Madagascar Plam, Pachypodium lamerei- Cactus

Plant Description

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.  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. This Succulent 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. 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.

Planting And Care

Sunlight

• Natural direct or indirect light is ideal for plant growth. However before changing the plant indoor or outdoor let the plant slowly adapt to the new light conditions.

Soil

• Soil should be well drain and porus.
• Mulch the plant during winters or bring it indoors to protect it from cold and frost.

Watering

• Poke your finger/plain small stick into the soil to check the moisture.
• In growing season water once a week.
• Apply 1 cup (Approx. 50 ml) water when the top soil (3-4 inch) in pot feels dry to touch.
• Apply water probably in the morning or evening time.
• Do not overwater the plant.
• As a rule of thumb, water the plant thoroughly in the summer and reduce watering in winter and rainy season.

Application of Fertilizer

• Before application of fertilizer loosen the topsoil without disturbing the roots of the plant so it can uptake the nutrients and moisture.
• During the main growing season (January-March) feed the plant with organic fertilizer once a month.
• Apply water immediately after application of fertilizer.

Plant Protection

• Remove dead, infected or damaged plant parts and discard them away from the plants.
• For any insect attack or disease, you can use Neem oil, Eucalyptus oil or Citrus oil spray for primary treatment.

Special Feature

It is drought tolerant plant.