Even if the elephant foot is generally considered to be easy to care for, it does not put up with everything without a reaction. Occasionally he gets brown leaves or spots on the leaves. With the right care, you can prevent this quite easily.
Brown leaves can have many different causes
Why is my elephant foot getting brown leaves?
The causes of brown leaves or leaf tips on elephant feet are varied and even somewhat contradictory depending on the season. While heat, dry air and lack of water can be responsible for the discolouration in winter, in summer it is more likely to be waterlogging, sunburn or cold.
Nutrient deficiencies due to lack of fertilization and/or a pot that is too small also occurs predominantly during the growing season. Other reasons for brown leaves are something to think about year-round, regardless of temperature and climate.
The lower leaves of the plant naturally turn brown before they fall off. After all, even evergreen plants have to “renew” their foliage from time to time. As long as about the same amount of leaves grow back, you don't have to worry. Poking or pruning the leaves also causes the tips to turn brown.
Possible causes of brown leaves or leaf tips:
- cold
- nutrient deficiency
- waterlogging
- pruning of the leaves
- sunburn
- Bumping the leaves (on the wall or floor)
- in winter: lack of light, too dry/warm (heating) air, lack of water
How can I help my elephant foot?
Take a good look at the plant and you will quickly find out how you can help your elephant's foot. It is best to replace wet soil immediately. Watering helps when there is a lack of water. In general, however, the elephant foot tolerates drought quite well for some time.
tips
Watering the elephant's foot is probably easily forgotten in winter because it doesn't need a lot of water.