The shape of the elephant's foot (bot. Beaucarnea recurvata) is actually reminiscent of the feet of pachyderms. Therefore, the thick trunk also needs some space in its pot. Repotting before the vessel becomes too small is part of its care.

When the roots grow out of the pot, it's time to repot

What soil does an elephant's foot need?

The elephant foot is really not demanding, it does not need particularly nutrient-rich soil, only little water and hardly any fertilizer. He is very happy with cactus soil or palm soil. Alternatively, you can loosen up ordinary potting soil with some sand or clay granules, then it contains proportionately fewer nutrients and is well permeable to irrigation or rainwater (if it is outside in summer).

How Often Should I Repot My Elephant's Foot?

When the roots of your elephant's foot grow out of the pot, it's high time to repot. In principle, you can schedule this work about every three to five years. Ideally, repot it in the spring. If the roots of the tree are slightly damaged, then they can regenerate well during the coming growing season.

What should I consider when repotting?

The new pot should be just a few inches larger than the base of the trunk. It is more important that you use a container that is heavy enough for your plant to be stable. A bowl is also conceivable, because the elephant's foot has shallow rather than deep roots.

When should I repot a homegrown elephant foot?

The propagation of the elephant foot is not easy. You should not expect seeds on a plant in your living room, because the elephant's foot rarely or not at all flowers in the apartment. Cuttings or offshoots often do not bring the desired success in terms of the appearance of the grown plant.

That leaves preferably growing an elephant's foot from purchased seeds. However, germination takes a few weeks. The young plant is repotted accordingly late. Wait until the first leaves appear. Only then are the delicate roots strong enough for the move.

Does repotting help a sick elephant foot?

You cannot fight diseases directly with repotting, but it can definitely help to mitigate the consequences. It makes sense, for example, if waterlogging has led to yellow leaves or even a soft trunk.

The essentials in brief:

  • repot about every 3 to 4 years
  • ideal time: early spring (mid-February to late March)
  • urgently needed: when the pot becomes too small (root base covers the entire surface of the pot, roots grow out of the pot)
  • ideal pot shape: shallow rather than deep

tips

The thickened trunk of the elephant's foot comes into its own in a planter.

Category:

Vegetable garden