Grow Light for Pachypodium: Madagascar Palm Style Plants Indoors
The short answer
A grow light for pachypodium should be bright, since Madagascar palms are full sun plants. UF IFAS Extension says they thrive in full sun and well drained sandy soil. Indoors, a full spectrum LED 6 to 12 inches above the crown for 14 to 16 hours a day helps hold growth compact during the growing season.
How much light does pachypodium need?
UF IFAS describes the Madagascar palm as a plant from arid regions that thrives in full sun. It’s related to plumeria and isn’t a true palm. Arkansas Extension notes caudiciform plants grow in hot summers and rest in winter, when many drop their leaves. University of Minnesota Extension says succulents need lots of light. Read more in grow lights for cannabis.
Which grow light suits pachypodium?
A bright full spectrum LED fits. Oklahoma State Extension notes LEDs give off little heat toward plants because heat leaves through a heat sink, so they can sit close. University of Minnesota Extension suggests 6 to 12 inches above succulents for 14 to 16 hours a day. See led light distance cannabis.
How do you tell if pachypodium has the right light?
Missouri Extension lists long gaps between leaves, smaller new growth and pale color as signs of low light. On pachypodium, watch for a thin, leaning top and small new leaves. UF IFAS says winter leaf drop is normal. Run the lamp on grow light timers for a steady day.
Pachypodium light basics
| Factor | Target | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun | UF IFAS |
| Distance | 6 to 12 inches | Succulent range |
| Hours | 14 to 16 a day | University of Minnesota |
| Winter | Leaves drop, growth slows | Normal |
| Water | Sparingly | Rot with overwatering |
Sources: UF IFAS Extension, University of Arkansas Extension, Oklahoma State University Extension, University of Minnesota Extension, University of Missouri Extension.
How to: step by step
- Start pachypodium in the brightest window spot you have.
- Pick a full spectrum LED for extra light.
- Hang the light at the maker’s suggested distance.
- Run a timer for a steady day length.
- Watch new growth for a few weeks.
- Adjust height or hours in small steps.
Troubleshooting
Thin, leaning top: too little light. Lower the light or add hours.
Small, pale leaves: too dim. Find a sunnier window.
Soft trunk: too much water, not light. Let the mix dry, per UF IFAS.
Madagascar palms grow slowly, so judge changes by season. Kind Seed Co readers who also grow cannabis seeds indoors can share a timer with this sun lover.
Sources
- A palm in name only, UF IFAS Extension Charlotte County
- Caudiciform plants (plant of the week), University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension
- LED grow lights for plant production, Oklahoma State University Extension
- Cacti and succulents, University of Minnesota Extension
- Lighting indoor houseplants (G6515), University of Missouri Extension
FAQ
Is a Madagascar palm a real palm?
No. A UF IFAS Extension article calls it a palm in name only. Pachypodium is a spiny succulent related to plumeria, with similar white flowers. It comes from arid parts of Madagascar and stores water in its thick, swollen trunk.
How bright a light does pachypodium need?
UF IFAS says Madagascar palms thrive in full sun. University of Minnesota Extension says succulents need lots of light and suggests lamps 6 to 12 inches above the plants. Indoors, pair your sunniest window with a bright full spectrum LED.
Why is my pachypodium dropping leaves?
In winter it is normal. UF IFAS says most or all leaves drop in winter and new growth starts in spring. Arkansas Extension notes many caudiciform plants rest in winter. Leaf drop in summer may point to too much water, so check the soil.
Can pachypodium go outside in summer?
Yes, in warm weather. UF IFAS says it thrives in full sun and well drained sandy soil. Arkansas Extension notes caudiciform plants are frost tender and even 28°F kills most of them, so bring the pot in well before frost.
How often should I water pachypodium?
Sparingly. UF IFAS calls water perhaps the biggest enemy of Madagascar palms, since rots set in with overwatering. Arkansas Extension advises a well drained mix in a pot that is not too large. Water less while it's leafless in winter.
