The Pygmy Date Palm is sensitive to leaf spot and but rot.

Leaf spot is a common disease of the Pygmy Palm Tree. It is caused by numerous fungal pathogens. The first symptoms are spots and blights on the leaves. As the disease worsens, the spots on the foliage expand, and the entire leaf from the base to the tip is blighted. The fungus becomes more active during the wet months (spring and summer).

Fungicides effectively control leaf spot. The first fungicide applications should begin as soon as the first leaf spots appear. It can’t cure the damage that was done by the disease before, but can stop the spread of disease.

But rot is a very serious disease of these small palms. It causes the fronds of Phoenix Roebelenii to discolor, wilt and die. The disease activates in hot wet months (spring and summer). But rot is spread in most cases by infested gardening tools. Always disinfect pruning tools before using. Preventive applications of fungicides is an effective preventive treatment of this disease.

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