Madagascar Palm

Plant Type: Succulents
Plant Height: 4-6 feet
Spread: 2-3 feet
Flower Color: white or pale yellow
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Pachypodium lamerei (Madagascar Palm) – A Striking, Drought-Tolerant Succulent for Arizona Landscapes

Pachypodium lamerei, commonly known as the Madagascar Palm, is a visually striking succulent native to Madagascar, though it is not a true palm. This plant is known for its thick, spiny trunk and lush, palm-like leaves. Indoors, it typically grows to 4 to 6 feet, while in its natural habitat, it can reach even greater heights.

Key Features of Pachypodium lamerei:

• Thick, Spiny Trunk: The Madagascar Palm features a thick, rugged trunk lined with sharp spines that serve as a water reservoir, helping the plant thrive in arid environments.
• Palm-Like Foliage: Atop the trunk, the plant sports long, narrow, glossy green leaves clustered at the top, giving it a palm-like appearance, despite not being a true palm.
• Drought Tolerant: This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring minimal water, making it ideal for xeriscaping and low-water-use gardens in Arizona.

Perfect for Xeriscaping and Container Gardens

The Madagascar Palm is an excellent choice for xeriscaping, rock gardens, or as a container plant indoors or outdoors. Its exotic, tropical look and drought tolerance make it a standout in desert landscapes.

• Minimal Maintenance: Pachypodium lamerei is drought-tolerant and prefers full sun with well-drained soil. It requires minimal watering, making it a low-maintenance option for water-efficient gardens.
• Exotic Appeal: With its spiny trunk and lush foliage, the Madagascar Palm adds an exotic, tropical touch to gardens or indoor plant collections, perfect for Arizona's dry climate.
• Compact & Decorative: Growing up to 6 feet tall indoors, the Madagascar Palm makes a striking ornamental plant for patios, balconies, or indoor spaces.

Why Choose Pachypodium lamerei for Your Arizona Garden?

• Drought Tolerant: Perfect for xeriscaping and low-water-use landscapes, the Madagascar Palm thrives in arid environments, making it ideal for Arizona’s dry climate.
• Palm-Like Aesthetic: Its lush, palm-like foliage combined with the spiny, sculptural trunk adds a tropical flair to rock gardens, desert landscapes, and container displays.
• Low-Maintenance: With its drought tolerance, minimal watering needs, and adaptability to full sun, this plant is perfect for busy gardeners or those seeking low-maintenance plants.

Blooming and Care

Although it rarely blooms indoors, when the Madagascar Palm does flower, it produces attractive white or pale yellow blooms at the top of the plant, typically during the summer months. The plant’s low water requirements and ability to thrive in full sun make it easy to care for in desert landscapes or container gardens.

Planting & Care Tips

Pachypodium lamerei thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between watering. Protect the plant from frost, as it is not frost-tolerant, and consider bringing it indoors during cold winters to keep it healthy. Due to its sharp spines, place the plant away from high-traffic areas, especially in homes with children or pets.

The Pachypodium lamerei (Madagascar Palm) is a striking, drought-tolerant succulent that adds both exotic beauty and practicality to Arizona landscapes. Its spiny trunk, palm-like leaves, and low water requirements make it a valuable addition to xeriscaping, rock gardens, and container plantings in the Phoenix Valley.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Madagascar Palm

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 6-8 feet apart to accommodate its palm-like form and allow for air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Madagascar Palm requires no staking and grows as a small tree with thick, fleshy trunks

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 4-5 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 2-3 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Madagascar Palm is considered established after 4-6 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 14-21 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 10-14 days. Provide 3-4 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 4-6 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 18-24 inches away from the base of the plant for deep watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 2-4 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 2-3 emitters per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering to every 10-14 days. In winter, reduce to every 4-6 weeks