Scientific name: Pachypodium lamerei
Common name: Madagascar Palm
The name of the plant is confusing, as it is not a palm at all. The stem of “Madagascar Palm” has long, sharp spines. The leaves are long and green. During the winter it will lose most of its leaves, but it will regrowth them in the spring.
Quick Look at Pachypodium lamerei
- Full sun to partial shade
- Typical water needs for a succulent. Water more frequently in the summer.
- Plant grows up to 20′ (6 m) tall outdoors
Plant grows up to 6′ (1.8 m) tall indoors - Zone 10a (Minimum 30° F | -1.1° C)
- Not cold hardy
- Propagation by offsets and seeds
- Can be toxic to humans and animals
- Winter Dormant
General Care for Pachypodium lamerei “Madagascar Palm”
The “Madagascar Palm” is an excellent shrub to grow indoors or outside in more temperate climates. When grown in an outdoor garden, the Madagascar Palm will grow quite tall.
It can get quite heavy as it grows, so be sure to plant it in a heavy pot.
Watering
The watering needs for a Succulent are typical. The “soak and dry” method will allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. The hotter summer months demand more water. Cut back on watering in the winter.
Where to Plant
If you live in a zone that gets colder than 30 F (- 1.1 C), it’s best to plant this plant in a container that can be brought indoors. It does well in both full and partial sun.
You can plant in an area of your garden that gets 6 hours of sunlight a day. If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, place a room that gets a lot of sunlight near a southern-facing window.
How to Propagate Pachypodium lamerei “Madagascar Palm”
You may experience the best success with offsets if you want to grow the “Madagascar Palm”.
Cuttings
To grow “Madagascar Palm” from offsets, use a sterile knife or pair of scissors. Remove one of the circular offsets from the trunk of the main plant and allow it to callous for several days before placing it on well-draining soil. Water whenever the soil has dried out.
The stem of the palm has sharp spines. Use care when handling or propagating this plant.
Seeds
If you want to start the propagation process, soak in warm water overnight.
You can place your seeds in a well-draining soil. If you live in a cooler area, you can sow indoors under a grow light or on a seed mat.
