Pachypodium (Pachypodium rutenbergianum)

Pachypodium

Features and Characteristics

Pachypodium rutenbergianum is native to Madagascar. It is a small, caudiciform, succulent tree (to 5′ wide at the base of the trunk) that rises to 15′ tall (less frequently to 25-30′ tall). Branches are clothed with oblong-lanceolate leaves (to 3-5″ long) with spines (to 1/2″ long). Flowers are white with yellow centers.

Genus name comes from the Greek pachys meaning thick and podos meaning foot for the thickened roots and stems.

Care and Maintenance

Winter hardy to USDA Zones 10-11 where it should be grown in desert-type conditions in full sun or in greenhouses with night temperatures that do not dip below 55 degrees F. Intolerant of frost. Grows well in dry soils. It may also be grown as a houseplant in warm, humid, sunny locations. Houseplants may drop leaves in winter.

Pachypodium (Pachypodium rutenbergianum) Requirements

Hardiness zone	10 - 11
Sun light	Full sun
Water	Dry to medium
Maintenance	Medium

Common Problems

Mealybugs, scale, and spider mites can be problematic, particularly on indoor plants.

Uses

Summer annual. Container. Houseplant. Greenhouse plant.

Pachypodium (Pachypodium rutenbergianum) Details

Common name	Pachypodium
Botanical name	Pachypodium rutenbergianum
Plant type	Tree
Family	Apocynaceae
Hardiness zone	10 - 11
Water	Dry to medium
Maintenance	Medium
Flower color	White with yellow centers
Flowering period	Seasonal bloomer
Height	6 - 15 ft.
Width	3 - 8 ft.