I'm pretty sure this is a succulent and not a cactus

[NYer in TX]

In fact I think it's an Ocotillo. I tried to get some detailed pictures to aide in the ID process.






I was also wondering if I should be worried about that branch growing so much to the right.

[Tobias Wallek]

That's a nice, big Pachypodium.
It could be P. bispinosum or P. succulentum.
For the correct ID you must wait for the flower. They are identical in their habit and only the flowers are different.
Here you can find pictures of the two different flowers:
http://pachypodium.org/

Give the plant a bigger pot, because both have a great rootstock.

Regards
Tobias

[Tony]

Nice one!

[Harriet]

It is a nice one. Don't worry about the branch unless you just don't want your plant to be shaped that way, I see no other reason to prune it now. A bigger pot would make the branch look less awkward, and the plant happier. I'd replace the existing soil with a good cactus mix, but I don't have much experience with Pachypodiums, so take that advice "with a grain of salt."

[NYer in TX]

Thank you all.

Since you mentioned replanting here I'll ask this here, even though it might be more appropriate in a different forum.

Should I put it (and my other plants) in a clay pot or a larger plastic pot? I was told at the place where I bought this that the clay would dry the soil faster. I don't know how much faster "faster" is. I bought these plants mainly because I'm often away from home for work. Usually just 2-12 days and only a few times as long as three weeks. Will the clay pot let the soil hold water for long enough on most of those trips?

And Harriet, I actually picked that plant out because of the branch, but then began to think that it might indicate some future issue.

[Buck Hemenway]

I really think it is the P. saundersi x lealii that many growers are producing.

Clay pots are the most forgiving, while the soil drys faster, 2 1/2 days is not an issue. The moisture is always wicking out through the pot. Your humid summers won't let the soil dry fast enough to worry about in any case.

[NYer in TX]

I really think it is the P. saundersi x lealii that many growers are producing.

Clay pots are the most forgiving, while the soil drys faster, 2 1/2 days is not an issue. The moisture is always wicking out through the pot. Your humid summers won't let the soil dry fast enough to worry about in any case.

I'm usually gone between two and twelve days. It varies. Most commonly they will go without a chance of being watered for about five days.

[svenstrup]

Pachypodiums can handle quite large amounts of water once they're in the growing season, but a week or 2 without water is no problem unless it's really hot and sunny. Give it semi-shade. You could add some perlite, vulcanic pebles or any other moisture storing stuff to your soil. This will help the plant with both air for the roots and humidity for a longer time.

[Tobias Wallek]

I really think it is the P. saundersi x lealii that many growers are producing.

I don't know this cross and if the above plant is one, sorry for my misidentification

Regards
Tobias

[WayneByerly]

See the pictures of (and other information regarding) Pachypodium lealii at the following sites. They can't ALL be wrong ...


South Coast Cactus and Succulent Society
http://southcoastcss.org/2017-annual-pl ... aundersii/


Daves Garden
https://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/539
Pachypodiums are not very cold tolerant plants. Growing them outdoors in marginal climates like those in southern California can be a risky situation, though some species are much more likely to do well than others. Pachypodium lamerei, geayi, lealii (including sandersii) and succulentum are the most likely species to do well outdoors, with many having success also with namaquanum, densiflora and rutenbergianum as well.


The Pachypodium Page
http://succulent-plant.com/families/apo ... odium.html


Google Search
https://www.google.com/search?sa=X&biw= ... AwYQ-BYIMw


Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pachypodium_lealii


South African National Biodiversity Instituter
http://pza.sanbi.org/pachypodium