Bottle Palm (Hyophorbe lagenicaulis)

This unusual palm features a bottle-like, somehow swollen-looking trunk with smooth bark, but only when it’s young. Bottle palm is native to Mauritius, where it suffers from a huge habitat loss and is critically endangered, but the species is widely cultivated throughout other warm regions in the world.

I. Appearance and Characteristics

Hyophorbe lagenicaulis, the bottle palm or palmiste gargoulette, is a species of flowering plant in the family Arecaceae. It is native to Round Island, Mauritius.

Bottle palm has a large swollen (sometimes bizarrely so) trunk. It is a myth that the trunk is a means by which the palm stores water. Bottle palms have only four to six leaves open at any time. The leaves of young palms have a red or orange tint, but a deep green is assumed at maturity. The flowers of the palm arise from under the crownshaft.

This species is often confused with its relative, the Spindle Palm, which also has a swollen trunk. But the Spindle palm’s trunk swells in the middle (resembling the shape of a spindle), whereas the trunk of the Bottle palm swells from near the base and tapers further up. Its inflorescence branches in 4 orders, and its 2.5 cm fruits can be orange or black. The trunk of both species becomes more and more slender as the palm ages.

On Mauritius, the only other extant Hyophorbe species is the exceedingly rare and critically endangered Hyophorbe vaughanii. The Bottle palm can be distinguished from this species by its swollen trunk when young; by its much smaller (2.5 cm) orange or black fruits; and by its inflorescence, which branches in four orders rather than three.

Bottle palms are very cold sensitive and are killed at 0 °C (32 °F) or colder for any appreciable length of time. They may survive a brief, light frost, but will have foliage damage. Only southern Florida and Hawaii provide safe locations in the US to grow Bottle Palm, although mature flowering specimens may be occasionally be seen in favored microclimates around Cape Canaveral and Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater in coastal central Florida. It makes a fine container-grown palm in other locations as long as it is protected from the cold and not overwatered.

II. How to Grow and Care

Bottle palm is a tropical palm recognized for its bottle-shaped trunk. It thrives in warm environments and requires consistently moist soil without being waterlogged, making well-draining soil a necessity. Bottle palm is relatively low maintenance but does have sensitivity to cold; it needs protection from frost and thrives in temperatures above 60°F (15°C). Direct sunlight and regular fertilization will keep it healthily growing.

Sunlight

Bottle palm thrives in a habitat that offers full sunlight for robust growth and vibrant health. This plant’s preference for ample light exposure ensures the deep green color and sturdy leaves characteristic of its tropical origins. However, it can also tolerate partial sun, adapting its growth patterns to lower light levels, although this may lead to a less vigorous stature. For outdoor cultivation, an unshaded position that provides direct exposure to sunlight for several hours each day is ideal. When the light conditions are suboptimal, bottle palm’s growth pace may decelerate, and the lushness of its foliage could diminish, impacting overall plant vitality.

Watering

Originating from the Mascarene Islands, bottle palm thrives in a humid, tropical climate where it has adapted to withstand periods of heavy rainfall followed by bouts of dryness. This species exhibits moderate drought tolerance and prefers a consistent level of moisture without being waterlogged. Watering should occur once every two weeks, aligning with its ability to store water within its swollen trunk. Typically grown outdoors due to its size and preference for full sun, bottle palm benefits from soil that mimics its native well-draining sandy loam, ensuring excess water doesn’t linger around its roots.

Soil

Bottle palm requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot, common in this species when waterlogged. An ideal mix is 2 parts potting mix, 1 part coarse sand, and 1 part perlite to enhance drainage. If perlite is unavailable, pumice or fine gravel are suitable substitutes. Utilize a slow-release palm fertilizer during the growing season to aid in robust growth.

Fertilizing

To foster robust growth, bottle palm requires fertilization with high nitrogen formulas, recommended quarterly. A slow-release blend ensures steady nutrient availability. Adequate fertilization promotes leafy expansion and structural resilience, particularly vital as bottle palm transitions through growth phases. Seasonal adjustments maintain nutrient balance, with reduced winter application. Apply per label rates, avoiding over-fertilization risking root burn. Incorporate into the soil near the drip line for optimal uptake. Enthusiasts must wear gloves and wash hands post-application for safety.

Propagation

Bottle palm is a unique plant that thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires well-drained soil. To propagate bottle palm, one should obtain fresh seeds for sowing, ensuring they are planted shallowly as light aids germination. Consistent moisture and warmth are crucial for the success of seed germination, with transplanting performed once the seedlings are mature enough to handle. Care must be taken during transplantation to avoid root damage, which can be detrimental to plant health.

Transplanting

The zenith of transplanting bottle palm is in the cooler reprieve of winter, fostering root establishment without heat stress. For success, select a sunny, well-drained locale. If needed, acclimatize bottle palm gradually to prevent transplant shock.

Repotting

To ensure the robust silhouette of bottle palm thrives, repot biennially, aligning with its slow growth cycle. Springtime is ideal, accommodating its seasonal growth spurt. Choose a large, sturdy pot to support bottle palm’s statuesque form and weighted base. Post-repot with well-draining soil, and maintain consistent moisture without overwatering. This simple attention secures bottle palm’s grandeur in your tropical collection.

Pests and Diseases

There are very few threats to bottle palm. Cold is perhaps the deadliest foe for this tropical palm. Additionally, overwatering may lead to a Phytophthora fungal infection.

When young in hot dry locations spider mites can be an issue. Control with Neem Oil sprays.

Areas such as Southern California, Hawaii, or Florida are usually good locations for growing bottle palm, as it is able to withstand hurricane-force winds.

III. Uses and Benefits

The shape of this palm is its greatest appeal, so it’s best to plant in an open area where it’ll be the star attraction. You may also wish to avoid clumping them, as it will make the key features less noticeable. Some great planting locations are driveways and patios.

As a container plant, bottle palm works well in both indoor and outdoor settings, as long as there’s plenty of light exposure.