Pachypodium BISPINOSUM

Pachypodium BISPINOSUM - Two-spined pachypodium, Bispinosum pachypodium, Pachypodium bispinosum.

Pachypodium is a drought-resistant succulent plant and a member of the dogbane family (Apocynaceae). This indoor plant bears resemblances to both a cactus and a palm tree. From the cactus it acquired spines situated on a thick stem, and from the palm tree - long narrow leaves. 'Madagascar palm' is a secondary name for pachypodium. In the wild, it grows on the island of Madagascar. Pachypodiums are also found in arid regions of Australia and the semi-deserts of Africa.

A characteristic feature of the plant is a thickened trunk that accumulates moisture, enabling the plant to survive droughts. In its natural habitat, pachypodium can be a small shrub or a large tree whose trunk reaches 10 m (33 ft). Depending on the structure of the trunk, three groups of pachypodiums are distinguished. The height of dwarf species is no more than 8 cm (3.1 in). They have a broad trunk resembling rounded stones. Their distinguishing feature is the absence of leaves. Shrubs reach a length of about 4 m (13 ft), having a bottle-shaped trunk with branches and foliage at the apex. There are pachypodiums resembling cactus-like branched trees. Their height is up to 5 m (16 ft), and the spiny trunk resembles a cigar.

Pachypodium bispinosum has a caudex up to 60 cm (24 in) tall and 20 cm (8 in) thick, gray, almost smooth. Stems emerge from the top of the caudex, thin, up to 120 cm (47 in) long, green, armed with paired spines about 2 cm (0.8 in) long. Leaves are nearly sessile, lanceolate, leathery, richly green, arranged along the entire length of the stems. Flowers are bell-shaped, light pink with shades of purple, about 2 cm (0.8 in) in diameter, clustered in racemes at the tips of the stems.

Seeds are sown to a depth of 1 cm (0.4 in) in a well-drained mixture of equal parts leaf mold, sod soil, and sand (a ready-made cactus mix or adenium sowing substrate can be used). They are moistened with a spray bottle, covered with film, and germinated in light at a temperature of 22-27 °C (72-81 °F). Seedlings need ventilation. Overwatering and drying out of sowings must be avoided.

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A bright sunny location is recommended. It grows well on a south window, and feels fine on the windowsills of east and west windows. In the winter period, due to a lack of light, it may shed its leaves. It does not like water stagnation or overcooling of the soil root ball. For flowering, it is necessary to provide a sunny location, infrequent watering, fertilization with fertilizer for cacti and succulents, and a dormant period from October to February.

In spring and summer (from May to September), watering is moderate; the soil should be slightly moist all the time; from October to February, it is very infrequent. However, if watering is insufficient, the plant may shed its leaves. After leaf fall, until new shoots form, it is practically not watered. Pachypodium brevicaule is watered fairly sparingly throughout the year. Pachypodium is resistant to dry air. However, the leaves can be wiped with a damp sponge to remove dust. If the indoor air is too dry, pachypodium can be affected by spider mites or thrips. Therefore, regular misting will serve as a preventive measure.

The plant is thermophilic, preferring a temperature around 25-27 °C (77-81 °F) (no lower than 22 °C (72 °F)) in summer, and no lower than 15-18 °C (59-64 °F) in winter. It cannot tolerate cooling of the root system. For the summer, it is best kept outdoors in the garden or on a balcony. With the formation of new shoots, pachypodium is fed with special liquid fertilizer for cacti, adding it to the watering water. Feedings should be no more frequent than once a month.

The soil should be loose and have a slightly acidic reaction. Soil: 1 part leaf mold, 1 part peat soil, 1 part humus, 1 part sand, and crushed brick. A commercial soil mix for cacti can be used. Drainage is mandatory. Young and mature plants up to 5-6 years of age are repotted annually; older plants, every three years.