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Madagascar Palm

Madagascar Palm

Regular price $20
Regular price Sale price $20
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About This Plant

Not a palm. A succulent built like a cactus, shaped like a tropical plant. The thick silver-grey trunk stores water so it survives weeks without attention.

Your furnace helps it. Canadian forced-air heating drops indoor humidity below 30% in winter. Most plants hate that. This one was built for dry air. A south-facing window is all it needs beyond that. The ZZ Plant handles the same conditions if you want something spineless.

It grows and eventually flowers. Give it consistent sun, and it puts on visible height every season. Mature plants produce clusters of fragrant white blooms in spring and summer.

Winter Dormancy Leaves Will Drop. That's Normal.

As days get shorter, this plant sheds its leaves to save energy. It looks alarming the first time it happens. It isn't. Don't increase watering. Don't panic. Just leave it alone and new growth will appear from the top when spring arrives. This is one of the most common reasons people think they've killed their Madagascar Palm they haven't.

Toxicity Warning Keep Away From Pets and Children

Mildly toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. The sap can irritate skin on contact and cause mild digestive issues if swallowed. Always wear gloves when repotting. Keep it out of reach of pets and kids. If your home has animals, our Snake Plant and Golden Pothos are better options.

Pests and Safety

This plant is tougher than most but it can still get unwanted visitors.

Mealybugs. Look like small white cotton clusters where the leaves meet the trunk. Wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Catch them early and they're easy to deal with.


Spider mites. Tiny dots on the leaves, sometimes with fine webbing. They show up when air is too dry even for this plant. Wipe the leaves down and move it somewhere with better airflow.


Scale. Brown bumps on the trunk or stems. Scrape them off gently and treat with neem oil.

The spines on the trunk are very sharp. Place this plant somewhere it won't get bumped. Keep it away from hallways, play areas, and anywhere kids or pets pass through regularly. Isolate the plant as soon as you spot something. Don't let it sit next to your other plants. And always wear gloves when treating it. The sap irritates the skin on contact.

Other Plants You Might Like

Not sure this is the right fit? Here are three other plants our Canadian customers love. All ship across Canada and thrive in Canadian homes.

Snake Plant Zero fuss. +

Tolerates low light and dry air. Safe pick if you have a less sunny spot.

Jade Plant +

Another drought-tolerant succulent. Easy to keep alive. Grows slowly and lives for years.

Rubber Tree +

Bold and sculptural like the Madagascar Palm but stays green all year and grows fast with good light.

Common Questions

Is a Madagascar Palm actually a palm tree? +

No. Despite the name, it's a succulent in the Apocynaceae family. It's far more closely related to cacti than to any palm tree. The name comes from the way it looks, not how it actually grows. So it behaves like a cactus drought tolerant, sun loving, low maintenance. If you want a real palm, the Majesty Palm is worth a look.

How often do I water it? +

Only when the soil is bone dry. About every 2-3 weeks in summer and barely at all in winter. The trunk stores water, so underwatering is always the safer mistake. If you're the type to forget to water plants this one is made for you.

Why is it dropping all its leaves? +

Almost certainly winter dormancy. As the days get shorter, the plant sheds its leaves to save energy. It looks like it's dying. It isn't. Don't start watering more that's what actually kills it. Leave it alone and new leaves will show up in spring from the top of the trunk.

Is it toxic to cats and dogs? +

Yes. The sap is mildly toxic to pets and humans. Keep it away from animals and children. Wear gloves when you handle or repot it. If you have pets at home, check out our Rubber Tree or Satin Pothos instead both are much safer around animals.

How tall will it get inside my home? +

With consistent full sun it can reach 4-6 feet tall over several years. Growth is fastest in summer near a south-facing window and nearly stops during winter dormancy. It's a slow but steady grower.

Will it flower? +

Yes but only once it's mature. It produces clusters of fragrant white flowers in spring and summer. Consistent sunlight and good seasonal care make it more likely. Don't expect flowers in the first year.

Does it actually work in a Canadian apartment? +

Yes and better than most plants. It loves the dry indoor air that comes with heating a home in Ontario or Quebec during winter. That's the same air that kills humidity-loving tropicals. The only real requirement is a bright south-facing window. If you want other easy options that work just as well indoors, the Jade Plant and Limelight Dracaena are great picks.

Sun: Full Direct Sun, 6+ hours daily

This plant needs a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. A south-facing window is your best bet. If the light is too low, the trunk gets weak and leaves start dropping. No grow lights needed. Just the sunniest spot in your home.

Light: South-facing window is ideal

In Canadian homes, a south-facing window gives this plant what it needs year-round. East or west-facing can work in summer but won't be enough through the winter months when daylight gets short.

Water: Only when completely dry

Stick your finger 2 inches into the soil. If it feels even slightly damp, wait. Water only when it's completely dry all the way through. Every 2-3 weeks in summer. Once a month or less in winter. When in doubt, underwater. The trunk stores the extra.

Humidity: Loves dry air, perfect for Canadian winters

Most houseplants suffer when your furnace runs all winter and indoor humidity drops below 30%. This one doesn't. That dry air is close to its natural habitat. No humidifier needed. Your heating system is actually doing it a favour.

Pet Friendly: No, toxic to cats, dogs and kids

The sap is mildly toxic if swallowed and can irritate skin on contact. Keep it somewhere pets and children can't reach it. Always wear gloves when repotting or trimming.

Pro Tip

Because it stores water inside its thick trunk, the Madagascar Palm can go 3 to 4 weeks without a drink in winter. Before you leave, water it well, put it in your sunniest window, and don't ask anyone to water it while you're gone. It will be fine when you get back. It's one of the few plants that actually does better with a little neglect.


Shipping and Delivery Details

Shipping across Canada. Orders are packed and shipped within 1-2 business days. Delivery takes 3-5 business days depending on where you are.

30-Day Happy Plant Guarantee

If your plant arrives damaged or isn't healthy, contact us within 30 days with a photo. We'll sort it out with a replacement, refund, or store credit whichever works best for you. View our complete guarantee policy

Frequently Asked Questions

Certainly! If you're pondering about ordering plants online, you're not alone. We've compiled the most frequently asked questions. Check out our FAQ section here for quick answers! Happy planting!

Plant and Pot Size Guide

4" Pot (Small): plant is approx. 6-10 inches tall. 6" Pot (Medium): approx. 12-18 inches tall. All plants come in a standard nursery pot. Decorative pots are sold separately.

Winter Shipping Protection

Between November and March we add extra insulated packaging and heat packs to protect your plant from cold temperatures during transit. You can add winter shipping protection at checkout.

Returns Policy

If a plant arrives with significant damage, pests, or disease, we offer a full replacement or refund.Our guarantee covers the viability and health of your plant for 30 days.

View full details

WATERING MADE EASY

Check soil moisture before watering and use a potting mix that drains well. It’s the secret to healthy, happy plants!

Hear From Happy Plant Parents.

Who have brought Mygreenscape plants into their homes.