Madagascar palm care: watering, light and repotting
Also called pachypodium · Pachypodium lamerei · Apocynaceae family
30 d in winter
How often to water the Madagascar palm?
Allow about 10 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 30 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
Not a palm but a spiny succulent. It often loses its leaves in winter: water very little then.
What light does it need?
The Madagascar palm loves the sun: a south- or west-facing window suits it, ideally less than 3 ft (1 m) from the glass. Without enough light, the stems stretch and growth slows down.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 3 years, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from May to July, feeding every 30 days is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 2–5 ft (60 cm–1.5 m).
Toxic to pets and children. Keep this plant out of reach and, if it is eaten, contact a vet or a poison control centre.
Common problems
Leaves dropping in winter
Cause: Normal rest. What to do: Water less until new growth appears.
Soft trunk
Cause: Too much water. What to do: Let it dry out completely, somewhere warm.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the Madagascar palm?
About every 10 days in spring and summer, and every 30 days in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the Madagascar palm?
The Madagascar palm loves the sun: a south- or west-facing window suits it, ideally less than 3 ft (1 m) from the glass. Without enough light, the stems stretch and growth slows down.
Should you mist the Madagascar palm?
There's no need: indoor air suits it. Wetting its leaves for no reason can even encourage disease.
When should you repot the Madagascar palm?
Every 3 years, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the Madagascar palm safe?
The Madagascar palm is toxic to pets and to children if eaten. Keep the plant out of reach and, if it's eaten, call a vet or a poison control centre.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Fairly: the Madagascar palm needs a little attention, mostly with watering and light. Nothing complicated with a reminder at the right time.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.