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Pachypodium lamerei “Madagascar Palm”

The Pachypodium lamerei “Madagascar Palm” can reach 8 m high. Its trunk is thick, wider in the base of up to 90 cm in diameter. 

It is a slow-growing plant that is used as isolated specimens in the garden.

The leaves, up to 40 cm long, are located at the top of the floor. 

Lower leaves they fall as the stem grows, leaving a small scar below the areola from where three long and strong thorns arise.

These spiny groups are arranged in lines diagonals along the entire trunk.

The flowers, about 8 cm, are white and arise from the apex of the branches. 

The flowers are arranged in numerous inflorescences at the apex of the stem.

The inflorescences have an evident floral stem and they can generate more than 10 flowers, they present 5 white petals, the yellow-green center and an obvious floral chalice.

Flowering usually occurs in spring and summer; only the plants of great stature that grow on the mainland they flourish, that is,

it is unlikely that plants planted in pots achieve flowering.

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Tips to take care of the Pachypodium lamerei “Madagascar Palm”

Illumination

This plant likes to receive a lot of direct sun for optimal growth and health. 

It is essential to good lighting. 

In places with a lot of shade the leaves they can fall and the plant will die. 

It is not recommended as a houseplant.

Temperatures

The temperature for this plant should always be above 15 ° C at night and above 30 ° C during daylight hours.

Its optimum range would be 20-40 ° C. 

Temperatures by below 15 ° C cause the foliage to fall immediately and consequently, the death of the plant.

 

It is very susceptible to low temperatures, since the moisture can cause fungus formation or rot of the roots of the plant.

Substratum

You need a very permeable substrate to get a better result.

It is best to use a quality substrate for plants Succulent and cactus. 

In case of no have quality substrates, you must provide a substrate based on coarse sand, gravel and some soil (very little).

Pots should always have the drain hole to the substrate dries quickly. 

If you want to sow in firm land it is recommended to locate the plant on land inclined to allow better water drainage.

Irrigation Frequency

In very hot seasons you should water so that the substrate remains slightly moist. 

Unlike other succulents, the roots can be damaged if they remain dry for a long time, requiring irrigation to give them permanent moisture. 

In times where low temperatures predominate you should water only when the substrate layer is dry.

Plagues and diseases

It is frequently attacked by pests such as annoying mealybugs. 

These should be carefully removed manually (be careful with the thorns) with a rod or with the help of a pressurized water jet (remember that this water can cause excessive watering, do it with caution).

You can also use specific insecticides. The main pathologies suffered by this species is the fall of the foliage due to excess water or low temperatures and compaction of the stem by poor lighting.

Multiplication

From seeds or through cuttings of stems that we can obtain from branched and large plants.

Fertilizer

We can pay monthly with a specific mineral fertilizer for cacti in spring and summer.

Pachypodium lamerei “Madagascar Palm” is a very beautiful plant to have in our garden or patio. 

It is an easy plant to care for and does not require much maintenance, it just needs good sun and be careful to water it especially in winter times.

It is an ideal plant both for beginners in the world of succulents and cacti, as well as for collections and experts in the cultivation of succulents.