Madagascar Palm – A Spiky Statement Plant with Tropical Flair

Despite its name, the Madagascar Palm (*Pachypodium lamerei*) isn’t a palm at all—it’s a spiny succulent from the dry forests of southern Madagascar. With its dramatic bottle-shaped trunk and tropical-looking leaves that cluster at the crown, this plant brings exotic appeal to any garden or indoor collection.

In Australian climates, the Madagascar Palm thrives in pots, rock gardens, and xeriscapes where heat and sun are plentiful. It’s especially suited to subtropical and warm temperate regions such as Queensland, Western Australia, and northern New South Wales. Although slow-growing, it can eventually reach heights of 1.5–2.5 m in pots, or up to 4 m when planted in the ground in ideal conditions.

The thick, grey-green trunk is covered in sharp spines, which help reduce water loss and offer natural protection. During warmer months, the plant produces long, narrow leaves at its top, creating a palm-like silhouette. While it may appear tough and rugged, the Madagascar Palm is surprisingly easy to grow—requiring minimal watering, excellent drainage, and full sun to partial shade.

How to Grow Pachypodium lamerei (Madagascar Palm Plant) in Australia

*Pachypodium lamerei* is a drought-tolerant species ideal for containers, feature beds, and dry garden designs. Its unusual growth form, with a narrow base and thickened trunk that stores water, makes it visually striking and highly functional in water-wise gardens. Indoors, it prefers a sunny position—ideally near a north-facing window—where it can soak up warmth and light throughout the day.

While it is often mistaken for a cactus or palm, it’s actually a stem succulent related to desert roses and other members of the *Apocynaceae* family. As a houseplant, it becomes a conversation piece due to its alien-like trunk and towering posture. Outdoors, it makes an excellent focal point when grown in well-drained soil alongside agaves, euphorbias, or native drought-resistant shrubs.

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How to Care for a Madagascar Palm Plant in Australia

The Madagascar Palm is one of the easiest statement plants to maintain—perfect for gardeners who love bold structure without high upkeep. As a sun-loving succulent, it thrives with the right balance of light, warmth, and drainage. Here’s a complete breakdown of how to grow it successfully in Australian gardens or containers:

Light: This plant thrives in full sun but can tolerate part shade. For the richest growth and compact form, provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Indoors, place near a north- or west-facing window. Low light causes thin, stretched stems and sparse foliage.
Watering: Like most succulents, the Madagascar Palm prefers to dry out between waterings. In summer, water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry—every 2–3 weeks is typical. In winter, reduce to once a month or less, as it enters dormancy and may drop its leaves.
Soil: Use a cactus and succulent mix that drains rapidly. You can make your own blend with potting soil, coarse sand, and pumice or perlite. Avoid heavy or water-retentive soil to prevent root rot.
Temperature: Ideal temperature range is 20–30 °C. This plant is frost-sensitive, so in southern states like VIC or TAS, grow it in pots and move indoors during winter or protect with fleece if outdoors.
Humidity: Prefers dry air. Do not mist the plant or keep it in overly humid rooms like bathrooms.
Fertilising: Feed once a month during the growing season (spring to early autumn) with a balanced fertiliser. Overfeeding can lead to weak, elongated growth. Always water first before fertilising to prevent root burn.

When grown outdoors, the Madagascar Palm benefits from occasional pruning to remove dead leaves or flower stalks. Indoors, rotate the pot regularly to promote even growth. Use gloves when handling due to its sharp spines, and always keep it away from high-traffic areas where it could cause injury.

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Propagation, Safety & Common Questions About the Madagascar Palm

While the Madagascar Palm rarely produces offsets, propagation is possible via cuttings—but only with care. It’s not a beginner-friendly propagation plant, as it exudes a white, latex-like sap when cut and may take weeks or months to root.

Propagation by Stem Cuttings

Wait until late spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing.
Use a sterile saw or knife to cut the top 20–30 cm of the trunk (only on mature plants).
Let the cutting dry and callous for 7–10 days in a warm, dry place.
Plant it upright in coarse cactus mix and water sparingly until rooted (6–12 weeks).

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Madagascar Palms poisonous? Yes. The white sap inside the stem is toxic if ingested and can irritate the skin or eyes. Keep away from pets and children. Use gloves when handling or cutting.
How big do Madagascar Palms get? In pots, they usually reach 1.5–2.5 m. In the ground, they may grow up to 4–5 m over many years in warm climates.
How fast do Madagascar Palms grow? Growth is slow to moderate. Expect around 10–20 cm per year in ideal outdoor conditions. Growth slows in cooler climates or indoors.
Can you cut a Madagascar Palm? Yes, but only mature plants should be pruned. Cutting the top can encourage branching or be used for propagation. Always allow cuts to callous fully before replanting.
Why is my Madagascar Palm dropping its leaves? It’s likely going into winter dormancy. Leaf drop is normal during cooler months and not usually a cause for concern. Reduce watering and wait for spring regrowth.

To support strong upright growth and thick trunk development, feed monthly during active growth with CompleteGrow All Purpose Liquid Fertiliser (NPK 20-20-20) at half strength. Apply only to moist soil and reduce to zero during winter dormancy.