Phoenix rupicola
Cliff date palm, Wild date palm, Indian date palm, East Indian wine palm
- Height × spread
- 8m × 7m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Heated greenhouse 10C & above (RHS H1b)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
An elegant palm that has a single-spined trunk topped with long fronds, up to 3 metres in length. The beauty of its form means that it can serve as a specimen. or be part of a group. It grows naturally in India and Bhutan where it is found in forest clearings. It is tender and needs rich soil that is well drained but always has moisture in it. It stands up to 8 metres in height with a 7 metre spread.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Round
- Height
- 8m
- Spread
- 7m
- Height in 10 years
- 5m
- Spread in 10 years
- 3.5m
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Exotic garden, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Dry soil
- Hardiness
- Heated greenhouse 10C & above (RHS H1b)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Use for
- Architectural
- Hazards
- Yes, stems are prickly/thorny
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during dry periods
For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Spring · Planting
Repot yearly
Repot yearly if grown in a pot. Move it to a slightly larger pot with drainage holes. Some of the old compost can be shaken away, but don't disturb the roots too much.
Be careful to ensure the roots are spread out in the new pot, and that the plant is sitting on compost and not an air pocket. Firm the soil gently, and make sure that the plant sits at the same level above the soil as it did previously.
Planting & general
Compost · Planting
Houseplant compost for repotting
Repot using any good quality house plant compost.