This spikey succulent shrub belongs to the dogbane family (Apocynaceae).
The plant bears large, fragrant white flowers in the spring and into the early summer.
Grown as a houseplant, Madagascar palm rarely blooms.
The Spruce / Danielle Moore
Outdoors, Madagascar palm is planted into the landscape in the spring.
In its native habitat, it often grows over 20 feet tall.
When planted in the landscape, it typically tops out at 10 to 15 feet.
The Spruce / Danielle Moore
The plant contains toxins that are harmful to humans and pets.
It grows in the sandy soil of dunes near the sea, in limestone, schists, etc.
For houseplants, use a special potting mix for cacti.
The Spruce / Danielle Moore
Water
In the landscape, Madagascar palm needs regular but moderate watering until it is established.
Cut down on the watering in the winter.
Whether grown indoors or outdoors, do not fertilize in fall or winter.
The plant has incredible regenerative properties.
In late spring, propagate Madagascar palm by taking cuttings or offsets.
You might be able to collect seeds from an outdoor Madagascar palm in late summer or fall.
Fill it with well-drainingcactus potting mix.
Repotting may be necessary every three years because the plant becomes thick, tall, and top-heavy.
Always wear protective gardening gloves and clothing when handling this plant due to its sharp spines.
Overwintering
In cooler climates, Madagascar palm needs to be overwintered indoors because it is not cold-hardy.
Keep an eye out forwhitefliesand if necessary treat the plant withinsecticidal soaps.
If the plant shows signs of a heavy pest infestation, remove the parts that are damaged.
Treat fungal issues as soon as you spot them with fungicides.
Or, treat an indoor Madagascar palm plant with ahomemade fungal solutionof water and baking soda.
Watch for asoilborne diseasecaused by lance nematodes, which can result inroot rotof indoor or outdoor Madagascar palms.
How to Get a Madagascar Palm to Bloom
It is rare for Madagascar palms to bloom indoors.
How Long Does Madagascar Palm Bloom?
The bloom lasts for a few weeks.
What Do Madagascar Palm Flowers Look and Smell Like?
They grow in clusters at the top of the plant.
Only mature Madagascar palms grown outdoors bloom.
Be on the lookout for signs of problems.
The plant may also look droopy and withered.
On rare occasions of overwatering, you may findmoldy soilor small mushroom growth.
If you feel any softness on any part of the plant, cut back on watering.
Outdoors, this plant naturally sheds its leaves in cooler, dryer months.
Indoors, it may retain its foliage year-round.
Leaf drop that is not seasonal could be because of overwatering or underwatering or cold temperature.
Adjust the watering and move a potted plant to a warmer location.
If indoors, move the plant to an area away from direct sunlight.
If outdoors, the tree may need to be moved to a less sunny area.
Yes, the plant contains a toxic sap.
It is advised to wear heavy-duty protective gloves when handling it.
Toxicity of the Spiny Thick-Foot Pachypodium.
National Library of Medicine.
