Madagascar palm Plant Care

Madagascar palm (Neocussonia rainaliana) belongs to the Araliaceae family within the Neocussonia genus. Madagascar palm is native to Madagascar. Madagascar palm is also known as Red-edged Dracaena.

Madagascar palm displays a tall, upright tree-like growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Madagascar palm produces small clusters of white, fragrant flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Madagascar palm every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Madagascar palm thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Madagascar palm in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Neocussonia rainaliana tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Madagascar palm prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, rich loamy soil with added perlite for drainage. Good drainage is essential for Madagascar palm to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Madagascar palm every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, rich loamy soil with added perlite for drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Madagascar palm is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Madagascar palm can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Madagascar palm while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Madagascar palm is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Madagascar palm can be propagated through leaf cuttings, air layering, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to umbrella tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Madagascar palm is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Madagascar palm grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Madagascar palm is native to Madagascar. In cooler regions, grow Madagascar palm as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.