Also known as Elephant's Foot Plant · Elephants Foot · Ghost-Men
Pachypodium geayi is a striking succulent shrub native to Madagascar, featuring a swollen trunk and white flowers. It prefers arid conditions and bright light.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to bright indirect light
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings
25% intensity
Water thoroughly when dry, reduce in winter.
Well-drained, gritty soil
50% intensity
Warm to hot temperatures
75% intensity
Ideal temperatures are between 20-30°C. Protect from frost.
Feed during growing season
25% intensity
Use balanced liquid fertilizer monthly in spring/summer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the potting mix is completely dry, typically every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.
Reduce watering significantly in winter, allowing the soil to dry out almost entirely between infrequent waterings to prevent root rot. Ensure excellent drainage.
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or damaged growth, or to control size. Use clean, sharp tools. Pruning can stimulate branching. Avoid heavy pruning, as this species grows slowly.
Propagate from seeds sown in well-draining cactus mix, kept warm and lightly moist. Cuttings can also be taken from mature stems, allowed to callus for several days, and then planted in dry, gritty soil.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound, preferably in spring. Use a very gritty, fast-draining cactus or succulent mix. Handle the spiny branches with care.
Repot into a pot only slightly larger than the current one.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Pachypodium Geayi (Pachypodium geayi)
Where Pachypodium Geayi (Pachypodium geayi) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Genus | Pachypodium |
| Species | Pachypodium geayi |
Similar in genus Pachypodium
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
