Don’t let the name fool you—the Madagascar Palm isn’t actually a palm tree at all! But it does live up to its name when it comes to its roots, hailing all the way from the sunny island of Madagascar. Because it’s a tropical native, it definitely can’t handle a chilly winter outdoors if you live in a cooler climate.
Bring Her Inside by Fall
If your Madagascar Palm has been enjoying some fresh air on the patio, you’ll want to bring the pot indoors once autumn rolls around. You don’t want to wait too long; if that first frost hits, this plant can get damaged pretty quickly.
Keep It Bright and Toasty
Even in the winter, the Madagascar Palm craves light and warmth. Ideally, you’ll want to find a cozy spot for it right in your living room. However, since these beauties can grow up to six feet tall and get pretty wide, I know that finding space in the main house isn’t always easy!
The Basement is a Solid Backup
If you’re tight on space, you can actually move your Madagascar Palm to the basement for the winter. It’ll be darker down there, of course, but don’t panic—the plant usually drops its leaves at the end of the growing season anyway. It’s also surprisingly flexible when it comes to temperature. The golden rule? Just make sure its winter home stays frost-free and never dips below freezing.
Slowing Down the Growth Spurt
Choosing a slightly cooler spot for the winter can actually be a clever trick to keep your plant’s size in check. As I mentioned, these can tower over six feet tall. By keeping it in a cooler environment and skipping the fertilizer, you can slow down that growth spurt. Since these plants often don’t handle pruning or topping very well, managing the growth through temperature is a great way to keep it small enough to fit in your living room for years to come.
On the other hand, if you have plenty of space and want it to grow big and strong, here are the ideal conditions:
- A bright, well-lit room
- No harsh, direct midday sun
- Temperatures that stay above 60°F (15°C)