If you have a Pachypodium lamerei then you are lucky because it is one of the most valued and demanded plants out there. But surely you have also noticed that it is one of the most "picky" and it is possible that don't know about the Pachypodium lamerei the care you need.
For this reason, on this occasion, we have focused on this plant so that you know what it needs to be happy and, incidentally, to make you happy with its development. Go for it?
How is the Pachypodium lamerei
First of all, let's get to know a little about the Pachypodium lamerei. As well known as Madagascar Palm, is one of the plants most adored by many. And although it is said that it can be taken by both beginners and experts, we doubt the first case because it is quite demanding and you have to understand it well to emulate the conditions of its natural habitat, something that is not easy in some places.
You have to know that it is a succulent plant (and not a palm tree although physically you see it that way), with a very thick stem that is covered with thorns (so be careful, it pricks). It grows very slowly, which is why they are usually placed in the garden in an area that you know you will not touch for years, or in pots. However, it grows easily up to 3 meters high. These thorns are not born just because. They are actually because on another occasion, in that place, there were leaves. To give you an idea, the plant grows and leaves (only at the top). As it grows, the leaves fall off and new ones are born higher up. But in the place of that fallen leaf, a thorn grows. What can it tell you? Well, the more thorns it has along the trunk, the older the plant.
As for its leaves, these are very similar to those of the Oleander and are bright green and somewhat fleshy.
If you are lucky enough to have it bloom, it will give you in summer some small flowers at the top of the plant, well pink, well white. As a result of them will come the fruit, which will be like small bananas.
Pachypodium lamerei: important care
You know more about Pachypodium lamerei. And now we have to focus on what their care is. It is important to have them and follow them to the letter because, although it is a succulent and we know that they are very easy to care for, in the case of the palm, things change a bit and It is something "picky" when it comes to developing properly.
Location
Many say it is indoor. Others outside. What the truth? The Pachypodium lamerei It is an outdoor plant. And specifically, full sun. It loves light and needs light to develop properly. Otherwise, the leaves fall off and in a very short time it dies.
So if you have one of these plants inside the house, take it out as soon as possible and put it where it gets more sun.
Now, it is not the same to have an adult specimen than a small one. If it measures less than 40 centimeters, instead of putting it in full sun, it is better with indirect light because that way it will not get too exhausted and the sun's rays will not burn it. The moment it exceeds 40 cm you can already put it directly.
Temperature
Due to the above, we assume that you have realized that the plant tolerates high temperatures very well. In fact, between 20 and 30 degrees would be his ideal, although he can hold up well up to 35-40.
However, in the case of cold, it is not as resistant. At night, or in winter, it will stay well down to 5-10 degrees, but lower than that it can have a hard time.
That is why many do not place it directly in the garden but rather have it in a pot because that way in summer they can take it outside and not worry about it and in winter put it in the house without any problem.
Substratum
Like all succulents, it is necessary that it has a soil adapted to cacti and succulents. And above all, with good drainage. So our recommendation is that you put the soil and, if you see that it is not loose enough, also choose a good drainage such as perlite, even akadama, or similar.
Irrigation
You already know that succulents are characterized by the fact that they do not need a lot of water. But don't leave her without her either. And in the case of Pachypodium lamerei It is one of the most important care.
To give you an idea, in summer twice a week is enough, and in winter it is better not to water it.
As for the amount of water, we recommend that it not be too much. Enough to see the soil soak a little, but not much more. It is better to stay short on irrigation than to abuse water. He will thank you.
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We have told you before that it grows very slowly, to the point that it only grows approximately 30 cm per year. So if you fertilize it, you will help it grow a little bit. When? In spring and summer. How often? Each 15 days.
Use a fertilizer that is for cacti and succulents and better liquid to add to the irrigation water.
Transplant
When you see that the plant begins to root abundantly below the pot, it will be time to transplant it to a larger one. But here you must be very careful because the trunk pricks.
So wear a good suit and sturdy gloves to avoid getting hurt and you can handle it as best as possible.
Plagues and diseases
It is one of the most resistant plants that there is and that is why it is not necessary to review too much about pests and diseases because, in general, they do not usually affect it.
Thus, the only one that could harm her would be the cochineal. In fact, when one Pachypodium lamerei it looks sick, it's the first plague you think of.
Reproduction
The multiplication of the Pachypodium lamerei is carried out through seeds. These must be in the water for 24 hours before being planted and thus they germinate in a matter of days.
With these cares you will achieve that your Pachypodium lamerei be healthy and well. Do not be scared if the leaves turn yellow (if they are the lowest) or fall off because it is normal for your plant. Thorns will come out of there and as long as it continues to grow, everything will be fine.