The elephant foot (bot. Beaucarnea recurvata) is also called the bottle tree or water palm. It can store a lot of water in its trunk, which is thickened at the bottom. This means it can easily survive for some time without water. This is not only beneficial during your vacation.
How often should I water my elephant foot?
Do not water your elephant foot until the soil is dry to avoid waterlogging. The plant generally requires little water, and the frequency depends on the location and temperature. Use a pot with a drainage hole and drainage layer for optimal water drainage.
How often should I water my elephant foot?
It's best to only water your elephant's foot when it really needs water and not according to a set schedule. The water requirement depends on various factors, such as the location and the temperature there. Check with your finger whether the soil is still slightly moist. The elephant's foot should only be watered again when it is dry.
What happens if I water the elephant foot too much?
The elephant's foot soon reacts to too much water or even waterlogging with brown leaves. If the moisture lasts too long, there is a risk of root rot and, in the worst case, your elephant's foot will die. However, it tolerates a few weeks of drought much better.
How do I prevent waterlogging?
You can do something about waterlogging when planting or repotting your elephant foot. Only place the tree in a pot with a drainage hole. If none is available, drill one. Then create a drainage layer made of pottery shards (€11.00 on Amazon) or pebbles so that excess water drains away easily.
The most important things in brief:
- generally needs little water
- Avoid waterlogging at all costs
- Always ensure good drainage (drainage layer and drainage hole in the pot)
- do not water at all in cool winter quarters
- water extremely sparingly in (moderately) warm winter quarters
Tip
The elephant's foot is a succulent plant and therefore does well with little water and low humidity.
