Madagascar palm care guide
Pachypodium lamerei
Also known as: Club foot, Pachypodium lamerei
Pets and children
Caution advised
The sap is considered poisonous and may cause vomiting if chewed, and the long trunk spines wound; keep it out of reach and see a veterinarian (or a doctor, for a child) if eaten.
How often to water Madagascar palm
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 7 days
- A summer grower that drinks freely while in leaf: as a guide, water thoroughly whenever the surface dries, midsummer included.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 14 days
- When it cools and the lower leaves yellow, water about a week after the soil dries, as a guide.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 30 days
- Once leafless, keep it nearly dry with a light moistening about once a month; if it holds leaves in a warm room, give a little a few days after the soil dries.
Light and placement for Madagascar palm
Generally full sun and moving air, outdoors from spring to fall; it manages at a bright indoor window, but in dim light the trunk stays thin and the leaves sparse.
Overwintering Madagascar palm
Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above
As a guide, move it to a bright window indoors when nights fall below about 10°C; above 5°C it drops its leaves and rests, but cold plus wet soil rots the trunk, so keep it dry.
Fertilizing and repotting Madagascar palm
Fertilizer
Slow-release fertilizer every two months or diluted liquid feed about once or twice a month from April to September; it grows fast, so do not overdo it, and none in winter.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Madagascar palm
- Winter leaf drop is mistaken for dying, and extra water rots the trunk.
- In a dim room the trunk grows thin and leaves remain only at the tip.
- Handled bare-handed, the long spines draw blood.
Tips for growing Madagascar palm
- Leaf drop from fall into winter signals dormancy; new leaves appear at the tip when spring warms.
- Repot with thick gloves, holding the trunk wrapped in newspaper.
- It grows fast: when roots show at the drainage hole, move it up one pot size in spring.
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.
