Alluaudia procera

[JonConga]

I got this one at Lowes in Tempe this morning, they have ten more. Supposedly frost tolerant to 20F - 25F. I would like to know how much sun they can take in this area.

[mcvansoest]

If I remember correctly the Desert Botanical Garden has them either under trees or under one of their large shade domes.
I have one in the ground in full shade that is doing OK, but because I have not made sure that it grows upwards it has become rather ground hugging.
Another that is still in a pot gets some morning sun and then pretty deep shade and seems to be quite happy, and is still happily growing in a vertical direction.

So while I am not sure that they cannot take full sun here, all evidence I have or have seen suggests that all day and possibly all afternoon sun should be avoided. They definitely prefer the more humid summer months over the really dry ones.

[Melt in the Sun]

You probably have 3 rooted cuttings in that pot = a perfect chance to try 3 different sun exposures!

[JonConga]

Thanks for the information mcvansoest! I will put them in a large pot under a tree. I'm far too lazy to divide them, Melt.

[Stan]

You should divide them for best growth Jon. I bought a Walmart plant years ago..there are 4 or 5. I never divided,and now they are growing bending and curving all over the place. So,if you want the classic vertical look of green sculpture,its best to divide.
One more point- dont give up on them if they leaf very late (for your climate I suppose) as they can look very dead after a frost or two in winter. Amazingly,mine as if on cue for the very first heatwave in late spring- sprouted leaves. I though tof pulling them before that. They took me.

[Stan]

How,funny- on Xericworld read my postings on Uncarina. There is a photo of that plant on the last post,but next to it is a photo of a container of A.procera's in a large pot....growing Medusa like wiry. A photo is worth a G of words.

[Otter]

Jon, your plant is not procera. It is Alluaudia montagnacii.

Much rarer, thicker stem, denser overall spines,which are always longer than the leaves. Procera spines are shorter and spaced further apart.
The gods certainly were smiling on you the day you walked into Lowes!

[Melt in the Sun]

Jon, has it seen any frost?

[Stan]

Procera will make a nice 8' or so spire in the bay area. Much larger in soucal as expected. The montagnacii is much much slower growing. Not quite as hardy to cold rains as A.procera. I had one live from 2005- 2010 or so outdoors. It had handled so much with no problems...then a very wet one-year-before-the drought-years, got it.

[JonConga]

Thanks for the proper ID Otter! It's good to know the montagnacii is not as hardy. Mine is up against the house under the eave, so no frost damage yet.