The elephant's foot is a very decorative houseplant with a trunk that is quite thick at the bottom in which it stores water and nutrients, and narrow green leaves that hang long. Pale leaves significantly reduce the attractiveness, this should be prevented.
Why does my elephant foot have light leaves?
Bright leaves on the elephant's foot are normal if they only occur in the lower area. New growth is often lighter than old leaves. Unusually, there are many light or yellow leaves scattered throughout the plant, caused by lack of light, too much water or fertilizer.
Why do the leaves turn light?
The lower leaves on an elephant's foot regularly become lighter, usually in winter. After some time these leaves fall off. This is a completely normal phenomenon as long as the elephant's foot sprouts at the top and approximately the same number of new leaves are formed.
Sometimes the leaves on the elephant's foot turn yellow if the plant doesn't get enough light. This is also more likely to happen in winter than during the summer months. In contrast to normal leaf change, more or all leaves are affected, not just at the bottom of the plant but everywhere. But it is also possible that you have watered or fertilized the elephant's foot too much.
Can the new leaves be lighter than the old ones?
The new, freshly sprouted leaves are in fact often a little lighter than the old leaves. You probably know this from the spring green foliage of the trees outside. Within a very short time, however, the leaves on your elephant's foot should look freshly green.
The most important things in brief:
- light leaves in the lower area, moderately normal
- New growth slightly lighter than old leaves
- not normal: many light or yellow leaves spread over the whole plant
- Reasons for leaf discoloration: lack of light, too much water or fertilizer
What can I do for my elephant foot?
If your elephant's foot doesn't get enough light in winter, then change the location. Also check the soil to see whether it is too dry or too wet. It is best to replace wet soil and then water the plant rarely and sparingly. You should also check and adjust the frequency and amount of fertilizing.
Tip
As long as your elephant's foot only has light leaves at the bottom and sprouts well at the top, you shouldn't worry.
