The elephant tree (bot. Beaucarnea recurvata), sometimes called the bottle tree, is an attractive and easy-care houseplant. Placed in the right location, you can enjoy this rustic plant for many years.
What location does the elephant's foot need?
The elephant's foot, which comes from Mexico, needs a location that is assunny as possible, which can be hot in summer and a maximum of 15 °C in winter. Above all, the plant toleratesno draftsand needsa lot of space for its tuft of leaves.
How much light does an elephant's foot need?
The elephant tree comes from Mexico, where it is native to the dry deserts. That's why you should place it in aas sunny location as possible-at least five hoursthe exotic animal needs full sunlight per day. But be careful: the intense and hot summer sun in particular can causeburns on the narrow leaves, which is why you should provide shading here. The elephant's foot shouldn't be too dark, otherwise it will grow more slowly than normal.
What temperatures can the elephant's foot tolerate?
In summer, the elephant's foot also tolerateshot temperaturesvery well, provided it is shaded in a sunny location during midday. In winter, however, the thermometer shouldnot show more than ten to 15 °C, as the houseplant needs to be kept cool over the winter. A bright but rather cool location in the house is recommended.
However, much more important than the specific temperature is that you set up the elephant footprotected from drafts. The desert plant cannot tolerate these and strongly fluctuating temperatures - for example caused by ventilation in winter.
Where is the best location for the elephant's foot?
It is best to place the elephant foot in a location that has these properties:
- at least 5 hours of sun per day
- constant temperatures
- Shading during lunchtime
- no drafts
- sufficient space, as the leaves should not touch walls, windows, etc.
Do not place the elephant's footon a window sill- there is usually not enough space for the leaves there - but in front of ato the south or westaligned, floor-to-ceiling window.
By the way, you can also place the elephant treeoutside in summer, for example on a sunny balcony or terrace. However, slowly get the plant used to the unusual light intensity so that there are no leaf burns.
Tip
How do you know that the elephant's foot is in the wrong place?
If your elephant's foot doesn't like its location, you'll notice this due to a lack of growth (too dark) or leaf discoloration caused by too strong sunlight.
