Madagascar Palm

Madagascar Palm (Pachypodium baronii) is not a palm at all. It is a succulent that builds a swollen bottle shaped trunk armed with spines, topped by a crown of glossy green leaves and, on mature plants, vivid red flowers. In cultivation it settles at around 1.5m tall and 0.8m across, which makes it a sculptural feature for a pot, a rockery or a bright indoor corner. Handle it with respect: the spines are sharp and the milky sap is toxic.

Why you'll love it

• A living sculpture. The fat caudex and bare spined trunk give it the look of a piece of art rather than a plant, particularly in a plain pot.
• Red flowers you will not expect. Mature plants carry bright red blooms with a pale throat, unusual among succulents of this form.
• Almost no watering. Drought tolerant and heat tolerant, it stores its own water and suffers far more from too much than too little.
• Slow and predictable. It will not outgrow its position or need repotting every year, and it is uncommon enough that most visitors will ask what it is.

Where it works best

Pots and containers. The best option for most of the country. Use a heavy pot 300mm or wider with cactus and succulent mix, and stand it where the shape reads against a plain wall.

Feature planting and rockeries. In tropical, subtropical and arid gardens it can go into the ground among gravel and rock, raised so water drains away.

Indoors. A bright position within a metre of a north or east facing window suits it. In poor light it stretches and loses the compact trunk worth growing it for.

Growing Madagascar Palm in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun outdoors, or the brightest available light indoors. It grows in tropical, subtropical, arid and semi arid, and warm temperate gardens, and is frost tender. In cool districts keep it potted and move it into a bright dry spot before winter.

Soil. Free draining cactus and succulent mix, or coarse sandy soil with gravel in the ground. Ordinary potting mix holds too much water and rots the caudex from the base.

Water and feed. Water thoroughly, then wait until the mix is completely dry before watering again, usually every two to three weeks in summer. Through the cooler months, when it drops its leaves and rests, water only enough to stop the trunk shrivelling. Feed once in early spring with a low nitrogen succulent fertiliser.

Pruning. None required. Remove yellowing leaves by hand and wear gloves, because the spines are stiff and the milky sap irritates skin and eyes.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown in tube stock, so you are buying a young plant with a small developing caudex and a modest head of leaves. Being slow growing, it takes several years to build the thick trunk seen in photographs, and flowering comes only at real size.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95 and a minimum order of $300 before delivery. Pot it up on arrival into dry cactus mix and wait a week before watering, which lets disturbed roots seal. Every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the full succulent collection.
• Read our guide to low maintenance cacti for a front facade.
• Compare succulents for hot climates.
• See what else suits growing in pots.

Common questions

Is it really a palm?

No. The common name comes from the leafy crown on a bare trunk, but it is a succulent in the frangipani family. Its care has nothing in common with a true palm.

Is it toxic?

Yes. The milky sap is toxic if swallowed and irritates skin and eyes, and the trunk carries sharp spines. Keep it away from pets and small children and wear gloves when handling it.

Why has it lost its leaves?

It is deciduous in its resting season and normally drops its leaves as temperatures and watering drop. Keep it dry and warm, and the crown will reshoot in spring.