Madagascar Palm Losing Leaves Indoors: Dormancy, Not Disease

Pachypodium lamerei Leaf Drop After Moving Inside

Two Madagascar palms (one 6-month-old, one smaller) were outside all summer, repotted in fall, and brought indoors for winter. Leaves are turning black and falling off despite fungicide/insecticide treatment.

Normal Winter Dormancy

Greg explains: Madagascar palms are deciduous in winter—they drop all leaves and go dormant. This is normal. The blackening may be from a light frost before moving in. Cut watering back drastically: only when soil is completely dry. As long as the trunk is firm, it will leaf out again in spring.

Repotting Timing

Best to repot in spring or summer; fall is acceptable but not ideal. The recent repotting plus move indoors added stress, but the plant will recover.

Winter Care Checklist

• Cool, bright location (50–60°F ideal).
• Water once every 4–6 weeks (just enough to prevent trunk shriveling).
• No fertilizer until new leaves appear in spring.
• Don't panic—bare stems are normal.