Madagascar Palms

* The plant photos shown are our stock images used to represent the general appearance, size, and quality of the plant you’ll receive. Please remember that each plant is unique—natural variations in color, shape, and size are completely normal!

Light

• Full sun is ideal. Needs at least 6 hours of bright, direct sunlight daily.

• Indoors: Place near a south or west-facing window.

• Outdoors: Acclimate slowly to full sun to prevent sunburn.

Watering

• Spring–Summer (active growing season):

  • Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry.

  • Deep soak, but let excess drain completely.

• Fall–Winter (dormant period):

  • Reduce watering drastically—once a month or less.

  • Avoid soggy soil, or it may rot.

Tip: The trunk may shrink slightly when it’s thirsty—that’s normal!

 Temperature & Humidity

• Loves warmth: Ideal range is 65–85°F (18–29°C).

• Can tolerate short dips to 40°F (4°C) but is not frost-hardy.

• Keep away from cold drafts or freezing temps.

 Soil

• Needs well-draining, gritty soil.

• Use a cactus/succulent mix or DIY blend:

  • 2 parts cactus mix

  • 1 part perlite or pumice

  • Optional: a little sand for texture

Potting

• Use a pot with drainage holes.

• Repot every 2–3 years, or when rootbound (spring is best).

 Flowers

• May bloom with fragrant white flowers in warm, sunny climates.

• Indoors, flowering is rare unless light and heat are sufficient.

Pruning

• No regular pruning needed.

• Remove any dead or damaged leaves carefully.

• Be cautious: the spines are sharp!

Pests & Problems

• Usually pest-resistant, but watch for:

  • Mealybugs

  • Spider mites

• Overwatering is the most common issue—can lead to root rot.

Leaf Drop?

Don’t panic—leaf drop in winter is normal! It goes dormant and may lose all its leaves but regrows them in spring if healthy.