[Arid_gardener] RE: Pachypodium geayi

[Christine M. Bahto]

ORIGINAL QUESTION:
Date: Sat, 17 Jun 2006 23:31:11 -0700
From: "John Verbonitz" <jverbonitz at gmail.com>
Subject: [Arid_gardener] PACHYPODIUM GEAYII

PACHYPODIUM GEAYII


If you could be so kind...

I just purchased a Pachypodium Geayii online and have been trying to
find info on how to take care of it as a houseplant (its bright
enormous bay window). I got generic instructions from the seller
something to the effect of: "water once or twice a week in summer,
indiscriminately and rarely in winter".

Do you have any information on this plant or could you direct me to a
source knowledgeable about it?

Anything you could do would be appreciated. Sorry I don't have
anything other than that to offer in trade of your help:)


Have a good day!

John V.

ANSWER:

John,
Other than goggling Pachypodium geayi and looking though every succulent
book, there never seems
to be anything but generic info available for plant care. My own generic
info consists of
watering every 2 weeks (twice a week seems pretty excessive!). Don't water
in the winter, pachypodiums
go dormant in the winter and could lose their leaves, but since you will be
keeping yours inside it's
possible that it will retain it's leaves. You should be aware that this
could happen so if the leaves start
dropping in the winter resist the urge to water.

You didn't mention where you live, if you are in the Phoenix area, these
plants can be grown outdoors in
the shade, but need protection from frost, they are hardy to 40 degrees
Fahrenheit.

Hope this helps,
Christine Bahto
MAster Gardener, Maricopa County, U of A Cooperative Extension