The elephant's foot is originally native to the region around Mexico. Here you will find it mainly in warm, rather dry places. In its thick “foot” it stores water and nutrients for lean and dry times.
Is the elephant's foot hardy?
The elephant's foot is not hardy and does not tolerate cold and drafts well. It can overwinter in the living room, ideally in a moderately cool and bright room with temperatures between 10°C and 15°C. In winter the plant needs less water and no fertilizer.
The elephant's foot is not winter hardy. In this country it is basically sold and used as a houseplant. Even beginners and people without a “green thumb” can get along well with the elephant foot because it is quite easy to care for and robust.
Can the elephant's foot go outside?
If the summer is warm and relatively dry, the elephant's foot is welcome to spend this time of year outside in the garden. This summer freshness strengthens it and makes it more resistant to pests. However, the elephant's foot should be slowly accustomed to direct sunlight and brought back into the apartment in good time in the fall. Don't wait until the first night frosts.
How and where should an elephant's foot overwinter?
It is certainly possible to leave the elephant's foot in the living room all year round, but a cool winter rest is much better for it. He uses this time to regenerate and recover. In the spring it can then sprout with new vigor.
Ideally, your elephant foot will spend the cold season in a moderately cool but bright winter quarters. It shouldn't get colder than around 7 °C, temperatures between 10 °C and 15 °C are better.
Does the elephant's foot need special care in winter?
If your elephant's foot stays in your living room over the winter, then continue to water it as usual. Make sure that the soil in the pot dries out from time to time. The intervals between each watering may be slightly longer than in the summer months when the elephant tree grows new leaves. Do not give the plant any fertilizer in winter.
The most important things in brief:
- not hardy
- doesn't tolerate cold and drafts well
- can overwinter in the living room
- ideal winter quarters: moderately cool and bright
Tip
If you can, keep your elephant's foot cool and bright over the winter.
