This species tends to grow close to the ground. It spreads out horizontally rather than vertically, although it may have branches up to one meter long. Pachypodium lealii is rarely seen. However, P. saundsersii is fairly common in the market place and has a couple different varieties. The most common variety has the longer stems, which can be trimmed to enhance the base. The rarer variety, called P. saundersii v. compactum, has very short stems and a caudex that can spread very wide. This species is active during the summer months. With regular water they will extend their branches rapidly. They normally flower white at the end of summer and then go dormant through fall and winter. During shutdown watering should be kept to a minimum.

Pachypodium lealii	Pachypodium saundersii normal form	Pachypodium saundersii v. compactum

Pachypodium brevicaule is the most unique of all Pachypodium species. It doesn't have conventional stems and just remains as a mound of stunted nodules. This central Madagascar can be found growing in rock crevices. It is a very slow growing species.

Pachypodium brevicaule with spines	Pachypodium brevicaule without spines

It is one of the more difficult species to grow because it is sensitive to over watering as well as doesn't like the soil to be completely dry. It is best to plant it in a fast draining gravel mix and mist frequently with a spray bottle. 

Pachypodium brevicaule is rarely seen at cactus and succulent club plant sales. Typically, only small seedlings, 1-2 inches (3-6cm), will be offered. Most of these will have spines, which we have been told are hybrids. On rare occasion, larger specimens ranging in size from 4 to 8 (12-24cm) inches wide will be offered. These are usually plants rescued from their native habitat in Madagascar. Because of the popularity and rarity of this species, they will be offered at a premium price. A nice clumping six inch (18cm) specimen is not uncommon to be offered in the $300 range.

Small Pachypodium brevicaule	Pachypodium brevicaule flower	Pachypodium brevicaule Medium Size
Pachypodium brevicaule Medium Large	Pachypodium brevicaule Texture Close Up	Medium Sized P. brevicaule priced at $100

Pachypodium namaquanum is a vertical succulent plant similar P. lamerei. However it differs significantly in canopy type, branching habit, flowers, epidermis color, type location, environment, and rareness. 

Pachypodium succulentum and bispinosum differ only in their flower and body color. They differ from other Pachypodium species the caudex grows to be very fat and shaped like a ball. There are no spines on the caudex, and only a few spines on the branches. These two species are rarely offered by growers.

Pachypodium succulentum Extra Large	Pachypodium succulentum Extra large base

P. succulentum has a light pink or white flower with deep pink mid-stripe on the petals. P. bispinosum has light pink flowers with a pink throat.

Pachypodium Comparison Table

Here is a summary table comparing the different species of pachypodium by six criteria: Mature size, origin, growth characteristics, availablity, spine density, and flower type.