Pachypodium

The genus Pachypodium includes about 20 species of stem succulent plants with a powerful fleshy stem and leaves. These are species of tropical origin that are mainly grown as indoor crops. Funnel-shaped flowers, very rarely appear when grown at home, are formed on the apical part of branches and the entire plant. The spines are strong and decorative. Among the short-stemmed species known: Pachypodium brevicaule (Pachypodium brevicaule), which has a very swollen stem (up to 50 cm in diameter), gray leaves and yellow flowers; and pachypodium succulentum (P. succulentum) with long fragile branches, leaves with axillary spines and pink flowers. Tall species include: pachypodium rosulatum (P. rosulatum) with short spiny branches and yellow flowers; pachypodium densiflorum (P. densiflorum) with a cylindrical stem, short spiny branches and yellow flowers; pachypodium ramosa (P. ramosa) with long strong spines covering the entire stem, and large oblong leaves located only at the top of the plant. The most popular in culture is pachypodium lamerei (P. lamerei), in nature it is a tree reaching a height of b m; it has a thick barrel-shaped prickly stem, similar to the cactus stem. The leaves are glossy dark green; this species is called the "Madagascar palm" because of the tuft of linear leaves at the top of the stem. The flowers are white. When grown in a pot, it can grow up to 1 m.

The genus Pachypodium includes about 20 species of stem succulent plants with a powerful fleshy stem and leaves. These are species of tropical origin that are mainly grown as indoor crops. Funnel-shaped flowers, very rarely appear when grown at home, are formed on the apical part of branches and the entire plant. The spines are strong and decorative.

Among the short-stemmed species known: Pachypodium brevicaule (Pachypodium brevicaule), which has a very swollen stem (up to 50 cm in diameter), gray leaves and yellow flowers; and pachypodium succulentum (P. succulentum) with long fragile branches, leaves with axillary spines and pink flowers.

Tall species include: pachypodium rosulatum (P. rosulatum) with short spiny branches and yellow flowers; pachypodium densiflorum (P. densiflorum) with a cylindrical stem, short spiny branches and yellow flowers; pachypodium ramosa (P. ramosa) with long strong spines covering the entire stem, and large oblong leaves located only at the top of the plant.

The most popular in culture is pachypodium lamerei (P. lamerei), in nature it is a tree reaching a height of b m; it has a thick barrel-shaped prickly stem, similar to the cactus stem. The leaves are glossy dark green; this species is called the "Madagascar palm" because of the tuft of linear leaves at the top of the stem. The flowers are white. When grown in a pot, it can grow up to 1 m.

Cultivation

Pachypodium is very good for winter gardens, window dressing. As a rule, young specimens are grown in the rooms, since adults are too large. Use well-drained, fertile soil consisting of sod and leafy earth and sand (1:2:1), and tall pots so that the roots can develop downwards. Pachypodiums differ from other succulents in that they do not need cold wintering.

Location

Plants should be placed in a bright place.

Temperature

In winter, observe the temperature of 14-16 °C. At other times of the year, pachypodiums tolerate even very high temperatures well, since they are tropical plants.

Watering

In general, moderate watering is necessary during the growing season. In winter, only species that shed their leaves are watered less, while others do not allow the soil to dry out.

Transplant

Transplanted in the spring in more spacious containers.

Care

Remove damaged parts and wilted flowers.

Reproduction

Propagate, as a rule, by seeds. Sowing is carried out in sandy soil, maintaining the temperature at the level of 21-24 °C. With great difficulty cuttings of individual species.

Diseases

In case of excessive watering, root rot may begin. Temporarily stop watering, and then water carefully little by little.

Acquisition

Pachypodium can only be found in flower nurseries that specialize in tropical plants. It can also be ordered at the flower shop.