Pachypodium ROSULATUM 'CACTIPES'

Pachypodium ROSULATUM 'CACTIPES' - Pachypodium rosulatum 'Cactipes'.

Can be grown in bonsai style!

Pachypodium is a drought-resistant succulent plant and a member of the Apocynaceae family. This indoor flower shares similarities with a cactus and a palm. From the cactus it inherited spines located on a thick stem; from the palm, long narrow leaves. "Madagascar palm" is the second name of Pachypodium. In the wild, it grows on the island of Madagascar. Pachypodiums are also found in arid regions of Australia and semi-deserts of Africa.

A characteristic feature of the plant is a thickened trunk that accumulates moisture, thanks to which the plant survives drought. In its natural growing environment, Pachypodium can be a small shrub or a large tree whose trunk reaches 10 m (33 ft). Depending on trunk structure, 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 distinctive feature is the absence of leaves. Shrubs reach a length of about 4 m (13 ft) and have a bottle-shaped trunk with branches and foliage at the top. 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 rosulatum 'Cactipes' is the southernmost subspecies. Narrow glossy leaves of bright green color, spectacular yellow flowers, and relative ease of cultivation make it one of the most sought-after representatives of the genus.

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

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A bright sunny place is recommended. It grows well on a south window; on the windowsills of eastern and western windows it feels fine. In winter, it may drop leaves due to lack of light. It dislikes stagnant water and chilling of the root ball. For flowering, it is necessary to provide a sunny location, sparse watering, fertilizing 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 damp all the time; from October to February it is very infrequent. However, if watering is insufficient, the plant can drop its leaves. After leaf drop until the formation of new shoots, it is practically not watered. Pachypodium brevicaule is watered rather sparingly throughout the year. Pachypodium is resistant to dry air. But 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 spraying will be a preventive measure.

The plant is warmth-loving, preferring a temperature around 25-27 °C (77-81 °F) (not lower than 22 °C [72 °F]) in summer, and in winter not lower than 15-18 °C (59-64 °F). It does not tolerate cooling of the root system. For 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 water for irrigation. Feedings no more than once a month.

The soil should be loose and have a slightly acidic reaction. Soil - 1 part leaf soil, 1 part peat soil, 1 part humus, 1 part sand and brick chips. You can use a purchased potting mix for cacti. Drainage is mandatory. Young and adult plants up to 5-6 years old are repotted annually; older ones, after three years.