Spindle Palm Plant Care
Hyophorbe verschaffeltii H.Wendl.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Hyophorbe verschaffeltii, the palmiste marron or spindle palm, is a critically endangered species of flowering plant in the family Arecaceae. It is endemic to Rodrigues island, Mauritius, but is widely grown in cultivation.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Spindle Palm?
Water Spindle Palm every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Spindle Palm Native To?
What Is the Spindle Palm?
Spindle Palm (Hyophorbe verschaffeltii) belongs to the Arecaceae family within the Hyophorbe genus. Spindle Palm is native to Rodrigues island, Mauritius. Spindle Palm is also known as Palm, Palm Tree.
Spindle Palm displays a solitary trunk palm growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Spindle Palm produces creamy white to yellow flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Spindle Palm?
Hyophorbe verschaffeltii requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Spindle Palm Need?
Spindle Palm thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Spindle Palm Prefer?
Hyophorbe verschaffeltii grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Spindle Palm prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Spindle Palm?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Spindle Palm to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Spindle Palm?
Feed Spindle Palm every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Spindle Palm?
Repot every 2-3 years. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Spindle Palm?
Spindle Palm can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to palm plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Spindle Palm Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Spindle Palm, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Spindle Palm?
Spindle Palm is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Spindle Palm Need?
Spindle Palm grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Spindle Palm is native to Rodrigues island, Mauritius. In cooler regions, grow Spindle Palm as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Spindle Palm is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Hyophorbe genus — compare its care with other Hyophorbe species on PlantoScan.
Hyophorbe is part of the Arecaceae plant family — browse all Arecaceae genera and species.
Spindle Palm thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Hyophorbe verschaffeltii H.Wendl., family Arecaceae (first published in Ill. Hort. 13: t. 462 (1866)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Spindle Palm, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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