Madagascar Palm 25G

Madagascar Palm – 25 Gallon Pot (Pachypodium lamerei) available in Jupiter, FL.

The Madagascar Palm (Pachypodium lamerei) is a bold and sculptural plant that adds striking architectural flair to any tropical or desert-style landscape. Despite its name, it’s not a true palm, but rather a succulent shrub or small tree native to Madagascar. Its dramatic, spiny gray trunk stores water, and it’s crowned by a rosette of long, narrow, shiny green leaves and fragrant white flowers when mature. With its unique appearance and low-maintenance needs, the Madagascar Palm is a South Florida standout.

Sold in a robust 25-gallon pot, this plant is well-developed and ideal for creating a visual focal point in gardens, patios, or entryways. It belongs to the Apocynaceae family and the Magnoliopsida class (dicots), making it a succulent relative of frangipani and oleander.

Key Features:

• Botanical Name: Pachypodium lamerei

• Common Name: Madagascar Palm

• Family: Apocynaceae (Dogbane family)

• Class: Magnoliopsida (Dicots)

• Pot Size: 25 Gallon

• Mature Height: 6–15 feet in the ground (smaller in containers)

• Spread: 2–4 feet

• USDA Zones: 9b–11

• Foliage: Glossy green leaves clustered at the top of the trunk

• Flowers: White, fragrant, star-shaped (on mature specimens)

• Growth Habit: Upright, thick trunk with spines and sparse branching

Sunlight Needs:
Thrives in full sun. In South Florida, plant in a location with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal health and growth.

Watering Requirements:
As a succulent, the Madagascar Palm is drought-tolerant once established. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering during winter dormancy.

Soil Preferences:
Prefers well-draining, sandy or rocky soils. Avoid heavy clay or water-retentive soils. In containers, use a cactus or succulent mix to ensure drainage.

Fertilization:
Feed sparingly with a low-nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer in spring and summer. Over-fertilizing can lead to weak growth or rot.

Pest & Disease Resistance:
Highly resistant to pests and disease, though root rot can occur in poorly drained soils. Watch for mealybugs or spider mites in overly humid or crowded conditions.

Maintenance & Pruning:
Minimal maintenance required. Prune only to remove damaged or dead branches. Handle with care—its spines are sharp.

Why It Works in South Florida:

• Thrives in hot, sunny conditions and needs little water

• Perfect for xeriscaping, tropical, or modern landscapes

• Eye-catching form adds year-round interest

• Performs beautifully in large containers or in-ground plantings

Jupiter Farms & Nursery