How to care for and propagate Pachypodium lamerei Madagascar PalmPachypodium lamerei Madagascar Palm care and propagation informationPin

Pachypodium lamerei

Madagascar Palm

Posted by: Cassidy Tuttle | Updated:

The name of this succulent is confusing, as it’s not a palm at all. The silvery, bulbous stem of “Madagascar Palm” has long, sharp spines. The leaves are long, slender and green. During the winter, it will shed most of its leaves, only to regrow them in the spring.

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Quick Look:

  • 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
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Care and Propagation Information

General Care for Pachypodium lamerei “Madagascar Palm”

Pachypodium lamerei “Madagascar Palm” is an excellent shrub succulent to grow indoors, or outside in more temperate climates. “Madagascar Palm” will grow more slowly indoors, but will grow quite tall when in an outdoor garden.

As it grows, it can get quite top-heavy, so be sure to plant in well-draining soil in a heavy pot.

Watering

Pachypodium lamerei “Madagascar Palm” has typical watering needs for a succulent. It's best to use the “soak and dry” method, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Water more during the hotter summer months. Cut back on watering in the winter when the leaves have fallen off.

Where to Plant

“Madagascar Palm” is not cold hardy, so if you live in a zone that gets colder than 30° F (-1.1° C), it's best to plant this succulent in a container that can be brought indoors. It does well in full to partial sun.

Plant in an area of your garden that gets 6 hours of sunlight a day. If planting indoors, place in a room that gets a lot of sunlight, such as near a southern-facing window (if you're in the Northern Hemisphere).

How to Propagate Pachypodium lamerei “Madagascar Palm”

Pachypodium lamerei “Madagascar Palm” can be propagated from offsets or seeds, although you may experience the best success with offsets.

Cuttings

To grow “Madagascar Palm” from offsets, use a sterile, sharp 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 on well-draining soil. Water whenever the soil has dried out completely.

Madagascar Palm” has toxic sap, as well as sharp spines along the stem. Please use care when handling or propagating this succulent.

Seeds

To propagate Pachypodium lamerei “Madagascar Palm” from seeds, begin the germination process by soaking in warm water overnight.

Sow your seeds in a well-draining soil. If you live in a cooler area, you can begin sowing indoors under a grow light or on a seed mat.

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