Madagascar Ocotillo (Alluaudia procera)

Growth Habit: Tall, spiny succulent tree with upright, branching stems that can reach 15–25 ft. outdoors, smaller in pots

Bloom Season: Rare in cultivation; small greenish-white flowers when mature

Dormancy: Winter, with seasonal leaf drop

Sun Exposure: Needs full sun outdoors; very bright light or grow lights indoors

Soil Needs: Well-draining cactus mix; amend with sand, pumice, or perlite

Hardiness Zones: USDA 9b–11; protect from frost and freezing temperatures

Native To: Southern Madagascar

Madagascar Ocotillo (Alluaudia procera) – FAQ & Care Guide

When your plant arrives

Your Madagascar Ocotillo ships bare root (no soil). Open the box slowly and watch the spines. We recommend sturdy gloves: ThornArmor Work Gloves. Remove the packing and set the plant in a cool, bright spot with indirect light for 2–3 days. This short rest helps it recover from the trip.

Why wait before planting?

Shipping is dark and bumpy. A pause lets the plant acclimate to your home, recover from stress, and lets any tiny root nicks callous so they don’t rot once in moist soil. Wait at least one week before potting or planting. If the plant looks stressed or the weather is cold, waiting longer up to a month is okay.

Potting or planting outdoors

Pot: use a sturdy terracotta or ceramic pot with drainage holes. Soil: fast-draining cactus/succulent mix. Add sand, pumice, or perlite if humid. After planting, wait 1 more week before watering.

Landscape: best in USDA zones 9b–11. Needs full sun and well-draining soil. Keep away from walkways (spines are sharp). Looks great as a tall focal point with gravel, boulders, or low succulents.

Indoor growing

Place in the brightest window (south or west-facing). If light is low, use strong grow lights. Leaf drop indoors is normal. The plant is resilient and will bounce back. Indoors growth is slower and it may lean toward light.

Watering

Warm season (with leaves): water deeply, then let soil dry completely before watering again. Cool/dry season (leafless): water very little or not at all. Leaf drop in winter is natural.

Fertilizer

Not required. Optional: light cactus fertilizer in spring and summer. Do not fertilize in winter.

Common questions

Why did it lose leaves after shipping? Normal! Stress or change in environment can cause leaf drop. New leaves will grow with light and warmth.

Does it grow fast? Yes. With full sun and heat it can grow up to 2 feet per year outdoors.

Can I prune it? Yes. Cutting the tip encourages branching. Always wear gloves.

Will it flower? Sometimes, with small green-white flowers, but rare in pots.

Any pests? May get mealybugs or scale. Treat early with alcohol or insecticidal soap.

Reassurance
This plant is hardy. Even if it drops leaves or looks bare, it’s built to handle stress and will bounce back. Unlike many houseplants, it won’t die easily if you give it sun, drainage, and patience.