Question
Hi,
I am staying in india. 3 months back i bought a packet of  dates from kuwait. And i germinated the seeds and placed them in clay pot of 12 inch size. I have filled the pot with equal parts of sand and normal soil, and added 75 grms of organic fertilizer to each pot. And now the plant is 10 inch size with two leaves each. Now the problem is the tip of leaves are dark brown  and pointed like a needle, i have placed the pot in sunlight outdoor. I dont know the which variety the dates belong to. But their roots grow at a fast rate. Please help me regarding this.

Answer
Hi,
Usually it is caused by improper watering technique and lack of humidity...
The key to success with your date palm plant will largely depend on how you water it...Plants die from too frequent waterings, not from how much water you give them at one time...Also letting them go too dry between waterings causes wilting and can cause other problems (Insects,brown tips, etc.)...
Water your plant in the following manner for greater success...
Check how much the plant weighs when thoroughly watered VS its' weight when it is ready to be watered again. Sometimes it helps to put a saucer under the pot when watering and let the plant sit in water for 10-15 minutes. Pick the pot up (or lean it if it a large pot) and feel how heavy it is after watering it thoroughly. Don't water it again until it feels considerably lighter and the top of the soil is light in color. Depending on plant types, sunlight exposure and pot size plants will need water at many different rates (1-2 times a day to once a month or more)...
They like direct sunlite...Even though they like to go dry between waterings ,if left too dry for too long they will develop brown tips......Too much sun can also cause burning of the leaves...Cut off brown tips with scissors...Spray mist the plant 2-3 times per week to keep the leaves clean and increase humidity...
They are slow growers when grown from seed...It takes numerous years for the female plant to produce flowers...The male pollen must be brushed onto the females flowers to produce fruit...Sounds like your plant is doing well...Just adjust your watering to help it out...

Hope this helps...Let me know what you think of my advice...
Rick in southern New Jersey