Cacti and succulents have long been loved by gardeners. Indeed, with minimal care and observance of elementary rules, a very spectacular and unusual plant grows . One of these is the pachypodium (Pachypodium). Description, types and care of him, we will study today.
Plants of the genus Pachypodium
This is a small (23 species) group of succulent shrubs and trees. All pachypodiums are residents of hot lands. The name literally means "thick leg." It is due to the interesting appearance of the plant. Like any succulent, the pachypodium accumulates moisture in the stem, which it has is very thick and can have a different shape. Leaves are located on the top of the head. There are thorns on the stem, which is why the plant is sometimes confused with cacti. The homeland of the pachypodiums is continental Africa and Madagascar, where they are very common. The most famous representative of the genus is the Bottle Tree (in the first photo). There are real giants growing up to 8 meters in height. Some species are adapted for indoor floriculture. Caring for the pachypodium at home is simple, but it is important to know some of the subtleties and observe caution, because the plants secrete milky juice, and it is poisonous.
Types of pachypodium for indoor floriculture
- Pachypodium Lamera (Madagascar palm). In the wild, this is a large tree (up to 6 m) with a thick spiky trunk. At the very top of the stem, a rosette is formed from dark green leathery leaves that have an elongated-lanceolate shape. In indoor conditions, the maximum height is 50-70 cm. There is a variety - the pachypodium Lamera is branched.
- Pachypodium Jaya. In the natural environment, this tree grows up to 3-6 meters tall, in room conditions the size is more modest (50-60 cm). It looks like a variety of Lamer, but the leaves are narrower and pubescent.
- Pachypodium short-stemmed. The name speaks for itself. The stem is large enough, and the bush grows to a width of 60 cm, but in height - much less. Small leaves are located at the very top.
- Pachypodium Sounders. Its distinguishing feature is beautiful white flowers with a pink stripe. The stem has a practically spherical shape with a small number of spikes.
- Pachypodium succulent. The plant has a root that resembles a turnip, which smoothly passes into a wide stem tuber. This is perhaps the most spectacular indoor pachypodium. Home care does not differ from other species, in a favorable environment it grows up to 90 cm in height.
- Pachypodium densely flowered. This type of succulent shrub has a very fleshy stem, up to 30 cm in diameter, densely dotted with thorns. Leaf sockets are located in the apical part.
- Pachypodium Hororbense. A small-sized plant with a wide trunk. Blooms in large yellow flowers.
- Pachypodium rosette. It has a large thickening near the root - caudex, from which cylindrical branches extend. Very unusual pachypodium. Care for the pachypodium rosette is the same as for other species. There is a branchy subspecies, in which twigs with rosettes of leaves at the end extend from the caudex.
- Pachypodium Rutenberg. In nature, grows a large tree with a height of 4-8 meters and a trunk diameter of up to 60 cm.
All of these species can be grown indoors, but most often the first two are found.
Place selection and air temperature for the pachypodium
This is a succulent plant native to hot Africa, so it requires maximum light and even direct sunlight. A pachypodium pot is best placed on south, southwest, or southeast windows. In summer, it is recommended to take it to a balcony or terrace. But you need to accustom yourself to new conditions gradually.
Cultivation of pachypodium and care at home for it require maintaining a high air temperature. In the summer, it can be quite high (even more than +30 ° ), and in winter it should not fall below +16 ° . Therefore, the plant survives well the proximity of room heating batteries.
Soil and transplant
The main condition for a suitable soil for this succulent is good permeability, which will prevent moisture stagnation. You can buy it in a specialized store (choose a substrate for cacti), or cook it yourself. Pachypodium prefers moderately acidic soils. Peat and sand can be used in equal parts with the addition of a small amount of turf land. It is advisable to add charcoal or brick chips to the substrate. Be sure to drain, use expanded clay for this, the layer should be at least 1/3 of the pot.
Only young pachypodium is required to be transplanted annually. Home care in any case slows down the growth of the plant, so adult specimens can grow in one pot for 2-3 years.
Watering and humidity
In the spring-summer period, the pachypodium should be watered moderately, the soil should be constantly slightly moist, but without stagnation of water. In winter, he begins a period of rest. It is not as pronounced as, for example, cacti, but still watering is reduced.
The formation of new shoots begins, usually in the spring. At this time, it is necessary to feed the pachypodium. Home care involves the introduction of mineral fertilizers, it is best to use complex ones, those that are intended for cacti. The frequency of top dressing is not more than once a month, since excess can lead to the death of the plant or cracking of the stem.
It is not necessary to spray the pachypodium; it is resistant to dry air. But periodically wipe the leaves from dust with a damp sponge is necessary.
Pachypodium reproduction
Unlike many other succulents, the pachypodium is rarely vegetatively propagated. This method is used most often when it is necessary to save a plant with hopelessly decayed roots. To do this, cut the stem to a healthy area, then dry it a little. The slice is sprinkled with charcoal. There may be two further options. Either try to root immediately in the ground, or leave it for a while in an upright position on weight, in case of success, the plant will give roots.
The second method of propagation is with seeds that can be purchased at the store. It is best to sow them in the spring, for germination, an air temperature of at least +20 ° C is required.
If you want to get an unusual plant in the house, then choose a pachypodium. Leaving at home does not require much effort, but you will be more than rewarded with an unusual and extremely effective type of plant. The only sad thing is that it grows quite slowly.