Too big - pachypodium
>> Monday, July 17, 2017 –
damage,
succulents
We had a storm come through last night. I didn't hear it, but knew it this morning as I looked out the front window...
...at my Pachypodium lamerei. That big, spiky beast that is a focal point of the front garden. Wait, where is it?!
There it is...
...clearly blown over by what must have been a really strong gust. (this plant is heavy!)
I expected the worst, but the damage was minimal.
I don't know what else to say about this right now, other than I hope I can plant the branch that broke -- even though the growing tip broke off too:
I also hope that the plant branches again soon...
...as I don't like the look of it with the missing branch.
Grrrrrrr.
Gardens are sources of disappointment sometimes, aren't they?
If anybody has experience and advice with this plant, please let me know what to do!
.
Ugh, I am sorry...that sucks!
Try this:
"Cut in to the still green part. The cut surface should be all green and fresh looking, if not cut higher until you get all green. Then dust it with rooting hormone (while it is still wet) and let the end dry completely for several days (4 or 5). Then plant it about 5 cm deep in dry cactus soil and let it alone for about a week. Then small waterings (just get it slightly damp) for one or two months. If it is going to grow, it will be evident by then. It wants warm to hot weather to start growing."
Poor plant. I hope it grows back beautifully.
Sorry that your plant blew over and was broken. No wind gusts here in my area, only a nice rain shower. I'm thinking by the end of this week and its 100 degree plus days, I won't have any decent looking flowers left, they will all have roasted despite my best watering efforts. At least I haven't seen any Japanese beetles around here yet this year. They must have heard how hot it was going to be and went somewhere else.
Susie: It's been several years since I've seen Japanese beetles in my garden. They were a huge nuisance about 10 years ago, and now it's rare to see one. :)
The midwest has had some wild weather! Last week I slept through a veritable monsoon that left most of our area flooded. Figured it out when I saw the pond had breached the banks!
Maybe your plant will come back even better than ever - we accidentally scorched a few things with some fireworks, and they seem to be responding by getting bigger and stronger. And that looks like one tough plant!
So sorry. It's disappointing when a big beautiful plant like that gets damaged. Hope it branches out again for you.