Pachypodium lamerei - Madagascar Palm - Exotic Succulent Grown in Elfin Forest, California

🌿 Description

The Pachypodium lamerei, commonly called the Madagascar Palm, is not a true palm but a striking spiny succulent tree native to Madagascar. Its dramatic, silver-gray trunk is lined with sharp spines, crowned by a burst of long, narrow leaves that create a tropical silhouette. In warm climates, mature plants can produce large, fragrant white flowers — a treat for collectors.

This species is prized for its architectural form and tough, drought-tolerant nature, making it ideal as both a container-grown statement plant and a bold landscape feature in frost-free areas. Grown in Elfin Forest, California, each plant is cultivated for strong, healthy growth and resilience.

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.

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

✅ Description Highlights

• Distinctive silver-gray trunk lined with spines, topped with lush green leaves
• Native to Madagascar — locally grown in Elfin Forest, California
• Indoor height: approx. 4–6 ft (1.2–1.8 m); outdoor height: up to 20 ft (6 m) in warm climates
• Moderate growth rate; faster in warm, sunny conditions
• Tropical, architectural look — perfect focal plant indoors or outdoors
• Thrives in bright light, well-draining soil, and minimal watering between soakings
• Cold-sensitive; hardy in USDA Zones 10–12 (protect from frost)
• ⚠️ Toxic if ingested — keep away from pets and children

🛠️ Basic Care

• Light: Full sun or bright indirect light
• Water: Water deeply but infrequently; allow soil to dry between waterings
• Soil: Well-draining cactus/succulent mix
• Grow Habit (Dormancy): May drop leaves and slow growth in winter — normal
• Hardiness: Protect below 40°F (4°C); USDA Zones 10–12
• Toxicity: Toxic if ingested
• Fertilizer: feed with diluted cactus or succulent fertilizer in spring and summer only

💡 Looking for a More Compact, Rare Alternative?
While Pachypodium lamerei is the most recognized form of the Madagascar Palm, we also offer the less common Pachypodium ramosum.
Compared to lamerei, the ramosum variety:
• Begins branching much earlier, forming a more compact, full shape
• Stays shorter and denser — ideal for pots or smaller spaces
• Develops a thicker, more dramatic caudex at a younger age
• Produces fragrant flowers more readily than lamerei
• Is highly sought after by collectors, bonsai lovers, and succulent enthusiasts

Both are spectacular plants — the choice depends on your style and space.

Shop Link to Pachypodium ramosum: insert here

📦 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.