Description

Bottle palms are native to the Mascarenes, which are a set of islands off the east coast of Madagascar, out in the middle of the Indian Ocean! This remote trio of islands has evolved several curios flora and fauna over the course of evolutionary time.

The smallish size of the Bottle palm (also known as the Hyophorbe lagenicaulis)  makes it a perfect accent palm!

The Bottle palm is eye catching due to is bizarrely swollen trunk and stunted height. It is assumed by many that the swollen trunk is the palms way of storing water in anticipation of periods of drought. This is not true. It grows this way due to the will of Mother Nature and influences during the process of evolution.

They love well drained soils like those most similar to a beach environment.

Bottle palms require plenty of water and irrigation. They will tolerate Florida’s wintery dry period. Just make sure to supplement with irrigation when possible during these dry periods.

Its tropical look and feel will accent any topical looking landscape and thrives in zones 10B-11.

These tropical palms do best in warm climates. They are salt tolerant, but easily damaged by freezing temperatures. At 32°F you will see damage on the fronds. This is not a cold tolerant palm.

Leave cold damaged fronds alone for the remainder of the winter!

These damaged fronds will protect emerging fronds against the effects of further cold snaps that may occur during the remaining winter days. In the spring, when the danger of cold temperatures has passed, you can trim those frost damaged fronds.

Start your fertilization schedule in the spring with a slow release fertilizer.

Your fertilization schedule should consist of one application in the spring, summer and fall. In Florida the Bottle palm is susceptible to potassium deficiency so be sure to use a fertilizer combination that address this issue.

A notable slow growing palm, the Bottle will reach a max height of 12’.

Interested in knowing more about the Hyophorbe lagenicaulis? Call us today at 239-283-1329.