Phoenix roebelenii, or pygmy date palm, is widely grown as an ornamental indoor or outdoor garden tree. Slow growers and small in size, pygmy dates originated in Southeast Asia and are relatively easy to care for in most environments.
Potassium Deficiency
Pygmy date palm trees are susceptible to a potassium deficiency, which will present as orange-brown coloured markings on the tips of the leaves. To replace the potassium in the soil, the website pygmy Palm recommends adding both magnesium and potassium sulphate.
Fungal Diseases
Five leaf spot fungal diseases are common in pygmy dates grown in wet conditions: pestalotiopsis, leaf skeletonizer, scale, stigmina leaf spot and graphiola false smut. All five may cause variations of discolouration on the leaves. Fungicide applications, raking and providing better drainage can help control and prevent future outbreaks. Copper fungicides will also help prevent bud rot, a more serious ailment that is fatal for pygmy dates.
- Five leaf spot fungal diseases are common in pygmy dates grown in wet conditions: pestalotiopsis, leaf skeletonizer, scale, stigmina leaf spot and graphiola false smut.
- Copper fungicides will also help prevent bud rot, a more serious ailment that is fatal for pygmy dates.
Natural Growth Cycle
If only the tips of your pygmy date palm's leaves are brown, this may be a part of the tree's normal growth cycle, according to the website HousePlants.com. The website recommends cutting off the brown leaves to make room for new growth.