The Bottle Palm tree, also known as Hyophorbe lagenicaulis (hy-oh-FOR-beh lahg-en-ih-KAW-lis), is worth adding to your garden, not only because of its appearance.
Originally, the Hyophorbe lagenicaulis comes from Mauritius (Mascarene Islands) and is native to Round Island (both located east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean). There are only ten bottle palms left on the latter island, and the species is classified as critically endangered.
Fortunately, its popularity ensures that the bottle palm is saved from extinction.
Hyophorbe lagenicaulis got the common name bottle palm due to the unique, enlarged base characteristic of older specimens. The Hyophorbe lagenicaulis is also called:
Different countries around the world also have their own names for the bottle palm Hyophorbe lagenicaulis. Often it is a direct translation of the English names.
Visually, this perennial dwarf palm is very distinctive. With a swollen base tapering upward into a single trunk with stepped ring scars. It is crowned with a narrow off-purple or green crown shaft and a small crown.
It is difficult to talk about the Hyophorbe lagenicaulis palm without mentioning another member of the Arecaceae family, the spindle palm. The spindle palm (or Hyophorbe verschaffeltii) has a similar appearance, is more frost-resistant, and is often chosen as a substitute.
This slow-growing dwarf palm is like a fine wine and becomes more pleasant with age. Initially, the brown or gray trunk appears slightly swollen. The swollen trunk slowly becomes longer and flatter in its characteristic shape, usually 24 to 30 inches in diameter.
It will take several years for a Hyophorbe lagenicaulis to reach its full height, which is usually 3 to 3.5 meters. Older specimens of a century or more can grow up to 4.5 meters tall, although this is unusual.
The crown itself is small with half a dozen pinnate leaves that can grow up to 3 meters long. 140 smaller leaflets up to 60 cm long are arranged vertically in two rows.
One of the more unexpected characteristics of the Hyophorbe Lagenicaulis palm is its inflorescence. The small, monoecious cream to white flowers grow upward on 75 cm long stalks where the trunk and crown shaft meet.
When the female flowers die off, they leave behind round green fruit measuring 2.5 - 4 cm in length. As they ripen, the fruit turns silvery blue and then black. Each fruit contains a single, slightly smaller seed.
The Hyophorbe Lagenicaulis needs full sun once mature. When younger, it will do well in filtered light.
This plant does not do well in extreme cold and is best suited for USDA plant hardiness zones 10a to 11. Frost can stop seedling growth, and freezing cold will kill the palm.
The Hyophorbe Lagenicaulis needs moderate and regular watering. Generally, keep the root ball and soil moist, but be careful not to overwater, especially in pots. Occasional short dry periods are not harmful to the plant but should be avoided.
In rich soil, a high-quality palm fertilizer may be applied twice a year during the growing season. Under poorer conditions, a fertilizer with extra micronutrients and trace elements should be given three times a year.
The Hyophorbe Lagenicaulis thrives in a wide range of well-draining tropical soils. This includes volcanic, clay, and sandy soils. However, it does best in a deep organic soil. A neutral pH is preferred, and although the plant is salt-tolerant, it will grow better inland than along the coast.
This is a very low-maintenance plant aside from its water needs, making it ideal for people who travel a lot.
Fresh seeds can be propagated and tend to germinate within 4 to 6 weeks. It might be best to start the seedlings in pots, as even a light frost will almost always kill young bottle palms.
Below is described how you can easily sow and grow your own bottle palm in a few steps.
Germination time: 2 weeks to 3 months. After germination, water the seedling moderately but regularly and place it in a warm and bright spot. For example, on the windowsill. This palm loves lots of light and warmth.
There are very few threats to the Hyophorbe Lagenicaulis. Cold is probably the deadliest enemy for this tropical palm. In addition, overwatering can lead to a Phytophthora fungal infection.
When young and in hot dry locations, spider mites can be a problem. Control of these spider mites can be done, for example, with Neem Oil sprays.
The shape of this Hyophorbe Lagenicaulis palm is its greatest attraction. So it’s best to plant this beautiful palm in an open area where it will be the eye catcher. I recommend not planting them too close together in clusters, because the palm’s beautiful distinctive appearance will then be less noticeable. Some great planting locations for the Hyophorbe Lagenicaulis are driveways and patios.
As a container plant, Hyophorbe Lagenicaulis works well both indoors and outdoors, as long as there is enough light.
Check the shop and easily order a few fresh Hyophorbe Lagenicaulis seeds to grow them yourself in just a few steps. You will also receive the free growing instructions.
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, is worth adding to your garden, not only because of its appearance.
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