Madagascar Palm Problems

9 years ago

Hi, I'm new here. I have a Madagascar palm that really doesn't seem to be doing all that well. It's about four and a half to five years old. I've attached a photo. Last year after living in a house that got very little light, it became long and lanky, grew white patches on the trunk and lost all it's leaves.

Now whenever it regains any leaves (which it's only started doing at all in the last month probably due to moving to a new house that gets more light) they almost immediately turn black and crispy and then fall off. I don't overwater it so I don't think it's root rot.

In general it seems real sickly, I'm quite attached to it (I named him Brute when I got him) so any advice or help would be greatly appreciated!

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Comments (4)

mesembs
9 years ago
Well, I'm not that experienced with these 'Madagascar Palms' (scientific name is Pachypodium lamerei), but I can tell you that it would like more light.

A couple questions for you:

What kind of soil is it planted in?

Does that pot have a drainage hole?
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Original Author
9 years ago
Hi thanks for the reponse. It's planted in a cactus/succulent soil (don't know the specific brand sorry) but the top 2cmish is just regular soil as I ran out of the other stuff.

And yes it does have a drainage hole.

Its getting a lot more light now although I don't live in the sunniest of places.
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mesembs
9 years ago
Your plant may be suffering from improper soil... You aren't facing rot yet, but if you don't repot, that could happen too. 50% perlite and 50% cactus and succulent soil is a recommended mix. I wouldn't be surprised if a change of mix fixes your problems.

Just as a note, it would be good for you to know that Madagascar Palms drop their leaves at the beginning of each winter :) No need to be alarmed when that happens.
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User
Original Author
9 years ago
Okay, I'll do that ASAP. Thanks for the advice :) I did know they drop their leaves in winter, hopefully I can grow some new leaves back before winter this year with some new soil!