Alluaudia procera

Natural range and habitat of Alluaudia procera

Alluaudia procera is native to the dry spiny forests of southern Madagascar, where long dry periods are part of its natural habitat.

How to care for Alluaudia procera

Light and room air. Give Alluaudia procera as much light as possible indoors, introducing direct sun gradually. Aim for 40–50% humidity. Average room humidity is fine, with some air movement around the stems.

Active growth. While new leaves and stems are developing, keep the plant warm at around 20–30 °C. Water thoroughly only after the mix has dried through, then let all excess water drain. Feed about once a month during active growth with cactus or succulent fertiliser at quarter strength.

Cool, leafless rest. If growth slows in cool conditions and the plant drops its leaves, keep the mix dry at around 10 °C and pause feeding until new leaves appear.

Potting mix and repotting. Use a mineral-rich succulent mix that drains very quickly and a pot with drainage holes. Move to a larger pot when roots have filled the existing one. When the roots still fit comfortably and the plant is top-heavy, use a heavier or more stable container of the same size.

Propagation. Root stem cuttings in warm conditions once the cut end has dried and sealed.

Problems and solutions for Alluaudia procera

• Thin or elongated new shoots: the plant is probably receiving too little light. Increase the light gradually so later growth develops more compactly.
• Leaves dropping while the plant is warm and actively growing: the root ball may have stayed dry for too long. Check the mix and water thoroughly if it is dry, allowing all excess water to drain away.
• Softening at the stem base or brown, soft roots: staying wet for too long can lead to rot. Remove the plant from wet mix and cut rotted roots or stem tissue back to firm healthy tissue with a clean tool, then discard the rotten material. If healthy roots remain, repot the plant in fresh, freely draining mix. If only a healthy stem section remains, let the cut end dry and seal before rooting it in fresh, freely draining mix.

Alluaudia procera has sharp parts

• Keep this plant away from children and pets because its effects after chewing or swallowing are unclear.
• Sharp spines or rigid plant parts can puncture the mouth, eyes, skin or paws.
• Handle it carefully. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after a serious injury, especially to the eye.

Who first published Alluaudia procera, and what does the name mean?

The genus Alluaudia honours French naturalist Charles Alluaud. The Latin epithet procera means tall, slender or lofty.

Emmanuel Drake del Castillo established the genus Alluaudia in 1901 in Comptes Rendus Hebdomadaires des Séances de l’Académie des Sciences, volume 133, page 240.

Emmanuel Drake del Castillo first described it as Didierea procera in 1903 in Comptes Rendus Hebdomadaires des Séances de l’Académie des Sciences, volume 133, page 241. Emmanuel Drake del Castillo later placed it in Alluaudia as Alluaudia procera in 1903 in Bulletin du Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle (Paris), volume 9, page 37.