Bottle Palm Tree: Bottle Shaped Trunk
Bottle Palm trees (Hyophorbe lagenicaulis) are native to the Mascarene
Islands, and are known for their bottle-shaped trunks as well as their
upward arching fronds.
These palm trees are popular in
commercial and residential settings.
Bottle palms add
tropical flair when planted as a focal point or accent in the
landscape.
Hyophorbe lagenicaulis (also known as Bottle Palm) belongs to the

Arecaceae family, and can be
planted year round in USDA hardiness zones 10 through 11. The
Bottle Palm tree is considered to be a dwarf palm tree – perfect as a
large container palm or planted in small gardens and landscapes.
Bottle Palms can grow up to twenty feet tall; however, average height
is typically ten feet. Arching palm fronds fan out from a
bottle shaped trunk to form a v-shaped spray.
The upward arching fronds are bright green in color, with a leaf blade
length of twenty-four inches. These palm trees are planted
outdoors as accents or focal points in the landscape.
Bottle
Palm Tree Care
Bottle palm trees add unique tropical appeal to residential and
commercial landscape designs. Single specimens are typically
used as a focal points or accents in the landscape. Several
trees can be planted in a row to form a barrier or section off areas in
the landscape.
Tips for Planting
USDA Hardiness Zone–
Can be planted year-round in zones 10 – 11.
Location –
Choose a location that receives partial to full sun. The
location should be large enough to accommodate full growth.
Allow a minimum of fifteen between plantings.
Soil –
Bottle Palms like sandy, well-draining soil.
Steps for Planting
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball. Note:
The hole should be as deep as the root ball is tall. The soil
surrounding the roots should be loose to allow for easy establishment.
- When placing the root ball in the hole, make sure the tree
is standing straight. Fill the hole halfway with soil and
pack firmly. Fill the hole with the remaining soil while
packing firmly around the base of the palm tree. Large, newly
planted palm trees may need to be protected from winds and storms by
using a brace.
- Water thoroughly after planting is completed.
Newly planted palms like lots of water. For the first two to
three weeks, water daily. Continue watering three times a
week. Once established, most palms require minimal
watering. During the warmer months, approximately two to
three times per week. Water approximately once a week during
the winter.
- Approximately six weeks after planting, fertilize Bottle
Palms with a high-quality palm tree fertilizer. Fertilization
schedule will be three times a year thereafter.
Note:
Choose the location wisely; transplanting palm trees once they are
established is risky.