Species red latan
gray-green, fan-shaped leaf with burgundy stem and burgundy strips

red latan

Latania lontaroides

Red Latan, also known as Bottle Palm, is an attractive, tropical tree specie native to the Mascarene Islands off of the eastern coast of Madagascar. It is an extremely slow growing species, reaching a maximum height of 25-30 feet tall and a spread of 8-10 feet wide. The trunk of this species starts out slender and with age it becomes bottle shaped, hence the name. Its fronds are large and glossy, with each individual leaf shaped like a feather up to 3 feet long. Red Latan is covered in a layer of fine, russet-colored lashes which are highly distinctive. For best growth, this tree should be planted in full sun and mulched well to provide adequate drainage. This species is frost tender and will require protection from direct frost and cold winds.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Air Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Stem Propagation,Seed Propagation,Division

Hardiness Zone:

10 - 12

Flowers:

Flowers not showy Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Cones:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,tan

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Tropical:

Yes

Care Level:

High

watering

Red Latan plants should be watered thoroughly and regularly when the soil begins to dry out (but not completely dry out). Depending on the temperature, this should be every 7-14 days. For optimal hydration, newly-planted specimens should be watered 2-3 times per week for the first few months, and then decreased to 1-2 times per week after that. Always check the soil moisture before watering to ensure that it is not too wet.

sunlight

Red Lantan (Latania lontaroides) requires 8-10 hours of direct sunlight or full sun exposure during the warmer months of the year (generally from Spring to Fall). It is best for the tree to receive direct sunlight for a good majority of the morning hours and then shifting to light, dappled shade for the hottest hours in the late afternoon. Additionally, it tolerates some periods of full sun exposure during the colder winter months when temperatures don’t reach extreme highs.

pruning

For optimal growth and health, prune Red Latan (Latania lontaroides) at least twice a year - once in the spring before new growth starts and again in the late summer, after the tree has flowered and set fruit. Pruning should be minimal to avoid removing flowering wood that give the tree its ornamental appeal. Remove stems that have crossed over other branches and any dead or diseased wood, as well as any shoots that appear near the base of the tree. Additionally, remove any shoots growing in the center of the plant to ensure good light and air penetration and a balanced shape.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Red latan typically start flowering in April.

Hardiness Map