The elephant's foot is a very decorative houseplant with a stem that is quite thick at the bottom, in which it stores water and nutrients, and narrow green leaves that hang long. Pale leaves reduce the attractiveness significantly, this should be prevented.

Young leaves are often lighter than old ones

Why are the leaves getting light?

The lower leaves on an elephant's foot regularly lighten, usually in winter. After a while these leaves fall off. This is a perfectly normal phenomenon as long as the elephant's foot regrows at the top and about the same number of new leaves form.

Sometimes the leaves on the elephant's foot turn yellow when the plant gets too little light. This is also more likely to happen in the winter than during the summer months. In contrast to normal leaf change, however, more or all leaves are then affected, not just at the bottom of the plant but everywhere. However, it is also possible that you have watered or fertilized the elephant's foot too much.

Can the new leaves be lighter than the old ones?

In fact, the new leaves that have just sprouted are often a little lighter than the old leaves. You probably know that from the spring-green foliage of the trees outside. However, within a very short time, the leaves on your elephant's foot should look fresh green.

The essentials in brief:

  • light leaves in the lower part normal in moderation
  • New shoots a little lighter than old leaves
  • not normal: many light or yellow leaves spread over the whole plant
  • Reasons for leaf discoloration: lack of light, too much water or fertilizer

What can I do for my elephant foot?

If your elephant's foot does not get enough light in winter, then change the location. Also check the soil to see if it is too dry or too wet. It is best to replace wet soil, then water the plant only rarely and sparingly. You should also check and adjust the frequency and amount of fertilizing.

tips

As long as your elephant's foot only grows light-colored leaves at the bottom and sprouts well at the top, you shouldn't worry.

Category:

Vegetable garden