The elephant's foot is a very decorative houseplant, but unfortunately it's not cheap either. The idea is to buy a small, relatively inexpensive plant. The tree will then grow on its own. But that takes time.
Why isn't my elephant foot growing?
If the elephant's foot does not grow, the reasons may be pest infestation, diseases, a pot that is too small, incorrect care (e.g. not enough watering or fertilizing), or lack of light. Good care and a bright location can support growth.
How fast or slowly does an elephant's foot grow?
The elephant's foot is one of the very slow-growing houseplants. You shouldn't expect more than a few centimeters of additional height per year. Growth follows a certain pattern. In the lower part of the crown it loses leaves, at the upper end the elephant's foot sprouts new leaves.
Why doesn't the elephant's foot grow?
If your elephant foot doesn't grow at all, i.e. doesn't get any new leaves, then you should check it for possible pest infestation. Although it is actually quite resistant, mealybugs sometimes appear, for example, and are best de alt with immediately.
It's possible that your elephant's foot pot has become too small, so it's time to repot. However, a new pot should not be much larger than the old one, otherwise the plant will put too much energy into growing new roots. Other reasons could be too little light or a lack of water and nutrients.
Possible reasons for lack of growth:
- Pest Infestation
- Diseases
- pot too small
- incorrect care (watering or fertilizing too little)
- Lack of light
Can I accelerate growth?
It's not for nothing that large specimens are quite expensive in stores, the elephant's foot grows quite slowly. Unfortunately, growth cannot be accelerated directly. But it is definitely helpful if you take good care of it. A bright location with lots of light also helps it thrive.
Water the elephant's foot relatively regularly and generously. Excess irrigation water should always be able to drain away easily. Then the elephant's foot only gets water again when the ground has dried thoroughly. However, you are very economical with fertilizer.
Tip
Don't expect your elephant foot to grow quickly, even with the best care it needs a lot of time.
