Madagascar palms (botanical Pachypodium lamerei) are, contrary to their common name, not palm trees, but belong to the succulents. They are absolutely easy to care for and are therefore ideal plants for beginners. Even if a Madagascar palm grows very quickly, you should not shorten it. The plant then almost always dies.
Can you shorten a Madagascar palm?
Should you shorten a Madagascar palm? As a rule no, because Madagascar palms should not be shortened as this often leads to the death of the plant. Instead of cutting back, you can reduce growth by feeding the plant less and placing it in a cooler location. However, discolored leaves or side shoots can be cut off.
You don't have to shorten Madagascar palms
In a good location and with optimal care, a Madagascar palm grows very quickly. Within a few years, a plant that was originally 40 cm high can reach a height of two meters.
If the location of the Madagascar palm is not high enough, you should look for another location. The plant, also known as thickfoot, will die if you simply shorten the top.
You can limit growth somewhat by not fertilizing the Madagascar palm and not keeping it quite as warm.
You can cut off discolored leaves
The fact that a Madagascar palm loses its leaves is a normal process that occurs at the beginning of the dormant phase. If the leaves turn yellow or black during the growth phase, the plant is usually kept too moist or is infested with scale insects. You can cut off affected leaves with sharp scissors.
Cut side shoots to propagate the Madagascar palm
You can propagate Madagascar palms from seeds. In addition, shoots will form on the side, which you can cut as cuttings.
They are cut off with a sharp knife. The interfaces must then be dried for a day before being inserted into the plant substrate.
Wrap the trunk with foil before shortening
If you can't avoid attacking the Madagascar palm with a knife or scissors, remember that the trunk is very prickly. The spines are extremely stubborn and under no circumstances should they get into your skin. It's not enough to wear gloves.
Before shortening or repotting, wrap the trunk with strong foil in the places where you need to touch it. Then you can touch it there without hurting yourself.
- Clean tools before and after shortening
- Wear gloves
- Wrap trunk with foil
- Take away cuttings immediately
Tip
Never leave cut or fallen leaves lying around. Madagascar palms are poisonous in all parts of the plant. You should therefore always wear gloves when cutting.
