Didierea madagascariensis - Madagascar Octopus Tree | Seed-Grown Succulent from Madagascar

Didierea madagascariensis is one of the most distinctive succulent plants from Madagascar, native to the dry, spiny forests of southwestern Madagascar. Also known as the Madagascar Octopus Tree, it develops an unusual architectural form with a characteristic spiny stem and narrow leaves.

This specimen was grown from seed at TOMs FLOWer CLUB and is now a fully established, healthy and robust plant. It has been grown slowly and naturally, without being pushed with excessive fertiliser – because at TOMs FLOWer CLUB, 100% organic quality comes before quantity.

The plant is already established in TOM's own self-mixed, highly permeable organic substrate. Excellent drainage is particularly important for Didierea madagascariensis, as the species is adapted to the very well-drained, sandy soils of its natural habitat. Repotting is therefore not necessary for the next 1–2 years unless you specifically wish to repot the plant.

For the best development, place your Didierea madagascariensis in the brightest and sunniest position available. During its active growing period, water according to the plant's needs but always allow the substrate to drain well. In its natural habitat, the species experiences a pronounced dry season, and cultivated plants benefit from a corresponding winter resting period with significantly reduced watering.

Didierea madagascariensis is not winter-hardy and must be protected from frost and low temperatures. At TOMs FLOWer CLUB, it is given a cooler winter rest with considerably less water rather than being forced to grow throughout the darker months.

With time, this unusual Madagascan succulent becomes an increasingly impressive collector's plant. Its combination of a sculptural growth habit, spiny stems, narrow leaves and slow, naturally developed growth makes it particularly interesting for collectors of caudiciforms, succulents and unusual plants from Madagascar.

You will love your new Didierea madagascariensis when it finds its place in a sunny window and then unfolds its full character with time.

You will receive the plant of the displayed size and in the condition shown in the photographs.