Madagascar Palm Plant Care
Stephanostegia capuronii Markgr.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its large, heart-shaped leaves that have striking silver veins, this plant originates from Madagascar. Plant collectors are drawn to Stephanostegia capuronii for its unique foliage that adds a touch of exotic beauty to any collection.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to partial shade
65–85°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Madagascar Palm?
Water Madagascar Palm every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Madagascar Palm Native To?
What Is the Madagascar Palm?
Madagascar Palm (Stephanostegia capuronii) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Stephanostegia genus. Madagascar Palm is native to Madagascar. Madagascar Palm is also known as Bottle Palm.
Madagascar Palm displays a vining, trailing growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Madagascar Palm produces small, star-shaped white flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Madagascar Palm?
Stephanostegia capuronii requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Madagascar Palm Need?
Madagascar Palm thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing Madagascar Palm in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Madagascar Palm Prefer?
Stephanostegia capuronii grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Madagascar Palm prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Madagascar Palm?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Madagascar Palm to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Madagascar Palm?
Feed Madagascar Palm every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Madagascar Palm?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Madagascar Palm?
Madagascar Palm can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering, division.
Is the Madagascar Palm Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Madagascar Palm?
Madagascar Palm is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, mealybugs. 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.
Keep exploring plants
Madagascar Palm is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Stephanostegia genus — compare its care with other Stephanostegia species on PlantoScan.
Stephanostegia is part of the Apocynaceae plant family — browse all Apocynaceae genera and species.
Madagascar Palm thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Stephanostegia capuronii Markgr., family Apocynaceae (first published in Adansonia , n.s., 12: 219 (1972)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Madagascar Palm is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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