drooping Pygmy date palm

Hi Boeing, welcome to GOY.

I can't be specific on the P. roebelenii because it is one that I have never grown but I have 17 different palms including the ubiquitous P. canariensis and, on the sparse evidence will make a few suggestions.

1) How big is the pot? The immediate thing that springs to mind is 'pot bound'. The Phoenix (of any strain) is not a house plant. I had (still have) a canariensis that I kept in a very large pot as a house plant for about 5 years. It suddenly started to look sick so I decided it was time for the garden (actually the canariensis in particular is fairly hardy) so I moved it out. I am ashamed to admit that I did that in early May before the ground had time to warm and the shock knocked it right back. I still have it (even after our recent spell of weather) but it is now 2 feet tall instead of 7 feet. The point of my ramble is, though, that at 6 feet Phoenix palms are not very happy in pots. You could try moving it to a larger pot or, although it is less hardy than the canariensis, you could try it in the garden with fleece in winter for a couple of years. You may just get away with it in south Dorset. I don't think I would, even in a mild part of Yorkshire. But do not plant it out until late summer when the ground is warm.

2) You could well be over watering. It won't hurt to let it go dry before watering.

3) Are you feeding it? The odd shot of Growmore or even Tomato food may help in the summer months. Also try taking off the top inch or two of potting medium and replacing it with fresh.

Sorry I can't be more help but without seeing it and its environment I'm afraid I can't be more exact. But I hope this gives you something to work on.

John.

Reference: drooping Pygmy date palm

Hi John
Thanks for your advice. I've now repotted the palm into a larger pot and moved it into my cool conservatory. Let's hope that works.
Once again many thanks for your prompt reply.
Cheers
John