Such a high germination, as in the date palm, there is probably no other houseplant. Bones purchased at the nearest specialized store practically always germinate, turning over into a lush, green plant with time. That's why so often the date palm is grown at home even by beginners.
In total, there are 17 species in the rich family of these palms. However, only three of them are room date palms, which can be observed in houses and apartments: the date of Robelen, the Canary and the Finger date. It is worth noting that houseplants of exotic fruits do not give, because only when reaching 10-15-meter height can form the ovary. Often, flower growers are set to grow a date palm as an element of decorating a spacious room. In most cases, a choice is made in favor of a noble finger date, reaching three meters in height, or a multi-barrel date Robelen, which is absolutely unpretentious in care.
Planting a date palm
Plant a date palm - it's a simple matter and you can grow it yourself from the stone . After eating the dates, leave two or three bones, placing them for three days in the water, so that the hard shell swells. To accelerate the process of swelling can be by pouring stones with boiling water.
As the soil for the date palm should be taken mixed with peat and sand sawdust. Fill the substrate with a pot, place the swollen bones in the ground in an upright position, and cover the top with a moss or glass hood. The optimum temperature for the reproduction of the date palm is 25-30 degrees. After 5-6 weeks you will see shoots. If the yard is in June, the germination can be carried out outdoors. Growing up to 10 centimeters in height, the date palm is transplanted into a pot (as usual, with a lump of "native" land). Only five years later, a plant grown at home will delight you with the first leaves.
Care for the date palm
And now about how to carry out care at home behind a date palm. This plant loves light and moisture. Grow a sprawling beauty can only be if you regularly turn the pot with the plant to the sun. That is, how much the date palm grows, so much you will need to ensure that the directions of the shooters of the sheets rush into the room. However, in hot weather, direct sunlight for palm trees is undesirable. If the date palm turns yellow, then there is too much light for it. In summer, it is desirable to take the plant in the garden or on the balcony, where there are no drafts.
Both summer and winter, the date palm should be watered regularly. Only in summer watering should be abundant, and in winter - moderate. Lack of moisture is one of the reasons for wilting leaves, which are no longer being restored.
In spring and summer, it is recommended to feed the plant with mineral and organic fertilizers (once a week it is enough).
Pests and diseases
If with the way to look after the date palm, everything is very clear, then the diseases that plague the plant require immediate intervention. So, hard water is the cause of chlorosis, which results in stunted growth, brownish spots on the leaves, and yellowing. Maintaining a temperature regime, timely and proper watering is a guarantee of plant health.
Occasionally, the date palm is attacked by mealybug , spider mite and scab . Visible pests should be removed manually, and the rest - by spraying with special means. Do not damage and wash the leaves with soapy water.
Every year the palm tree will require less attention, and its appearance will become luxurious!