Help with Pachypodium

[mmcavall]

I have this Pachypodium cf. saundersii which was a gift. It had been treated as a tropical rainforest plant, i.e., in an organic, wet soil under dark shade. I let it slowly adapt to a more open light, but it has ugly long branches. So I decided to repot it. I cut the branches out and also the main root (because it doesn’t fit in the new pot). But I did it in the wrong season: the plant had just lost its leaves to enter dormancy. As the weather was relatively humid and cold, I decided to let it callus before planting. So it is hanged since May. I wonder now if it’s time to plant it. It’s still winter here, but not cold at all, and I’m worried about the plant hanged up all this time until September (when Spring comes). Apart of that doubt, I would like to know what to do after planting it: I need to water it immediately after planting, or I must wait the first leaves appear to give the first water? Thanks in advance!

[mmcavall]

that's him

[HairyHarry]

Even when dormant I do not keep this species bone dry for too long. I would not leave it like this for months on end. I would say/try; pot and water to at least prevent the roots from d(r)ying off. Given this unusual situation I wouldn't dare giving you more/better advice, sorry.

Btw, where did the spines go?

[mmcavall]

thanks HairyHarry, I apreciated very much your advice and hope I can give you good news about this plant some day. About the spines: they were mainly in the branches I cut, but you can see some more to the top of the plant. I dont know if there should be more spines to the caudex, because it is my only plant and I'm not sure it is P. saundersii. Old plants keep the old spines? thanks!

[mmcavall]

After having followed HairyHarry advice, I was succesfull in bring the Pachypodium back to live (it has never died, of course).

Here are the pictures taken today:





Thanks Harry!

[mmcavall]

Here is the same plant, a year passed, under full sun, clay pot:

[williamsii823]

Well done! I like Pachys, and have several.

[mmcavall]

Well done! I like Pachys, and have several.

show us some pictures!