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Alluaudia sp.
AlluaudiaFamily: Didiereaceae
Origin: Madagascar
It is a large shrub, 5 to 10 feet tall, with a dense crown of spiny or thorny branches. This plant can be used for bonsai and is suitable for USDA Zones 9-11, where it usually requires little maintenance, moderate water, and regular trimming.
In cold regions, Alluaudia sp. can be grown in a pot in a warm location which provides either full sun or bright light. Provide minimal water during the winter months and don't allow the soil to become completely dry. If the temperature drops too low, the plant can experience frost damage, so keep it in a location where it is rarely exposed to temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
To keep Alluaudia looking healthy, prune the branches to control size and shape. To encourage a denser, more compact crown, prune the bush back anytime from early spring to midsummer, cutting each of the stems to just above a set of strong leaves. Do any larger pruning in the fall when the protective spines are at their smallest. This shrub can also become infested with pests, like aphids and mealybugs, so inspect it regularly, and intervene with proper treatments if needed.
Overall, Alluaudia is a low-maintenance plant which is relatively easy to care for. With the right conditions and regular pruning, it can make for a beautiful and interesting addition to any garden, or even a bonsai collection.
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