Pachypodium Saundersii

Pachypodium Saundersii

Pachypodium saundersii, also known as the Kudu lily or Bottle tree, is a compact caudiciform succulent prized for its swollen trunk, spines and showy white flowers. Native to rocky, arid slopes in southern Africa, it is a tough, drought‑tolerant statement plant for succulent collectors and dry gardens.​

Pachypodium saundersii overview

• Botanical name: Pachypodium saundersii.​

• Common names: Kudu lily, Bottle tree, Madagascar palm (in trade).​

• Origin: Rocky outcrops and lowveld woodland in South Africa, Eswatini, southern Zimbabwe and Mozambique.​

• Type: Spiny caudiciform shrub / succulent, Apocynaceae family.​

Light and placement

• Prefers bright, direct light; 3–8 hours of sun daily produces a compact caudex and dense spines.​

• Grows well in full sun to semi‑shade outdoors in warm, frost‑free climates.​

• Indoors, place at the brightest window or under strong grow lights.​

Watering and soil

• Water sparingly and only when the soil is completely dry; overwatering easily causes root rot.​

• Keep almost dry in the cool, dormant winter period, especially after leaf‑drop.​

• Use a very free‑draining cactus/succulent mix or sandy, gritty soil that mimics rocky habitats.​

Temperature and hardiness

• Thrives in warm conditions; ideal growing temperatures are around 20–25 °C.​

• Minimum recommended temperature is about 10 °C; best suited to frost‑free gardens or pots that can be moved indoors.​

• Can be grown outdoors in warm, dry regions or as a container specimen elsewhere.​

Fertilizer, pruning and propagation

• Feed lightly in the growing season with a diluted, balanced or low‑nitrogen fertilizer about once a month.​

• Repot every 2–3 years into a slightly larger pot, taking care not to damage the caudex.​

• Prune lightly to remove dead branches or to encourage low, branched growth.​

• Propagate from fresh seed sown in a light, sandy mix or from tip cuttings that are allowed to callus before planting.​