Pachypodium densiflorum care guide
Pachypodium densiflorum
Also known as: Densiflorum
Pets and children
Caution advised
The sap is considered poisonous and may cause vomiting if chewed, and the branch spines wound; keep it out of reach and see a veterinarian (or a doctor, for a child) if eaten.
How often to water Pachypodium densiflorum
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 10 days
- A summer grower: start watering once new growth moves in spring, as a guide, then water thoroughly whenever the soil has dried through while it is in leaf.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 14 days
- When the lower leaves begin to yellow, water roughly ten days after the soil dries, as a guide.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 30 days
- Dry once the leaves drop, with a light moistening about once a month on a warm day.
Light and placement for Pachypodium densiflorum
Generally a sunny, airy spot outdoors out of the rain from spring to fall; sun and wind keep the branches short and thicken the base, while indoors it tends to stretch.
Overwintering Pachypodium densiflorum
Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above
Tender: as a guide, move it to a sunny indoor window before nights fall below about 10°C, hold it above 5°C, and rest it dry once it has dropped its leaves.
Fertilizing and repotting Pachypodium densiflorum
Fertilizer
Diluted liquid feed about once a month from May to September while in leaf, kept light since too much stretches the branches, and none while dormant.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Pachypodium densiflorum
- Watered in dormancy, the base rots and the body softens.
- Short of light, the branches stretch and the base stays thin.
- Moved suddenly into spring sun, the new growth and skin scorch.
Tips for growing Pachypodium densiflorum
- It branches readily, and the yellow flowers at the branch tips multiply with age.
- Waiting for the leaves before watering avoids most root rot.
- Repot in May or June as the leaves start moving, into a fast-drying mix.
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.
