Pachypodium rosulatum subsp. cactipes is a subspecies native to Madagascar, occurring in dry, rocky slopes and open scrubland where it receives intense sunlight and grows in sharply draining soils. It stores water in its swollen, bottle-shaped caudex, an adaptation to the region’s pronounced dry season.
From the caudex, thick, spiny stems branch and produce rosettes of narrow, lance-shaped leaves during the active growing season. The foliage is shed during winter dormancy, leaving the bare, thorn-covered branches exposed. The spines act as a deterrent to browsing animals in its native habitat.
In late spring to summer, mature plants produce tall flower stalks topped with bright yellow, funnel-shaped blooms. These are insect-pollinated and stand well above the foliage, creating a seasonal contrast to the plant’s sculptural form.
Care Tips:
Light: Full sun to very bright light for healthy growth and flowering.
Water: Water thoroughly when the soil is dry during the growing season; keep almost dry during dormancy.
Humidity: Low humidity is preferred.
Media: Use a very free-draining cactus and succulent mix with coarse sand or grit.
Fertiliser: Feed monthly in the growing season with a diluted, low-nitrogen fertiliser.
Temperature: Maintain above 15 °C; protect from frost.
Repotting: Repot only when required, minimising disturbance to the caudex and roots.
Additional Notes:
Known to be toxic
Shipping Schedule and Biosecurity Information
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Dispatch & Shipping Information
ALL STATES (including WA, NT, TAS): We now offer a universal, streamlined schedule with two dispatches per week for all regions. This schedule includes all necessary biosecurity treatment and processing for plants sent interstate.
Tuesday Dispatch: Orders placed by Sunday 11:59 PM AEST.
Friday Dispatch: Orders placed by Wednesday 11:59 PM AEST.
Orders placed after these cut-offs will be dispatched on the next available day.
Plant Health Certification (PHC) Fees:
$20 fee applies to WA orders.
$10 fee applies to NT and TAS orders.
This fee is per order (not per plant) and is included in your shipping cost at checkout. It covers the mandatory biosecurity treatments (ICA-29, PS-27, ICA-62) required for interstate compliance.
Important Note: We operate independently from Collectors Corner. For any enquiries, please refer to our Help Centre (Contact Page).
