Scientific Name
Pachypodium lamerei 'Cristatum'
Accepted Scientific Name
Pachypodium lamerei Drake
Common Name(s)
Madagascar Palm
Synonym(s)
Pachypodium lamerei f. cristatum
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Apocynoideae
Tribe: Malouetieae
Genus: Pachypodium
Origin
Pachypodium lamerei 'Cristatum' is a form of Pachypodium lamerei selected for its crested growth.
Description
Pachypodium lamerei 'Cristatum' is a fascinating semi-deciduous succulent that creates beautiful sculptural forms as it grows. The crested stem is thick, silver-gray, and covered with sharp spines. The leaves are green and mainly arranged along the top of the stem. The spines can grow up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) long.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Madagascar Palm is not difficult to grow as a houseplant as long as it receives enough light and is planted in well-draining soil. To avoid root rot, be sure to place the plant in a container with drainage holes.
This plant requires bright light and fairly warm temperatures. Place your Madagascar Palm outdoors during daylight hours when weather is above 70 °F (21 °C). It requires full sunlight to thrive. Keep it near a window with access to as much sunlight as possible when it is not outdoors.
Give the plant water when the surface soil is dry. Like many other plants, you can water less in the winter. Water the plant just enough to keep the soil from drying out.
Use a diluted houseplant fertilizer at the beginning of spring and summer. If Madagascar Palm is happy and healthy, it will grow about 12 inches (30 cm) a year and blooms profusely.
Remove the damaged parts if your palm shows signs of disease or pest infestation. Leaf drop in winter is perfectly normal. Madagascar Palm may even drop all its leaves. But don't worry. It'll grow more leaves in spring when it gets the sunshine and warmth it loves. When it comes out of dormancy and you see new leaves growing, that's your cue to resume regular watering and fertilizing.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Pachypodium.
Links
- Back to genus Pachypodium
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
