Madagascar Palm

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.