260 - 280cm XXL Phoenix Canariensis 70cm Pot House Plant

🌴 Phoenix Canariensis — Canary Island Date Palm

Phoenix canariensis, commonly known as the Canary Island Date Palm, is a bold, stately palm tree native to the Canary Islands. Famous for its impressive, arching fronds and thick, textured trunk, this palm brings an unmistakably tropical and Mediterranean flair to gardens, terraces, or large indoor spaces. Outdoors, it grows into a majestic specimen tree, often reaching up to 15 metres in height in warm climates. When grown in containers, it remains much more compact, offering years of slow-growing, architectural beauty. With its elegant crown of feathery, deep green fronds, Phoenix canariensis is a favourite for creating exotic focal points in both formal and relaxed landscapes. Hardy, drought-tolerant, and surprisingly low-maintenance, it’s ideal for coastal gardens, patios, conservatories, and statement containers.

☀️ Light Requirements

• Outdoors: Thrives in full sun; essential for strong growth and dense frond development.

• Indoors: Requires bright, direct or filtered sunlight. A south-facing position is ideal.

• Too little light: Results in leggy, weak growth and pale foliage.

🌡️ Temperature & Hardiness

• Ideal temperature: 20–30°C (68–86°F)

• Minimum temperature: Hardy down to around -6°C (21°F) when mature and planted in the ground. Protect young or potted plants in winter.

• Hardiness rating: RHS H3 (tolerates some frost with protection)

• Humidity: Not fussy — tolerates dry and coastal air well.

💧 Watering Needs

• Watering frequency (outdoors): Water regularly while establishing. Once mature, it becomes very drought-tolerant.

• Watering frequency (containers): Water when the top 5–7 cm of soil is dry. Avoid letting the soil become bone dry for extended periods.

• Winter: Reduce watering significantly, especially in cooler temperatures.

🪴 Soil & Repotting

• Soil type: Well-draining soil. Use a loam-based compost (like John Innes No.2 or 3) with added grit for potted specimens.

• pH: Neutral to slightly acidic (6.0–7.0)

• Repotting: Every 2–3 years or when rootbound. Choose a sturdy pot, as the plant becomes top-heavy with age.

🌱 Feeding

• Growing season (spring–summer): Feed every 4–6 weeks with a balanced, slow-release palm or general-purpose fertiliser.

• Autumn–winter: No feeding required during dormancy.

✂️ Pruning & Maintenance

• Pruning: Only remove old, yellowing, or brown fronds. Do not cut green fronds — they are vital for energy production.

• Trunk care: Older plants develop a distinctive patterned trunk from the bases of fallen fronds.

• Growth rate: Slow to moderate, depending on light and temperature.

🌾 Propagation

• Seed: Propagated from seed — germination can take several weeks to months. Rarely done in home cultivation.

• Not propagated via cuttings or division.

🐛 Pests & Problems

• Common pests: Scale insects, mealybugs, and red spider mites (especially indoors).

• Symptoms: Yellowing fronds, sticky residue, or visible pests.

• Treatment: Wipe leaves and treat with neem oil or palm-safe insecticide.

• Common issues:

  • Frond yellowing: May indicate nutrient deficiency or poor drainage.

  • Root rot: Caused by waterlogging — ensure excellent drainage in pots.

🧤 Toxicity & Safety

• Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets and humans.

• Handling tip: Frond tips and older leaf bases may have sharp spines — take care when pruning or positioning.

🏡 Outdoor & Indoor Care Highlights

• A classic choice for Mediterranean and tropical-style gardens, formal entrances, or large planters.

• Ideal for patios, poolside landscaping, and container growing in warm months (move under cover in winter if needed).

• Excellent as a centrepiece for courtyards or displayed in pairs flanking walkways.

• Indoors, works best in conservatories or bright atriums with room to grow.

• Offers long-term structure, elegance, and low-maintenance tropical appeal.