Moderate Succulent Toxic to pets

Madagascar Palm

Pachypodium lamerei

A striking tree-like succulent with a thick, spiny trunk topped by a crown of long, narrow leaves and fragrant white flowers.

The essentials at a glance

Watering

Every 7 days
Light

Full sun
Humidity

30–50 %
Temperature

24–32 °C

How to care for your Madagascar Palm

Everything you need to keep your Madagascar Palm healthy: watering, light, humidity, feeding, repotting and pruning.

Endemic to Madagascar, *Pachypodium lamerei* is a dramatic and architectural succulent often nicknamed the 'Madagascar Palm' due to its palm-like silhouette. It develops a thick, silvery-gray trunk densely covered with formidable, sharp spines, from which long, narrow, glossy green leaves emerge in a terminal rosette at the apex. In warm, sunny conditions, mature plants can produce large, fragrant, white, trumpet-shaped flowers with yellow centers, particularly during the summer. This plant thrives in bright light and warm temperatures, and like other Pachypodiums, it stores water in its caudex-like trunk to endure dry periods. All parts of the plant contain a milky white sap that is irritating and mildly toxic, so handling with care is essential.

Watering your Madagascar Palm

Every 7 days

Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry to the touch during the active growing season. Keep almost completely dry during winter dormancy when leaves may drop.

How to know it needs water

Soil is completely dry to the touch throughout the pot
Trunk may feel slightly softer or leaves may start to yellow/drop during dormancy

How much light a Madagascar Palm needs

Full sun

Full sun. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for robust growth and to prevent legginess.

Direct sun tolerated: 6 to 12 h a day
Orientations that suit it: South, South-east, South-west, East, West

Humidity and misting

30–50 %

Low; prefers dry, warm conditions. Misting is not necessary and can lead to fungal issues.

Feeding and fertiliser

Every 30 days

Fertilize monthly during the active growing season (spring and summer). Reduce or stop entirely in fall and winter.

Recommended feed: Balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength. · 5-10-5

Repotting your Madagascar Palm

Every 24 months

Repot into a slightly larger container with fresh, well-draining succulent potting mix. Handle carefully to avoid the sharp spines and wear gloves for protection against the sap.

When: Spring
Potting mix: Cactus and succulent mix
Mix in: perlite, pumice, coarse sand

The tell-tale signs

Plant is root-bound with roots growing out of drainage holes
Growth has slowed significantly
Pot is outgrown by the trunk

Pruning your Madagascar Palm

Rarely pruned. Remove any dead or severely damaged leaves or branches as needed. Use sharp, sterile pruners. Wear gloves and eye protection when pruning to avoid contact with the sap.

Through the year

Watering is not set once and for all: it follows the light and the growth. Allow 18 days between waterings in the depth of winter, against 6 in the growing season.

18 J
18 F
13 M
7 A
6 M
6 J
6 J
6 A
7 S
11 O
14 N
18 D

Active growth · Days between waterings

Toxicity

All parts of the plant, especially the milky white sap, are mildly to moderately toxic. The sap can cause skin irritation, redness, and eye pain. Ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea). Handle with care and wear gloves.

Good to know

Despite its common name, it is a succulent, not a true palm. It belongs to the same family as the Desert Rose (Adenium).
Its trunk is covered in formidable, sharp spines that grow in rings.
It can grow quite tall, reaching heights of several meters in its natural habitat or in optimal outdoor conditions.

Frequently asked questions about the Madagascar Palm

How do you care for a Madagascar Palm?

Water it every 7 days. Give it full sun. Ideal humidity: 30–50 %. Ideal temperature: 24–32 °C. Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry to the touch during the active growing season. Keep almost completely dry during winter dormancy when leaves may drop.

How often should you water a Madagascar Palm?

Every 7 days Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry to the touch during the active growing season. Keep almost completely dry during winter dormancy when leaves may drop. How to know it needs water : Soil is completely dry to the touch throughout the pot ; Trunk may feel slightly softer or leaves may start to yellow/drop during dormancy.

How much light does a Madagascar Palm need?

Full sun Full sun. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for robust growth and to prevent legginess. 6 to 12 h a day

Is the Madagascar Palm toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. All parts of the plant, especially the milky white sap, are mildly to moderately toxic. The sap can cause skin irritation, redness, and eye pain. Ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea). Handle with care and wear gloves. Keep it out of reach of your pets and call a vet if any is swallowed.

Why are my Madagascar Palm leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing most often comes from too much water: the mix stays wet and the roots suffocate. Check that the pot drains, empty the saucer, and let the mix dry before watering again. Too little light or a cold draught cause the same symptom.

When should you repot a Madagascar Palm?

Repot every 24 months, ideally in spring. Repot into a slightly larger container with fresh, well-draining succulent potting mix. Handle carefully to avoid the sharp spines and wear gloves for protection against the sap.