Bottle Tree

Bottle Tree key facts

Growing Difficulty

Advanced

Lifespan

Long-lived tree (little published data)

Size

3-6 m (rarely 8 m) in habitat; trunk 40 cm or more across

Watering

Sparingly in the growing season

Light & Placement

Grow in full sun to light shade and keep it out of winter rain.

Watering

It is reputedly the hardest continental African Pachypodium and rots easily in poor conditions. Water moderately in the growing season and very little or not at all otherwise.

Temperature & Overwintering

It takes light frost but rots easily in cold, prolonged wet. Keep it dry and frost-free in winter.

Soil & Repotting

Use a very free-draining mix so the roots never stay wet.

Propagation

Fresh seed germinates easily; avoid overwatering seedlings. To avoid root rot it can also be grafted onto P. geayi or P. lamerei.

Pests & Cautions

The sap is extremely toxic, once used as an arrow poison, and can cause blindness if it gets in the eyes. Pachypodium sap is toxic and the spines are sharp. Wear thick gloves or wrap the trunk in several layers of newspaper when repotting or moving it.

About Bottle Tree

Pachypodium lealii (Bottle Tree) is a caudex succulent from Namibia and Angola, growing 3-6m tall with a bottle-shaped trunk and fragrant white dry-season flowers. Best suited to experienced growers.

7 things to know before growing Bottle Tree

1. 1Light and Placement

   Pachypodium lealii thrives in strong sunlight, so give it the brightest, most well-ventilated spot available. If grown outdoors, watch for sudden temperature swings and take care during the hottest part of summer.

2. 2Water with Care

   Pachypodium lealii is considered the most difficult of the southern African pachypodiums and rots easily under poor conditions. Water moderately during the growing season and give very little or none at other times. Cold, wet conditions in winter easily cause rot, so keep it dry and frost-free.

3. 3Well-Draining Soil

   Choose a fast-draining mix formulated for succulents or caudex plants to help prevent root rot. Mixing extra pumice or perlite into a commercial succulent soil further improves drainage.

4. 4Repotting Timing

   Repot in spring to early summer when growth is most active. Move to a slightly larger pot once roots become crowded, handling the root ball gently to avoid damage.

5. 5Dormancy and Leaf Drop

   It is normal for the plant to shed its leaves as it enters dormancy during the dry season, and this is not a sign of trouble. Keep watering minimal while it is leafless and let it rest in a stable environment.

6. 6Choosing a Plant

   When selecting a plant, look for a firm trunk without damage or excessive wrinkling. A well-formed, swollen base at the trunk's foot suggests healthy potential for further thickening over time.

7. 7Beware the Sap and Spines

   P. lealii's sap is extremely toxic, once used as arrow poison, and can cause blindness if it gets in the eyes. It also has sharp spines, so wear thick gloves or wrap the trunk in several layers of newspaper when repotting or moving it. Its trunk takes many years to thicken, so approach it with patience.

Frequently asked questions about Bottle Tree

Q.Is Pachypodium lealii suitable for beginners?

A.Pachypodium lealii is generally considered a plant for experienced growers. Its watering and placement needs require some care, so it suits those who already have experience with succulents or caudex plants.

Q.How large does it grow?

A.In its native habitat, Pachypodium lealii can grow three to six meters tall, occasionally reaching around eight meters. Its trunk can exceed 40 centimeters in diameter as it develops over many years.

Q.When and how does it flower?

A.It blooms at the tips of its bare branches during the dry season, after the leaves have dropped. The flowers are white with a subtle reddish-purple tinge on the outside and are known for their pleasant fragrance.

Q.How often should I water it?

A.During the growing season, water thoroughly once the soil surface has dried. Once the plant enters dormancy, reduce watering significantly and keep it on the drier side.

Q.When is the best time to repot?

A.The best time to repot is spring through early summer, when growth is most active. Once you notice roots becoming crowded in the pot, move the plant to a slightly larger one with care.

Handy Growing Tools for Bottle Tree

Learn more about Bottle Tree in the encyclopedia

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