Question
I bought a beautiful pachypodium.  I had it in a very sunny room, and noticed
that the leaves started to get black spots on them.  I moved it to a room with a
northern exposure (still a lot of light--I live in AZ), but now almost all of the
leaves have dropped off, and the new ones shortly turn black and die.  HELP!

Answer
Hi Lisa,

You haven't mentioned your watering routine and that is likely to be the problem.

Madagascar palm (Pachypodium lamerei) does best in maximum light. Indoors that is in a south-facing window. It will survive and grow more slowly in reduced light, but it is unlikely to flower.

In nature, these plants drop their leaves in the winter because they come from an area that has winter droughts. If you have been watering infrequently, then that will be enough drought to induce dormancy and leaf drop. This is perfectly normal and doesn't mean your plant is dying. It is usually best to suspend watering for two to three months in winter, but keep it in a warm, sunny spot. This winter dormancy will increase the chances of flowering the following summer.

On the other hand, if you are keeping the soil constantly damp, then the roots may be rotting and that can be fatal. It is best to water only when the soil feels dry to the touch deep into the pot.

Some people prefer to keep their Madagascar palms in leaf all year round by not withholding water in the winter. That is your choice.

After the winter dormancy, resume watering every two to three weeks. Continue this regimen through the summer and early fall. Fertilize twice during the summer at half strength.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail some photos to my address below, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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