Madagascar Palm

A tropical-looking trunk plant that thrives on neglect. The Madagascar palm (Pachypodium lamerei) has a thick, silvery, spiny trunk topped by a rosette of long green leaves. It is not a true palm. It is a succulent that stores water in its trunk, which is why it forgives missed waterings and dry indoor air. This page covers Madagascar palm care, from sun to size.

Why you'll like it

It gives you the look of a small palm with a sculptural, desert-meets-jungle trunk. It grows slowly, so it stays a manageable size for years, and it asks for very little as long as it gets plenty of sun and does not sit in wet soil.

What you get

A live Madagascar palm in a 4" grower's nursery pot. The trunk is covered in sharp spines, so handle it with care.

. The trunk stores water, so it prefers to be a little dry rather than wet. Use a gritty, fast-draining mix.

How big will a Madagascar palm get?
It grows slowly, reaching several feet over many years indoors. A bright window and a larger pot as it grows will keep it healthy.

Can a Madagascar palm take full sun?
Yes, once it is used to it. Move it into stronger sun gradually, because a sudden change can scorch the leaves.

What are the common problems with Madagascar palms?
The usual causes are too much water, which can rot the trunk, and too little light, which makes the plant leggy. Leaf drop in winter is normal, since the plant slows down and needs very little water.

Is a Madagascar palm a real palm?
No. Despite the name, it is a succulent. It looks like a palm because the leaves grow in a crown at the top of a single trunk.