Pachypodium lamerei
Pachypodium lamerei
Madagascar Palm
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Taxonomy
Family Apocynaceae · Genus Pachypodium
Common Names
Madagascar PalmPachypodium
Context
nativeRegion
Madagascar
usdaZones
10–11 (outdoors); grown as a houseplant elsewhere.
companionPlants
Aloe species, Euphorbia milii, Sansevieria, Kalanchoe
culturalUses
Primarily ornamental; used as a drought-tolerant accent plant in succulent gardens and collections.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun to bright, indirect light; prefers at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
WateringAllow soil to dry out fully between waterings; water sparingly, especially in winter.
SoilWell-draining, sandy or cactus mix soil with good aeration.
FertilizerFertilize lightly during active growth in spring and summer with a balanced, diluted fertilizer.
HumidityTolerant of low humidity; avoid high humidity to prevent rot.
TemperaturePrefers warm conditions, ideally 18–29°C (65–85°F); not frost tolerant.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitSucculent shrub or small tree with spiny, swollen trunk and tufts of strap-shaped leaves at the top.
Mature SizeUp to 1.5–2 m (5–6.5 ft) indoors; up to 6 m (20 ft) in the wild.
Growth RateSlow-growing.
BloomingProduces fragrant, white, star-shaped flowers in summer, usually only when mature and grown outdoors.
DormancyDeciduous in winter; drops leaves and should be kept dry.
Propagation
MethodsSeed, Stem cuttings (difficult; seldom successful)
DifficultyModerate (seed), high (cuttings)
Best SeasonSpring for both methods.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningRarely needed; remove dead or damaged branches carefully.
RepottingEvery 2–3 years or when rootbound; use caution due to spines.
Pests & DiseasesSusceptible to root rot if overwatered; occasionally scale, mealybugs, and spider mites.
ToxicityMildly toxic if ingested; sap may be irritating to skin.
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