Pachypodium fiherense is a striking and relatively rare succulent tree native to Madagascar, admired for its stout, silvery-grey trunk adorned with sharp spines and its crown of vibrant green leaves that appear seasonally. This unique plant offers an architectural silhouette and, when mature, produces beautiful, fragrant white flowers, making it a prized addition to collections of arid-adapted plants.
 
Key Features of Pachypodium fiherense
Stout, Silvery-Grey Trunk: The most prominent feature is its thick, bottle-shaped trunk covered in a silvery-grey bark and armed with pairs of sharp, conical spines.
Seasonal Green Leaves: During the growing season, it develops a crown of lance-shaped, bright green leaves at the tips of its branches. These leaves are typically deciduous, dropping during the dormant period.
Sharp Paired Spines: Pairs of rigid, sharp spines emerge along the trunk and branches, serving as a defense mechanism.
Fragrant White Flowers: Mature plants produce clusters of elegant, fragrant white flowers with a yellow center at the branch tips, typically during the warmer months.
Relatively Slow Growth: Pachypodium fiherense is a slow-growing species, adding to its desirability and longevity in collections.
Pachycaul Stem: The thickened trunk acts as a water storage organ, enabling it to survive in arid conditions.
 
Care for Your Pachypodium fiherense
Light: Requires bright, direct sunlight for optimal growth and flowering. A sunny windowsill or greenhouse is ideal.
Soil: Needs well-draining soil to prevent root rot. A mix formulated for cacti and succulents is highly recommended.
Watering: Water thoroughly during the active growing season (when leaves are present), allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce watering significantly or withhold entirely during the dormant, leafless period in cooler months.
Temperature: Prefers warm temperatures during its growing season and can tolerate high heat. Protect from prolonged cold and frost. A minimum temperature of around 10°C (50°F) is generally recommended.
Humidity: Adapts to typical household humidity levels. Good air circulation is beneficial.
 
Maintenance for a Thriving Pachypodium fiherense
Repotting: Repot young plants every 2-3 years and mature plants less frequently, as needed, into a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil. Handle the spines carefully during repotting.
Pruning (Minimal): Pruning is generally not necessary and can affect the plant's natural shape and flowering. Remove any dead or damaged branches carefully.
Pest Control: Monitor for common pests like spider mites and mealybugs, especially during the growing season. Treat any infestations promptly with appropriate methods.
Dormancy: Respect the plant's natural dormancy period by reducing or withholding water when it loses its leaves. This rest period is crucial for its health and future flowering.
 
Propagation Methods for Expanding Your Collection
Seed: Propagation is primarily through seeds, which can be challenging to obtain and germinate. Fresh seeds have a higher germination rate.
Cuttings (Difficult): Propagation from cuttings is generally difficult and not commonly practiced due to the high risk of rot and slow rooting. Grafting onto more robust Pachypodium species is sometimes attempted by experienced growers.
 
Pachypodium fiherense is a captivating and unique succulent tree with its distinctive spiny trunk, seasonal foliage, and fragrant white flowers. While requiring specific care regarding light and watering, especially respecting its dormancy, it can be a long-lived and highly rewarding addition to a collection of arid-adapted plants.
 
 
* Picture and information intended only as a guide.  Size and colours of plants will vary, not any 1 plant is exactly the same and minor variations will occur.
 
** All plants will be posted bare rooted.