Madagascar Palm – Succulent plants

Madagascar Palm (Pachypodium lamerei) a succulent shrub or small tree. It has a tall, silvery-gray trunk covered with sharp spines. Long, narrow leaves grow only at the top of the trunk, like a palm tree. Plants grown outdoors will reach up to 20 ft, but when grown indoors it will slowly reach 4 – 6 ft tall. Plants were grown outdoors develop large, white, fragrant blooms at the top of the plant. They rarely bloom indoors.

Scientific Name: Pachypodium lamerei
Common Name: Madagascar Palm

How to grow and maintain Madagascar Palm (Pachypodium lamerei):

Light:
It thrives best in warm climates and full sun.

Soil:
Cactus potting mix works well to provide fast drainage. Or you can use 2 parts all-purpose potting mix with 1 part sharp sand or perlite.

Water:
Water thoroughly and allow top half of soil to dry out between waterings. In winter, water sparingly just to keep the soil from drying out completely. Plant in a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot.

Temperature:
It prefers average room temperatures 60°F – 75°F / 16°C – 24°C. If you move your plant outdoors for the summer, don’t worry, it can take the heat. Just bring it back in when the temperature drops.

Humidity:
Madagascar Palm requires average indoor humidity, around 40% relative humidity.

Fertilizer:
Fertilize with a cactus or succulent fertilizer in spring and summer.

Propagation:
It can be easily propagated by seed. Sow seeds in spring. Offsets can be cut away from the parent plant and potted up separately.

Pests and Diseases:
Madagascar Palm has no serious pest or disease problems. Watch for aphids while flowering.