In general, hydroponics is not very suitable for succulent plants such as elephant's foot. That's because these plants do better with little water than with too much. However, it is not impossible to grow the elephant's foot in hydroponics.
Growing an elephant's foot hydroponically is a challenge
How is an elephant foot cared for in hydroponics?
If you have bought an elephant's foot in hydroponics, then it needs special care so that it does not shrink. The elephant's foot must not sit too deep in the substrate so that the roots are not constantly washed over by water. Always let the water level drop to the minimum after watering. Only then can the plant get new water.
Pour the elephant's foot so that the water level rises to the middle mark (optimal), never to the upper mark (maximum). The elephant's foot stores water itself in its trunk, if it gets too much from the outside, it will die. You can recognize this, for example, by the soft trunk or light colorless leaves.
Can I convert my elephant foot to hydroponics?
Once an elephant's foot has been in soil, it is difficult to convert to hydroponics. Be sure to thoroughly flush any debris from the roots. Small residue could otherwise rot. Check your elephant foot daily so you can take immediate action if its leaves turn yellow.
It's easier than switching later if you put a cutting in hydroponics right from the start. But this also requires a sure instinct on your part and is not always 100% successful. If you have several offshoots or already have a sizeable elephant's foot, then you can give it a try.
The essentials in brief:
- hydroponics difficult
- don't rearrange an old elephant's foot
- maybe worth a try if you have offshoots
- pour very carefully
- fertilize with special hydroponic fertilizer
tips
If possible, you should not convert an older elephant foot that has been cultivated in soil to hydroponics. The risk that the plant will die is simply too great.