Pachypodium saundersii aka Kudu Lily

Pachypodium saundersii is considered one of the easiest Pachypodium species to grow, making it an excellent choice for beginners to caudiciform succulents. The key to success is providing excellent drainage, full sun, and respecting its winter dormancy period by withholding water when temperatures drop. Avoid overwatering at all costs, as this is the primary cause of failure with this species. The plant is more forgiving of underwatering than overwatering.

Pachypodium saundersii reaches 0.5-1.5 meters (1.5-5 feet) in height with a distinctive bottle-shaped caudex that can grow up to 1 meter (3 feet) in diameter. Growth is moderate for a succulent—faster than most Pachypodium species but slower than typical houseplants. The caudex develops primarily above ground and becomes more pronounced with age, eventually developing a papery, peeling bark texture. Plants typically need 4-5 years to reach flowering maturity.

Pachypodium saundersii prefers warm conditions and can be grown warm year-round. The ideal minimum temperature is 10-15°C (50-59°F). The plant can tolerate brief exposure to temperatures as low as 0°C (32°F) when kept completely dry, but extended cold or wet conditions will cause damage or death. In cooler months, a winter rest period around 15°C (59°F) with dry soil encourages flowering. Protect from frost at all times.

Pachypodium saundersii produces spectacular white flowers flushed with pink to purple on the exterior, appearing in terminal clusters. In its native Southern Hemisphere habitat, flowering occurs from February to May (autumn to early winter). Plants typically need to be 4-5 years old before producing their first blooms. To encourage flowering, provide a cool, dry winter dormancy period. The fragrant flowers are pollinated by moths and resemble those of Plumeria (frangipani).

Seed propagation is the most successful method for Pachypodium saundersii. Sow fresh seeds about 5mm deep in a sandy, well-draining medium, maintaining warmth (27-35°C) and moisture. Germination occurs within 3-6 weeks. Stem cuttings are possible but less reliable—take tip cuttings in spring or summer, allow them to dry for a week to form a callus, treat with fungicide and rooting hormone, then plant in sandy medium. Wear gloves when handling as the sap can irritate skin.

Repot Pachypodium saundersii every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its container. These plants actually perform well when slightly root-bound, so avoid over-potting. Choose a container only slightly larger than the current one with excellent drainage holes. Use a well-draining, sandy succulent mix. Handle carefully to avoid damaging the caudex or getting pricked by the spines. The best time to repot is in early spring as the plant emerges from dormancy.

The most common pests affecting Pachypodium saundersii are mealybugs and spider mites. Check regularly in leaf axils and branch crevices where mealybugs hide. Spider mites thrive in the hot, dry conditions these plants prefer—look for fine webbing and stippled leaves. Root rot is the primary disease concern, caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Scale, thrips, and whiteflies can also occur. Treat infestations with neem oil or isopropyl alcohol, and always ensure excellent drainage to prevent fungal issues.

Pachypodium saundersii can be grown outdoors year-round in USDA zones 9-11, where temperatures remain above 0°C (32°F). In frost-prone areas, it must be grown in containers and brought indoors for winter or kept in a heated greenhouse. Plant in a rock garden or raised bed with excellent drainage and full sun exposure. The species is native to the dry lowveld woodlands of southern Africa and thrives in hot, arid conditions. Even in suitable climates, protect from extended rain periods.

The main taxonomic variant is Pachypodium lealii subsp. saundersii, which is now generally accepted as synonymous with P. saundersii. A cultivar called 'Compacta' exists in cultivation, featuring a more compact growth habit. The related species Pachypodium lealii (Bottle Tree) from Namibia is sometimes confused with P. saundersii but grows much taller (up to 8 meters) and has velvety rather than glossy leaves. These two species are separated by over 1,000 km in their native ranges.

Leaf drop in Pachypodium saundersii is often a natural response to seasonal change. As a deciduous species, it naturally sheds leaves when entering winter dormancy, especially when temperatures drop below 15°C (59°F) or day length decreases. This is normal and healthy. However, sudden leaf drop outside the dormancy period may indicate overwatering, root rot, or cold stress. If the caudex remains firm and healthy, seasonal leaf drop is nothing to worry about—simply reduce watering and wait for spring regrowth.

Drooping or wilting in Pachypodium saundersii typically indicates either severe underwatering during the growing season or, more commonly, root rot from overwatering. Check the caudex—if it's firm, the plant likely needs water. If the caudex is soft or mushy, root rot has set in and immediate action is needed: unpot the plant, remove rotted tissue, allow to dry, treat with fungicide, and repot in completely dry, fast-draining soil. Drooping can also occur during dormancy transition, which is normal.

Kudu Lily’s native range is Madagascar and Africa.

Kudu Lily does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Kudu Lily loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Kudu Lily thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Star Of Lundi.

Kudu Lily prefers dry environments, so misting the plant to provide extra humidity and allow water to linger on the leaves can create an ideal environment for fungi that can be harmful.

The growth rate of Kudu Lily is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

During the wintertime, it's common for Kudu Lily to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.