Even quite undemanding plants such as the easy-care elephant's foot cannot endure everything. However, a lot has to happen for your elephant foot to really die. Not every brown leaf is the result of a bad plant disease, but sometimes quite normal.
If only the lower leaves turn brown, there is no need to panic
What's wrong with my elephant foot?
If your elephant tree loses a few leaves at the bottom, that's not a cause for concern, it's the normal way this plant develops. The same amount of new leaves should sprout at the top. Brown leaf tips also show up when the leaves hit, for example, the ground, wall or other plants. You can remedy this by moving the plant.
If your elephant's foot sheds more leaves than it grows back, investigate the cause. He only needs a little water, but he should actually get it. Always water the elephant's foot when the soil has dried a little. Too much water can lead to rotting roots, which can also cause your elephant foot to die.
How can I save my elephant foot?
The first aid for your elephant foot depends on the cause of its condition. A change of location helps in drafts, sunburn, lack of light or cold. If your elephant's foot is about to dry up, water it. It is best to replace wet soil, otherwise the roots of your elephant's foot can rot. Then do without additional fertilizer, the elephant foot only needs a few nutrients.
Be sure to also check your elephant foot for pest infestation. Although they do not occur very often, they are most likely to affect plants that have been weakened by incorrect location or care.
The essentials in brief:
- some leaf loss normal
- possible causes of brown leaves: lack of water or nutrients, sun, cold
- possible causes of disease: drafts, dry air, contamination from other plants
- first aid: change of location, watering, fertilizing, changing soil, pest control
tips
If you want to save an ailing elephant's foot, then start with the simplest measures (watering, change of location, changing soil) before resorting to chemicals.