Pachypodium rosulatum aka Elephant's Foot

Taxonomy

Common names

Elephant's Foot

How to care for Elephant's Foot

Water

Elephant's Foot does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

Elephant's Foot loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Elephant's Foot requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Elephant's Foot is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Elephant's Foot to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Humidity

Elephant's Foot plants thrive in dry environments, however, if you choose to provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on the leaves can create an ideal environment for certain types of harmful fungi.

Fertilizer

The Elephant's Foot grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Elephant's Foot’s native range is Madagascar and Africa.


More info:
Wikipedia