# Short-stemmed Pachypodium (Pachypodium brevicaule)

> Endemic to the granite outcrops of Madagascar, this extraordinary caudiciform resembles a flat, weathered silver rock or potato sitting flush against the ground. In spring, it produces a stunning display of vibrant yellow trumpet-shaped flowers emerging directly from its compact spiny cushions. Due to its extreme sensitivity to excess moisture and slow growth, it is prized as a pinnacle collector's plant requiring specialist care.

- **Scientific Name:** *Pachypodium brevicaule*
- **Botanical Family:** Apocynaceae
- **Care Difficulty:** Expert (4/5)
- **Cold Hardiness:** 10°C (USDA Zone 11)
- **Pet Safety / Toxicity:** Toxic to Pets (May cause irritation or toxicity if ingested by cats/dogs)
- **Canonical URL:** https://sukulentler.com/en/species/pachypodium-brevicaule
- **Markdown Source:** https://sukulentler.com/en/species/pachypodium-brevicaule.md
- **Botanical Photo:** https://sukulentler.com/assets/images/articles/species_pachypodium_brevicaule.webp?v=1794434463

## Light & Sun Exposure

Requires full direct sunlight for at least 6–8 hours daily; inadequate light leads to unnatural elongation and significantly increases rot risk.

## Watering Schedule & Method

Water carefully during active summer growth only when substrate dries completely; withhold water almost entirely during leafless winter dormancy.

## Soil & Gritty Mix Formula

50% pumice + 25% quartz grit + 15% lava rock + 10% low-organic succulent soil (ultra-porous and slightly acidic)

## Cold Tolerance & Overwintering

10°C (USDA Zone 11)

## Propagation Methods

Fresh seeds sown in warm conditions, or specialized grafting onto vigorous rootstocks like Pachypodium lamerei.

## Available Language Editions

- [TR: Gümüş Patates Sukulenti (Pachypodium brevicaule)](https://sukulentler.com/tr/turler/pachypodium-brevicaule.md)
- [DE: Kurzstämmiger Dickfuß (Pachypodium brevicaule)](https://sukulentler.com/de/arten/pachypodium-brevicaule.md)
- [ES: Paquipodio enano (Pachypodium brevicaule)](https://sukulentler.com/es/especies/pachypodium-brevicaule.md)