it is an adornment of any interior, has many features during its growth.
A miniature tree is grown in open ground only in tropical or subtropical climates. The root system of the date is sensitive to the slightest frost. But in the summer, an exotic tree will become the center of the garden composition.
And to get the fruits of dates, a palm tree needs pollination, for which several plants are grown at once.
Care rules
The Robelena date palm is a beautiful but difficult tree to care for. In order for a plant to become a decoration of a winter garden, greenhouse or site, it is necessary to fulfill certain conditions for the maintenance and care of a tropical tree.
Lighting
A miniature date requires a lot of light, but it does not tolerate direct sunlight. In the summer, the tree feels good outdoors. But the winter existence of the plant must be brightened up with additional lighting.For this, fluorescent lamps are suitable, which purposefully illuminate the palm tree for at least 12 hours a day.
Important! If the leaves on the plant begin to turn yellow, then this is the first sign of a lack of light.
Temperature
During the summer months, the dwarf palm will do well with average daytime temperatures of 20 to 28 degrees. But in winter, the temperature of the content should be much lower and be no more than +20 degrees. In this way, the activity of metabolic processes of a tropical guest decreases. If the palm tree remains at high temperatures in winter, the lack of natural daylight will lead to complete exhaustion and death.
How to water
The date is watered neatly and in a balanced manner. An excess of moisture and a shortage will lead to serious consequences and even death of the tree. Too frequent and abundant watering causes the spread of fungal diseases. And after a drought, the palm tree does not recover and dies.
Water the miniature tropical guest with settled, heated water. Irrigation procedures are carried out as needed. As soon as the soil around the plant dries up, then it's time to water.
Air humidity
In its natural environment, the palm tree grows in tropical rainforests. Therefore, air humidity indicators must be observed. For this, tanks with water are placed next to the plant. A spray or humidifier is also used. Be sure to moisten the plant with a sprayer once a week. To avoid waterlogging, the soil is covered with a waterproof film during the procedure.
Pruning
There is no need to prune a palm tree. But it is necessary to cut off dry or damaged leaves and twigs.
Important! The base of the tree petiole has a sharp, long thorn, the presence of which must be taken into account when working with a plant.
Soil mixture
Palm soil is purchased in specialized stores. But if this is not possible, then you can do it yourself. This will require sod, peat and humus land with a small content of clayey rocks. Sand and manure are added to the soil mixture.
Fertilizer
A small palm tree requires care and feeding in the form of fertilizers. Such works are carried out from spring to October. At least 2 times a month, the tree is fertilized with organic or mineral fertilizing. In winter, the plant does not require additional fertilizers. In specialized stores, fertilizers for palm trees are sold, which replace other products and preparations.
Transplant features
Date Robelini painfully suffers the invasion of his life. Therefore, transplanting a plant is stressful, although it is a mandatory procedure in the first years of a palm tree's life. The main thing during work is not to damage the delicate roots of the date.
The tree is transplanted by transferring it from one pot to another, of a larger diameter. For a painless procedure, the plant is first watered abundantly, and only then thrown out of the pot. If the tree comes out of the pot with difficulty, then the pot is broken or cut.
Important! The plant cannot be transplanted during the fall months. It is then that the palm tree gains strength and accumulates nutrients for a comfortable winter.
Treatment against diseases and pests
The date palm, like other plants, is susceptible to diseases and pests.
As soon as the tree has lost its appearance, and the leaves and twigs dry up, it means the plant is sick or is exposed to pests.
First of all, the following activities are carried out:
- Wipe the twigs and leaves of the tree with an alcohol solution.
- Spray the palm tree with a solution made from laundry soap.
- Treat palm with garlic and water tincture.
If such measures to save the plant have not yielded results, then special chemicals are bought that will help cope with diseases or pests.
Breeding methods
Robelena's date is bred in several ways.
Seed propagation is a long-term way of growing a new plant. From the planted seeds, the first shoots appear in 3-5 years. For cultivation, the daughter shoots are separated from the palm tree, which, after overexposure in greenhouse conditions, can be safely planted in the soil.
Possible problems
If the tree stopped growing or lost its healthy appearance, then you may be faced with the following problems:
- Brown leaves on a palm tree indicate severe sunburn.
- If the tree has stopped growing, then this means a lack of nutrients, low air temperature or increased acidity in the soil.
- Falling leaves cause drafts.
- Yellow leaves on the plant indicate insufficient moisture or the palm reacts to water hardness.
- Dropped leaves signal low air humidity.
Taking a little time to care for the date palm and providing it with the necessary growth conditions, you will receive a beautiful and unusual decoration for your garden or greenhouse..
