Pachypodium 'lamerei' (Madagascar Palm)

The Madagascar Palm (Pachypodium lamerei) is an extraordinary succulent that transforms any bright room into an exotic desert oasis. You will want this striking architectural wonder in your home because its thick, silver trunk covered in dramatic spines and topped with a lush canopy of green leaves makes for an unforgettable conversation piece. Indoors, this slow-growing showstopper typically reaches a majestic 4 to 6 feet tall, making it a magnificent floor plant for a sun-drenched corner. To keep its canopy full and its trunk sturdy, you need to provide it with the brightest light possible; a south-facing or west-facing window where it can soak up direct sunlight is absolute perfection. It is important to note that because of its sharp spines and toxic sap, this bold beauty is not pet-safe, so you must place it securely out of reach of your curious cats and dogs.

Caring for your Madagascar Palm is a lesson in the beautiful resilience of desert plants. The secret to a thriving Pachypodium is treating it like the succulent it truly is, rather than a traditional palm tree. You must plant it in a coarse, well-draining cactus potting mix and wait until the soil is entirely dry from top to bottom before watering. When you do water, give it a deep, thorough soak until moisture runs out the drainage holes, which encourages a strong root system while preventing the dreaded root rot. Do not be alarmed if it drops a few leaves during the shorter, cooler days of winter; this is a natural resting phase, and you should simply reduce watering until new growth appears in the spring. Give it abundant sunshine and a careful watering routine, and this rugged survivor will boldly anchor your indoor garden for decades.

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