Pachypodium lamerei (Madagascar Palm)

Despite its common name, the Pachypodium lamerei is not a true palm. It is actually a succulent that stores water in its thick, spiny stem, which allows it to thrive in dry conditions.

This plant thrives in direct sunlight. Place it in your sunniest window, such as a south-facing exposure, to ensure it maintains its architectural shape and doesn't become leggy.

No, the Madagascar Palm is toxic to pets. It contains a latex sap that can cause irritation if ingested or if it comes into contact with the skin, so it is best kept in a location out of reach of curious animals.

As a drought-tolerant succulent, this plant prefers to dry out completely between waterings. During the active growing season, water sparingly, and reduce watering significantly during the winter months when the plant is dormant.

Your plant arrives established in its pot with appropriate soil, so no immediate repotting is necessary. When you do eventually repot, use a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix to prevent root rot.

The Madagascar Palm has a slow growth rate, especially when kept in a container indoors. While it can eventually reach a significant height over many years, it will remain a manageable size for your home for quite some time.