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Hyophorbe lagenicaulis, commonly known as the Bottle Palm, is an extraordinary tropical palm from Mauritius, celebrated for its distinctive bulbous, bottle-shaped trunk and elegantly arching fronds. The thickened base acts as a water reservoir, giving the plant its iconic silhouette and excellent drought tolerance once mature.
It is a slow-growing palm, typically forming a single grey trunk that swells near the base and narrows towards the crown. The foliage consists of 46 long, feather-like fronds with leaflets that curve gracefully downwards, creating a poised and tropical look. In its native climate, the Bottle Palm may reach 34 metres, but in containers or cooler climates it remains much smaller and compact perfect for conservatories, heated greenhouses, or tropical-themed interiors.
This rare and striking species makes a bold architectural statement, valued both for its sculptural form and exotic appeal.
Requires bright, indirect light to full sun.
Indoors: best placed in a sunny conservatory or near a south- or west-facing window.
Outdoors in summer: can be placed in a sunny, sheltered patio.
Avoid deep shade inadequate light will reduce frond production and slow growth.
Keep soil moderately moist, especially during the growing season (spring and summer).
Water when the top 35cm of soil feels dry.
In winter, reduce watering to every 23 weeks, ensuring the plant never sits in soggy soil.
The swollen trunk provides some water storage overwatering is a greater risk than underwatering.
Prefers moderate to high humidity (5070%).
In dry indoor air (especially in winter), increase humidity by:
Using a humidifier,
Placing a pebble tray with water beneath the pot,
Light misting around the foliage avoid wetting the crown directly.
Thrives in warm temperatures: 1830C ideal.
Very frost-sensitive never expose to temperatures below 10C.
Must be overwintered indoors in the UK a heated greenhouse or conservatory is best.
Protect from cold draughts and sudden temperature drops.
Requires free-draining, sandy or gritty soil.
Best in a mix of:
2 parts loam-based houseplant compost,
1 part coarse sand or perlite,
1 part orchid bark or horticultural grit.
Drainage holes are essential to prevent root rot.
Feed every 46 weeks in spring and summer with a balanced palm fertiliser.
Reduce feeding in autumn and do not feed in winter.
A trace element-rich feed (with magnesium and manganese) will help maintain leaf colour and prevent frond yellowing.
Minimal pruning required.
Remove fully dead or damaged fronds at the base using clean secateurs.
Never prune green fronds or the central spear damage here can be fatal, as palms grow from a single terminal bud.
Repot every 23 years, or when rootbound.
Use a deep pot with a wide base to accommodate the swollen caudex.
Repot in spring for best results.
Generally pest-resistant, but may occasionally attract:
Spider mites or mealybugs in dry indoor conditions,
Scale insects on undersides of fronds.
Frond yellowing can indicate:
Overwatering,
Nutrient deficiency (especially magnesium),
Cold exposure.
Not known to be toxic to humans or pets.
Always supervise pets around rare or valuable tropical specimens.
Perfect for indoor palm lovers who want something unusual and sculptural.
Grow in a large, decorative container to highlight its elegant form.
Combine with ferns, Alocasias, and other warm-climate tropicals for a lush display.