Pachypodium windsorii care guide
Pachypodium baronii var. windsorii
Also known as: Pachypodium baronii var. windsorii
Pets and children
Caution advised
The sap is considered poisonous and may cause vomiting if chewed, and the trunk and branches are sharply spined; keep it out of reach and consult a veterinarian or doctor if eaten.
How often to water Pachypodium windsorii
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 10 days
- A summer grower: start once it is properly warm and the leaves are moving, then water after the soil has dried through, as a guide.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 14 days
- It feels the cold early, so cut back sooner: as a guide, water on a warm morning one to two weeks after the soil dries.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 30 days
- Keep it almost dry once leafless, lightly moistening the surface about once a month in a warm room.
Light and placement for Pachypodium windsorii
In the growing season, generally full sun outdoors under rain cover; from northern Madagascar, it thrives in heat, and without enough sun and airflow the trunk stays thin and the red flowers are scarce.
Overwintering Pachypodium windsorii
Overwintering guide: 10°C (50°F) or above
Among the most cold-tender pachypodiums: as a guide, bring it in when nights fall below 15°C and keep it above 10°C at a bright window in a heated room, adjusting to the plant and conditions.
Fertilizing and repotting Pachypodium windsorii
Fertilizer
About once a month from June to September while in full leaf, give diluted liquid fertilizer, with none at sprouting, near leaf drop or in dormancy.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Pachypodium windsorii
- Kept below 10°C in winter, the roots and trunk are damaged and it fails to sprout in spring.
- Watered while it is still cool, it rots from the base.
- Too little sun stretches the branches and stops flowering.
Tips for growing Pachypodium windsorii
- In spring, resume watering once nights hold steady at about 15°C.
- Use a fast-draining mix and repot in the warmth of May to July so the roots establish.
- In winter, keep the pot off the floor, on a shelf or other spot that stays warmer.
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.
