Short-stemmed Pachyphytum Plant Care

Short-stemmed Pachyphytum (Pachypodium brevicaule) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Pachypodium genus. Short-stemmed Pachyphytum is also known as Dwarf Pachyphytum.

Short-stemmed Pachyphytum displays an upright, branching tree-like growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Short-stemmed Pachyphytum produces tubular white or yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Short-stemmed Pachyphytum every 14–21 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.

Short-stemmed Pachyphytum thrives in full sun.

Pachypodium brevicaule tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Short-stemmed Pachyphytum prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for extra drainage. Good drainage is essential for Short-stemmed Pachyphytum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Short-stemmed Pachyphytum 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 full sun and well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for extra drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Short-stemmed Pachyphytum is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Short-stemmed Pachyphytum 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 Short-stemmed Pachyphytum 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.

Short-stemmed Pachyphytum 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.

Short-stemmed Pachyphytum can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to madagascar palm plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Short-stemmed Pachyphytum 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.

Short-stemmed Pachyphytum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Short-stemmed Pachyphytum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.