Light
The amount of light robellini palms require differs if you are growing it indoors or outdoors.
Indoors, robellini palms require as much light as possible, ideally at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Outdoors, the ideal amount of light depends on geographic location. For example, in climates that experience extreme heat and intense ultraviolet rays, such as Florida, robellini palms benefit from protection from the hot afternoon sun. In milder climates, these palms should be planted in a location that receives full sun, at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Soil
Robellini palms prefer moist, but well-drained soils. This means the soil should have an adequate amount of organic matter which helps to retain moisture but also include plenty of inorganic matter (such as perlite) which helps with drainage. Avoid soil that is either extremely acidic or extremely alkaline. Robellini palms require soil that is acidic to slightly alkaline. A pH meter can be used to measure the soil pH level. If the pH is too high or too low, amend the soil with lime or sulfate to correct the pH.
Water
While robellini palms can tolerate short periods of drought, these palms should be watered regularly so that the soil never dries out completely. Water deeply once the soil has partially dried. Newly-planted robellini palms should be watered daily for the first two weeks to help establish their root systems, after which watering can be reduced to two to three times a week, depending on temperatures. As a general tip, the best time to water robellini palms is during the morning or evening, and you should not water during the hottest times of day.
Temperature and Humidity
Like most palm trees, the robellini palm requires warm, humid conditions. This dwarf palm is not frost-tolerant and is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11. If you live in an area that experiences cold winters, grow your robellini palm in a container so that it can be moved indoors during the winter months. If you are growing your robellini palm indoors, be sure to keep it away from drafty vents or air conditioners.
Fertilizer
Robellini palm trees benefit from regular fertilization. Mature trees should be fertilized three times a year with a balanced fertilizer designed for palms. Younger trees and seedlings should be fertilized once a month to help encourage strong growth.
Pruning
Robellini palms can benefit from occasional pruning, however, it is important that the pruning is done correctly so as to not damage the health of the plant. For most gardeners, it is best to contact a landscaper that specializes in palm tree pruning and have the tree professionally pruned.
Propagating Robellini Palms
Propagating robellini palms is easy if the mother plant is producing suckers, or offshoots. Separate the suckers from the base of the mother plant, being sure to keep as many of the roots intact as possible. Place the new plant in a small pot with a moist but well-draining potting mix and place it in a location that receives bright but indirect sunlight. After a couple of months, the new plant can be moved to a location that receives brighter sunlight.
Common Pests & Diseases
Robellini palms are susceptible to a few common pests including scale and spider mites. Spider mite infestations can be identified by yellow discoloration and de-pigmentation on the leaves of the plant, as well as webbing between the leaves. Treat spider mite infestations with insecticidal soap until the pests are gone. Scale infestations can be identified by the sticky sap substance that they leave behind on the stems and backs of the leaves. Treat scale infestations with rubbing alcohol and a Q-tip to remove scale insects from the plant.
