Dwarf palm, Chamaerops humilis: care from A-Z

Exotic palms are high on the popularity list. Often, dwarf palms of the Chamaerops humilis variety can be seen in gardens and on terraces. The attractive little palm tree requires little maintenance.

Location

Dwarf palms are native to the western Mediterranean. You need an airy, light location. The small palm tree thrives very well in a sunny place in the garden or on the terrace. It also feels good in partial shade, but it grows much more slowly there. The average illuminance should be at least 1000 lux.

Chamaerops humilis is also suitable as a houseplant. If possible, it needs the sunniest space in the room.

Note: If you bring a dwarf palm out of your winter quarters or have just acquired it from a nursery, you should slowly get used to it in full sun. The leaves could be damaged and burned in full sunlight.

Substrate

Dwarf palms need well drained substrate. It should be rich in humus and contain clay and sand. The recommended PH value is between 6.0 and 7.0.

Special palm soil is available from specialist retailers. Ordinary compost-based potting soil, on the other hand, is less suitable.

You can also make the palm substrate yourself. To do this, just mix

• 1 part ordinary potting soil
• 2 parts loamy garden soil
• 1 part coarse-grained sand
• 1 part lava granulate

to water

Water the little palm wisely. In the summer in a sunny location, the plant must be regularly supplied with water. The root ball should never dry out completely. However, the dwarf palm tolerates too little moisture better than too much. Waterlogging is to be avoided at all costs.

Fertilize

The robust plant can develop well if it is supplied with a complete fertilizer or nitrogen fertilizer every week from spring to autumn. Alternatively, you can also use a slow release fertilizer, for example a fertilizer stick.

Cut

The Chamaerops humilis does not need pruning. Remove only the brown leaves. Cut this off above the base. The base at the top of the trunk forms the center of the vegetation. Do not cut too deeply so as not to injure it.

Repot

Potted dwarf palms should be repotted in new soil every three to four years. A larger bucket is required at the latest when the roots protrude from the pot. Make sure that there is enough space for the root ball in the new bucket. Put a layer of potsherds or pebbles in the bottom of the pot.

Attention: The petioles of the dwarf palm have pointed thorns. Use a cloth or newspaper when repotting to prevent injury.

Multiply

The dwarf palm grows very slowly. It is only after several years that offshoots form that are suitable for propagation. You can recognize the offshoots when repotting. If these children have already developed their own roots, you can carefully separate them and plant them in their own pot.

The dwarf palms reproduce mostly from seeds that are commercially available. The seeds are sown in potting soil in spring and placed in a bright, warm place. The development from the seed to the small plant to the attractive palm is an exciting experience. Most of all, you need patience.

Hardiness

Dwarf palms are considered to be conditionally hardy. They tolerate low temperatures of up to -10 degrees Celsius for several days. In the warm wine regions of Germany, dwarf palms can overwinter outdoors with a protection made of brushwood and fleece. In other areas, on the other hand, we recommend growing in pots and wintering indoors or in the garage. At the latest when the outside temperatures drop below -5 degrees Celsius, potted plants have to move to a protected room.

There they should find temperatures of 5 degrees Celsius. With a base made of styrofoam and a cover made of bubble wrap or fleece, the dwarf palms get through the cold season well. Only when the danger of night frost has been averted are they put back on the terrace. The cooler the winter quarters, the less light and the less water the plant needs. When the winter temperature is around 0 degrees Celsius, the need for water and light is higher.

Attention: The dwarf palm Chamaerops humilis is particularly sensitive to moisture in winter quarters. So water only moderately and ventilate frequently to prevent root rot.

Pests and diseases

Dwarf palms are considered robust against diseases. If the room air is very dry and the substrate has dried out, pests can still occur. Are common

• Spider mites
• Mealybug
• Scale insects

The following guide will help you deal with pests. How to get rid of them:

• Check the plant regularly for pests (especially in winter quarters)
• in the case of pest infestation, shower thoroughly with a strong jet of water
• Soapy water for harder cases
• pay attention to the underside of the leaves
• if pests cannot be removed cut off the affected leaves
• Dispose of waste in organic waste bin
• not on the compost to prevent reproduction
• Use predatory mites against spider mites
• Ladybirds and parasitic wasps against mealybugs and mealybugs
• Design the garden close to nature to make it easier for useful insects to colonize

Tip: If you purchase a Chamaerops humilis from a store, check the leaves and undersides of the leaves for signs of pest infestation.

frequently asked Questions