Origin
The Phoenix roebelenii, also known as the pygmy date palm, originates from Southeast Asia, specifically Laos and Vietnam. The plant typically grows near rivers and streams, which explains its preference for damp conditions. It's a popular landscape plant in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.

Characteristics
The Phoenix roebelenii is a slow-growing palm tree, capable of reaching a maximum height of 3 metres. It's an evergreen plant, with finely feathered, elegant leaves that can grow up to 1 metre in length. The leaves are shiny green and the plant produces small, yellow flowers which mature into small, dark red dates.

Care
As a desert plant, the Phoenix roebelenii can grow in both full sunlight and partial shade. The plant requires well-draining soil and has a preference for neutral to slightly acidic soil types. It's a drought-tolerant plant, but performs best with regular watering, especially during the growing period. The Phoenix roebelenii thrives best at temperatures between 24 and 27 degrees Celsius and cannot tolerate frost. Like most palms, the Phoenix roebelenii needs regular fertilisation to support its growth and health.