Pachypodium rosulatum care guide
Pachypodium rosulatum
Also known as: Rosulatum, Elephant's foot plant
Pets and children
Caution advised
The sap is considered poisonous and may cause vomiting if chewed, and the branches and trunk are spiny; keep it out of reach and see a veterinarian (or a doctor, for a child) if eaten.
How often to water Pachypodium rosulatum
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 7 days
- A summer grower: while it is leafy, water thoroughly after checking the pot has dried through, as a guide, and hold back before growth starts.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 14 days
- As the leaves yellow, taper off and water about 10 to 14 days after the soil dries, as a guide.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 30 days
- After leaf drop keep it almost dry, lightly moistening the soil surface about once a month.
Light and placement for Pachypodium rosulatum
Generally a sunny spot all year, outdoors under a rain cover from spring to fall; as the branches spread sideways, turning the pot now and then lights the whole plant.
Overwintering Pachypodium rosulatum
Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above
As a guide, move it to a sunny place indoors when nights reach about 10°C and keep it above 5°C; leaf drop signals dormancy, so stop watering, giving a little only to plants that keep leaves.
Fertilizing and repotting Pachypodium rosulatum
Fertilizer
A small dose of slow-release fertilizer at spring repotting, topped up with diluted liquid feed about once a month from June to August; none while leafless.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Pachypodium rosulatum
- Watered on through the leafless season, the caudex rots.
- Kept indoors with too little light, the branches grow thin and long.
- Kept too dry in summer, the trunk wrinkles and the leaves drop.
Tips for growing Pachypodium rosulatum
- Flower stalks may rise before the leaves in spring, a sign that growth has started.
- A root-bound pot wets poorly, so repot about every two to three years.
- Varieties and individual plants differ, so adjust care to your conditions.
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.
