Consulta Plantas

Care of the succulent plant Pachypodium ambongense or Elephant's trunk

The genus Pachypodium, family Apocynaceae, includes 25 species of succulent trees and shrubs natives, for the most part, from Madagascar. Some species are: Pachypodium ambongense, Pachypodium lamerei, Pachypodium geayi, Pachypodium baronii, Pachypodium rosulatum.

Common name: Elephant's trunk. This species is native to Northwest Madagascar.

Pachypodium ambongense is a succulent, shrubby plant with few branches that grows to 2 meters (6.56 feet) tall. It has a thick trunk covered in 1 cm (0.39") long spines. The glossy dark green leaves appear at the apex of the branches and measure 8 cm (3.14") long. It produces showy terminal inflorescences with white, helix-shaped flowers 6 cm (2.36") in diameter.

Elephant's trunk is used in rockeries, as a single specimen, in pots on patios and terraces, and as a houseplant next to a window. It is ideal for gardens with subtropical climates.

Pachypodium ambongense requires full sun or partial shade exposure and a frost-free climate. It may lose its leaves in winter. The safe winter temperature is 10 °C (40 ºF).

The soil can be a commercial substrate for cacti and succulents with plenty of coarse sand. It is recommended to repot it every 2-3 years in spring to renew the substrate.

Elephant's trunk is a drought-resistant plant that requires moderate watering, always waiting until the substrate has completely dried. Water occasionally in winter.

Fertilize every 40-50 days in spring and summer with mineral fertilizer for cacti.

Pruning is not necessary.

Pachypodium ambongense is fairly resistant to common pests and diseases but sensitive to cold and excess moisture.

Elephant's trunk propagates from seeds sown in a sandy seedbed.

Images of the succulent plant Pachypodium ambongense or Elephant's trunk