Pachypodium MERIDIONALE

Pachypodium MERIDIONALE - Southern pachypodium, Pachypodium meridionale.

Pachypodium is a drought-resistant succulent plant and a representative of the family Apocynaceae. This houseplant has similarities to a cactus and a palm tree. From the cactus, it inherited spines located on a thick stem; from the palm tree - 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 in drought. 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) and have a bottle-shaped trunk with branches and foliage at the top. There are pachypodiums resembling cactus-like branched trees. Their height reaches up to 5 m (16.4 ft), and the spiny trunk resembles a cigar.

Pachypodium meridionale in natural conditions in Madagascar reaches 2-3 m (6.6-9.8 ft) in height, but when grown in domestic conditions the height of the bush does not exceed 120 cm (47 in). The narrow and long leaf blades have a green coloration. The smooth brownish-silvery trunk reaches about 0.6 m (2 ft) across. The large flowers are notable for a pleasant aroma; they consist of a pale red corolla and pink petals.

Seeds are sown to a depth of 1 cm (0.4 in) in a well-drained mixture of equal parts leaf mold, turf soil, and sand (a commercial cactus mix or seed substrate for adeniums can be used). They are moistened with a spray bottle, covered with film, and germinated in the light at a temperature of 22-27 °C (72-81 °F). Seedlings require ventilation. Overwatering and drying out of the crops must be avoided.

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A bright sunny location is recommended. It grows well on a south-facing window and feels fine on windowsills of east and west windows. In the winter period, it may shed leaves due to lack of light. It dislikes stagnant water and overcooling of the soil ball. For flowering, it is necessary to provide a sunny location, infrequent watering, feeding 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, with the soil slightly moist at all times; from October to February, it is very infrequent. However, if watering is insufficient, the plant may shed leaves. After the leaves fall until new shoots form, watering is practically ceased. Pachypodium brevicaule is watered quite sparsely throughout the entire year. Pachypodium is resistant to dry air. But leaves can be wiped with a damp sponge from dust. With overly dry indoor air, pachypodium may be affected by spider mites or thrips. Therefore, regular misting will serve as a preventive measure.

The plant is heat-loving, preferring a temperature around 25-27 °C (77-81 °F) (not below 22 °C (72 °F)) in summer, and not below 15-18 °C (59-64 °F) in winter. It does not tolerate cooling of the root system. For the summer, it is best kept outdoors in a garden or on a balcony. With the emergence of new shoots, pachypodium is fed with special liquid fertilizer for cacti, adding it to irrigation water. Fertilizing is done no more 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 brick chips. You can use commercial cactus soil mix. Drainage is mandatory. Young and mature plants up to 5-6 years old are repotted annually, older specimens - every three years.