Madagascar Palm Post-Dormancy Leaf Blackening: Fungus vs. Overwatering Solutions

Madagascar Palm Post-Dormancy Leaf Blackening: Fungus vs. Overwatering Solutions

Pachypodium lamerei (Madagascar palm) drops leaves in winter dormancy. New growth blackening = usually overwatering, sometimes fungus.

Diagnosis

Treatment

1. Stop watering until soil bone dry.
2. Fungus: Lysol aerosol spray on leaves (top/bottom) every 2 days × 3 weeks.
3. Water schedule: Every 2 weeks (growing), every 3 weeks (winter). Deep soak, full drain.
4. Pot check: If recently repotted, ensure not oversized. Caudex should nearly fill pot.
5. Light: Full sun (south window).

Key Principle

Pachypodium stores water in caudex. It's a succulent—treat like cactus.

Dryness between waterings is non-negotiable.