What is a Pachypodium palm?
Despite its common name of Madagascar Palm (or a Pachy to its fans), the Pachypodium is actually a succulent and therefore more closely related to cacti than palms. This striking houseplant hails from Madagascar and because it has leaves growing around the crown this combination gives rise to the common name of Madagascar Palm.
What is the difference between Cactus and Pachypodium?
Pachypodium is a genus of succulent plants that look like cacti, but they are different plants. The basic difference is that the Pachypodium s have visible leaves.
Is Pachypodium lamerei the same as Madagascar palm?
In cultivation it is often marketed as the Madagascar palm, despite its not being a palm at all. A variety called "Ramosum" has been described. It is distinguished mostly by a dwarf growth habit. Pachypodium lamerei has a tall, silvery-gray trunk covered with sharp 6.25 cm spines.
What is the best Pachypodium to grow?
The species has become one of the best known pachypodiums in cultivation, being relatively easy to propagate and grow. In cultivation it is often marketed as the Madagascar palm, despite its not being a palm at all. A variety called "Ramosum" has been described.
Is Pachypodium lamerei a cactus?
The “Madagascar Palm” Pachypodium lamerei [pak-uh-PO-dee-um] [la-MER-ee-eye], is a flowering plant native to Africa the island of Madagascar. The Pachypodium lamerei plant is not a cactus or a palm tree but gets labeled as one.
Is a Madagascar palm a cactus?
Native to southern Madagascar, the Madagascar palm (Pachypodium lamerei) is a member of the succulent and cactus family. Even though this plant has the name “palm”, it is not actually a palm tree at all.
Is Pachypodium a euphorbia?
Malgache n.s., 24: 87 1942. Description: Euphorbia pachypodioides is a highly desirable species with high horticultural appeal. It forms short pachypodium-like stems with attractive bright red cyathia at the top and bright frosted blue leaves.
What kind of soil does Pachypodium need?
When it comes to Pachypodiums Brevicaule, you will need to plant it in extra well-draining soil. Otherwise, it will rot if you keep it in poorly draining soil. In that case, scoria, pumice, or perlite mixed in the sand and potting soil will be ideal for Pachypodiums Brevicaule.
Is Pachypodium poisonous?
Pachypodium (Apocynaceae) is a genus of iconic stem-succulent and poisonous plants endemic to Madagascar and southern Africa.
How big do Pachypodium get?
Pachypodium lamerei has a tall, silvery-gray trunk covered with sharp 6.25 cm spines. Long, narrow leaves grow only at the top of the trunk, like a palm tree. It rarely branches. Plants grown outdoors will reach up to 6 m (20 ft), but when grown indoors it will slowly reach 1.2–1.8 m (3.9–5.9 ft) tall.
When should I repot Pachypodium?
Repot every three to four years during the spring, using a 'Cactus & Succulent' labelled potting mix. Keep an eye out for Spider Mites, Mealybugs & Scale that'll hide in the plant's cubbyholes.
How do you take care of a Pachypodium plant?
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.
Is a Madagascar cactus poisonous?
Facts: All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested. Plant away from foot traffic because its spines are extremely sharp. Keep away from areas of activity, walkways, or areas where someone could get stabbed.
Is Pachypodium a succulent?
Despite its common name of Madagascar Palm (or a Pachy to its fans), the Pachypodium is actually a succulent and therefore more closely related to cacti than palms.
Why is my Madagascar palm dying?
The Madagascar Palm will lose its leaves if allowed to dry out completely. More bonsai die due to improper watering than any other cause. Do not water the tree if the soil is damp or cool. Bonsai generally need to be watered every couple of days, but there is no set schedule.
Where does Pachypodium grow?
Grow Pachypodium succulentum in a full sun position in well-drained soil and take care not to overwater or let it become waterlogged. It is best suited to a region with a dry winter, or it must be kept dry in winter to allow the soil to dry out during its dormant season.
Are Madagascar palms poisonous?
Although it's an attractive addition to your home, the Madagascar palm is considered toxic to both people and cats if ingested, and has dangerously sharp spines.
Are Madagascar palms poisonous to humans?
Facts: All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested. Plant away from foot traffic because its spines are extremely sharp. Keep away from areas of activity, walkways, or areas where someone could get stabbed.
How tall does a Madagascar palm get?
When grown outside, the Madagascar palm can reach up to 24 feet high, with a spiral of leaves at the top. However, it will remain much smaller when grown indoors, topping out a just 6 feet tall or less.
Do Madagascar palms have deep roots?
The Madagascar palm tree is a top-heavy plant with a thick stem and relatively small roots. While it's a slow grower, it can topple over when it gets too big, so repot it approximately every three years or whenever it outgrows its current container.
What does pachypodium mean?
Say: Pachypodium means "thick foot" and refers to the thick swollen stem which stores water and provides structure and strength to the plant. The swollen stem grows upwards with the leaves surrounding the crown gradually falling and then growing new ones as it ages.
Where do pachypodium leaves grow?
The leaves only grow around the top of the plant , as it ages it's normal therefore to see the lower leaves falling off a Pachypodium. In a short while new leaves will emerge from the crown to replace those which have fallen.
What is the difference between Pachypodium and Lamerei?
In general Pachypodium geayi has more of a metallic grey trunk, whereas the lamerei species is light grey with more green mixed in. They're sometimes confused with the Adenium (Desert Rose) but Pachypodium rarely flowers in cultivation and when compared side by side they are quite distinctive and different looking.
When to repot pachypodium?
They take considerable time to outgrow their pots, however you may choose to repot your Pachypodium if it starts to wobble or topple from becoming top-heavy.
Where does the Madagascar palm plant come from?
This striking houseplant hails from Madagascar and because it has leaves growing around the crown this combination gives rise to the common name of Madagascar Palm. Madagascar Palms can grow very tall, but even eventual giants need to start somewhere. Another houseplant that Dr Hessayon describes as "unusual rather than attractive" ...
Why is Madagascar Palm so rare?
The flowering of the Madagascar Palm is rare indoors because the plant needs to reach maturity and tall heights first. There are always exceptions of course and if you do achieve flowers they will be white, numerous and star-shaped.
Where are pachypodiums found?
The various species of Pachypodium are found in Africa and Madagascar.
When was Pachypodium cactipes first identified?
Pachypodium cactipes, a member of the genus Apocynaceae, was first identified in 1882. This plant has also carried the name P. rosulatum var. rosulatum, although some consider Pachypodium cactipes a separate form that occurs in the southern part of Madagascar.
What is the appearance of P. cactipes?
The general appearance of P. cactipes is a squat pachycaul with a smooth trunk that turns silver gray as it ages. There are weak, reddish, conical spines on the upper half of the plant. After the plant first flowers, it begins to branch until it forms a head of short, thick, tapered branches with groups of leaves sprouting from the tips of the branches.
When do P. cactipes bloom?
P. cactipes blooms in the late winter and early spring before the leaves appear. The open-faced canary yellow flowers occur at the end of long stalks.
Main species
It is a tree native to southwestern Madagascar. It has a greyish trunk, very spiny, with thin gray-green leaves.
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The Pachypodium, or paquipodiums as they are sometimes called, they are sun loving plants. They need to receive it throughout the day, directly. But be careful: if they are nursery acquisitions, you have to get used to them little by little and gradually to the star king, otherwise they will burn right away.
Earth
Flower pot: fill with porous substrate. Volcanic sands such as akadama or, above all, the pumice (which is also cheaper 😉) are ideal.
Irrigation
Irrigation must be very low: you only have to water each time the soil or substrate dries completely. You have to direct the water close to the trunk, and pour until all the soil / substrate is well moistened.
Subscriber
It is interesting to pay it in spring and summer with a fertilizer for cacti and succulents, following the indications specified on the product packaging.
Multiplication
The Pachypodium they multiply by seeds above all, in spring or summer. By cuttings it is also done, but it is more complicated.
Plagues and diseases
They are quite resistant in general. But cottony mealybugs and snails can be terrible, especially the latter. Fortunately, it can be treated with diatomaceous earth or potassium soap, even if the plant is young with a brush soaked in pharmacy alcohol, the problem is usually solved.
Where does Pachypodium lamerei come from?
lamerei. Binomial name. Pachypodium lamerei. Drake. Pachypodium lamerei is a species of flowering plant in the family Apocynaceae. It is a stem succulent, photosynthesizing mainly through its trunk, and comes from the island of Madagascar, off the east coast of Africa.
How tall is Pachypodium lamerei?
Long, narrow leaves grow only at the top of the trunk, like a palm tree. It rarely branches. Plants grown outdoors will reach up to 6 m (20 ft), but when grown indoors it will slowly reach 1.2–1.8 m (3.9–5.9 ft) tall.
Can Pachypodium lamerei be grown in full sun?
Pachypodium lamerei grows best in warm climates and full sun. It will not tolerate hard frosts, and will likely drop most of its leaves if exposed to even a light frost. It is easy to grow as a houseplant, if you can provide the sunlight it needs.
Why does pachypodium need water?
Since Pachypodium has a long growing phase, the plant needs abundant of water in growing . Its natural habitat has shaped the plant to be able to store as much water as possible when it rains.
How big does Pachypodium lamerei grow?
However, it can grow up to 1.8 meters indoor, so you may want to consider the space before choosing the plant. Here are some tips that may be useful before you start growing your own Pachypodium lamerei:
What is the name of the palm in Madagascar?
Growing Pachypodium Lamerei, the Famous Madagascar Palm. May 3, 2021 by Shiny Aura. If you are interested in keeping a houseplant that is easy to grow, Pachypodium lamerei is the one to choose. Also known as Madagascar Palm or Madagascar cactus plant, the plant indeed comes from Madagascar, but it is not a palm at all.
How does Pachypodium lamerei survive?
Pachypodium survives in its natural habitat by absorbing water from rains that are rather a seldom occasion in Madagascar. Its thorns have a specific function of keeping water so that it can survive in dry season. In growing Pachypodium lamerei, pay attention to these three aspects: 1. Light.
Why is my pachypodium brown?
The problem would also occur when you wait for too long before you water the plant. The soil would be dry and the Pachypodium would not have any water left to reserve. Eventually, the plant would turn brown and may die.
What does a cucumber seed look like?
The seed would look like a cucumber and you can carefully place it onto another pot and grow some more.
Can a dog touch a Madagascar palm?
If you do have a curious pet like cat or dog, beware that they may touch the plants’ thorns and get hurt. You may also want to keep the children away from the spine and milky sap that makes the Madagascar palm poisonous. Pachypodium lamerei is the only species of the plant in its genus that is kept as a houseplant.
