Pachypodium bispinosum care guide
Pachypodium bispinosum
Also known as: Bispinosum
Pets and children
Caution advised
The sap is considered poisonous and may cause vomiting if chewed, and the branches bear paired sharp spines; keep it out of reach and consult a veterinarian or doctor if eaten.
How often to water Pachypodium bispinosum
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 7 days
- A summer grower: while in leaf, water thoroughly once the soil has dried through, as a guide, and only lightly in early spring before it sprouts.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 14 days
- When the leaves begin to color, wait about a week after the soil dries, as a guide.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 30 days
- Nearly dry once leafless, with a light moistening about once a month so the thin branches do not shrivel.
Light and placement for Pachypodium bispinosum
As a guide, give it long hours of direct sun outdoors from spring to fall; this South African species takes sun and heat well and flowers pale pink in spring when well lit, but keep it airy and out of long rains.
Overwintering Pachypodium bispinosum
Overwintering guide: 3°C (37°F) or above
Among the hardier pachypodiums, but keep it from frost: as a guide, move it to a bright sheltered or indoor spot when nights fall below 5°C, and kept dry it takes about 3°C, depending on plant size and conditions.
Fertilizing and repotting Pachypodium bispinosum
Fertilizer
While in leaf from May to September, diluted liquid fertilizer about every two to three weeks; stop when the leaves begin to drop.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Pachypodium bispinosum
- Watered at the same pace after leaf drop, the caudex rots.
- Too little sun gives lanky branches and no flowers.
- Kept bone dry all winter, the thin branches die back.
Tips for growing Pachypodium bispinosum
- The caudex fattens underground, so some growers raise it a little at each repotting to show it.
- Cutting back long branches in spring gives more branching and a tidier shape.
- A fast-draining mix and a fairly deep pot give the caudex room to grow.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
