Pachypodium ramosum – Rare Dwarf Madagascar Palm | Caudiciform Succulent Grown in Elfin Forest, California

🌿 Description

Bring home a unique and hard-to-find variety of the Madagascar palm — Pachypodium ramosum — known for its elegant, compact form, early branching, and sculptural trunk. Grown locally in Elfin Forest, California, our specimens are raised with care and plenty of Southern California sun.

This rare caudiciform succulent is a dwarf, early-branching relative of Pachypodium lamerei, prized for its thick, spiny caudex and upright, umbrella-like foliage. This is not the commonly sold Pachypodium lamerei — it’s a more compact, collectible variety ideal for bonsai-style shaping, container gardens, or sun-soaked indoor spaces.

Each plant is grown from seed and sold by pot size and approximate height. Please refer to the photos for visual examples of each available size. Sizes range from approx. 4″ to 16″ tall.

Larger specimens may be available upon request — please contact us if you're interested in a bigger size.

💡  Why Choose Pachypodium ramosum Over lamerei?

Most listings you’ll find are for Pachypodium lamerei, which tends to grow tall and single-stemmed for many yearsThis is a rarer form, Pachypodium ramosum, that:

• Begins branching much earlier, forming a more compact, full shape
• Stays shorter and denser — ideal for pots or limited-height spaces
• Has a thicker, more dramatic caudex at an earlier stage of growth
• Produces fragrant flowers, unlike the more common lamerei
• Makes a better choice for collectors, bonsai lovers, or succulent enthusiasts

You’re not just getting a plant — you’re getting a more refined version of the Madagascar palm

✅ Description Highlights

• Unique compact, multi-branched Madagascar palm variant
• Locally grown in Elfin Forest, California
• Indoor height: approx. 3–5 ft (1–1.5 m); outdoors up to 8–10 ft (2.5–3 m) in warm climates
• Slow to moderate growth (~4″ or 10 cm/year); blooms when mature (~6 ft / 1.8 m)
• White, fragrant flowers in spring–early summer on mature specimens
• Requires bright light, well-draining soil, and minimal watering
• Cold-sensitive; hardy in USDA Zones 9a–11b
• ⚠️ Mildly toxic if ingested — keep away from pets and children

🛠️ Basic Care

• Light: Full sun or bright indirect light
• Water: Allow soil to fully dry between waterings
• Soil: Well-draining cactus/succulent mix
• Dormancy: May drop leaves in winter — normal
• Hardiness: Protect below 40°F (4°C); USDA Zones 9–11
• Fertilizer: Feed with diluted cactus fertilizer once a month during spring and summer

📦 Shipping & Guarantee

We are currently unable to ship live plants to Florida or Hawaii due to regulations.

We offer a flat shipping rate of $10 per order, no matter how many plants / cuttings you purchase. All orders are shipped via USPS Priority Mail, which typically arrives in 1–3 business days. If you would like to upgrade to Express, just send us a message before checking out.

Cuttings are packed carefully to ensure they arrive healthy and intact.

Weather Note: Please keep an eye on your local forecast before ordering. If temperatures are below 55°F in your area, we recommend purchasing a heat pack, available as a separate item in our shop. This helps protect your plant during transit in cold conditions.

Please message us within 24 hours of delivery with a photo if there are any issues with your order. We’ll do our best to make it right.

Please Note: Each plant is unique and may vary slightly in size, shape, and color. Growth and performance after delivery depend on your care and environment, so we cannot guarantee plant performance beyond arrival.