Pachypodium lamerei, or the Madagascar palm, is a flowering plant in the family Apocynaceae. It is native to Madagascar and is found in the southwestern and southern parts of the island.
The Madagascar cactus palm is a fast-growing succulent plant that can reach up to 3’ feet in height in just a few years.
The leaves may reach 4” inches wide and 15” inches long. The trunk is slender and spiny, with small leaves clustered at the top.
The flowers are white or pale pink and borne in clusters at the tips of the branches. The fruit is a fleshy drupe, which birds and bats eat.
It is not an easy plant to propagate and is often grown as a houseplant or in containers.
Quick Facts On Pachypodium Lamerei
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Light: Lots of sun
- Temperature: Above 59° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Moderate in summer, sparingly in winter
- Fertilize: Sparingly
- Propagation: Small off-sets or seeds
- Common Problems: Mealybugs, root rot, yellowing leaves, fallen leaves
Pachypodium Lamerei Care
How Big Does Madagascar Palm Grow?
Pachypodium lamerei is a fast-growing succulent that can reach up to 3′ feet in height.
The leaves may reach 4″ inches wide and 15″ inches long. The trunk is slender and spiny, with small leaves clustered at the top.
Don’t overfeed it as it can lead to problems such as column breakage.
When Does Madagascar Palm Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
The flowers of Madagascar Palms are white and borne in clusters at the tips of the branches.
You may see such flowers in summer, but it is not guaranteed. These blooms are not very fragrant.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
Pachypodium lamerei prefers lots of sun and a temperature above 59° degrees Fahrenheit.
When you invest in the Madagascar Palm, make sure you give it the sunniest spot in the house, as it needs a lot of light to grow and thrive.
If you don’t have such a place, you can supplement the lighting using grow lights.
How And When To Water And Fertilize Madagascar Palm?
Water your Madagascar palms moderately in summer and sparingly in winter. Sparingly means once every couple of weeks should be sufficient.
If you live in a place with low humidity, you should mist the leaves occasionally to prevent them from drying out.
Don’t water the Pachypodium lamerei at all if you notice the leaves have all fallen off.
Fertilize sparingly as too much fertilizer can lead to problems such as column breakage.
On the other hand, it won’t need any food if you repot it annually.
What Is The Best Soil for Pachypodium Cactus And When Should You Transplant?
For your Madagascar cactus palm, you can use a standard potting or cactus mix. If you live in an area with hard water, you can add perlite to the potting mix to help drainage.
Pachypodium lamerei doesn’t need to be transplanted often, but it will benefit from being moved to a larger pot every year or two.
The best time to do so is in the spring.
Does The Pachypodium Cactus Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
Luckily, Pachypodium Cactus palm is a low-maintenance plant. If you notice yellow leaves, this is usually a sign of over-watering.
Fallen leaves can also be caused by too much water. If the leaves turn yellow and fall off in summer, this is normal and nothing to worry about.
To prevent column breakage, don’t move the plant around too much as the trunk is quite fragile. Also, support the plant if it starts to lean over.
How To Propagate Madagascar Palm?
The Madagascar Palm can be propagated by the following methods:
- Small off-sets
- Seeds
If you’re propagating by seed, plant the seeds in a well-draining potting mix and keep them warm and moist.
They should germinate within a few weeks.
Off-sets can be rooted in water or a well-draining potting mix.
Place them in a bright spot out of direct sunlight and wait for new growth to appear. This can take several weeks.
Madagascar Cactus Plant Pests And Diseases
Pachypodium lamerei is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, mealybugs can be a problem.
These small, white insects suck the sap from the leaves and stems, causing the leaves to turn yellow and eventually fall off.
If you see any mealybugs, remove them by hand or with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to eliminate them.
The Pachypodium plant is also susceptible to root rot. This is usually caused by overwatering and results in the leaves falling off.
If you think your plant has root rot, stop watering it and let the soil dry out completely.
You can remove any affected roots and repot the plant in a fresh, dry potting mix.
Yellow leaves in summer may also indicate that you need to feed it more. Solve this problem with a weakened liquid plant food.
Prevent problems by not over-watering and by giving the plant plenty of light.
Is The Lamerei Pachypodium Toxic or Poisonous To People, Kids, Pets?
Pachypodium plants are not considered toxic to people or pets.
However, it is best to keep this plant out of reach of children and pets as the sap can be irritating.
If you think your child or pet has ingested some of the sap, seek medical advice immediately.
Is The Lamerei Pachypodium Considered Invasive?
No, Pachypodium Lamerei is not considered invasive.
Best Uses For The Madagascar Palm Plant
Pachypodium lamerei makes an excellent houseplant and can also be used in landscaping.
It is drought tolerant and can be used as a ground cover or in rock gardens.
This plant is also perfect for growing in containers on patios and decks.
If you live in a hot, dry climate, Pachypodiums will grow outdoors.
It makes an excellent accent plant and can be used to add height and interest to any garden.
Pachypodium lamerei is a beautiful, easy-to-grow plant that makes a great addition to any home.
With its low maintenance requirements and striking appearance, it’s no wonder this plant is so popular.
So why not give it a try? You might just find that it’s the perfect plant for you.