- Can the elephant foot go outside?
- How and where should an elephant's foot hibernate?
- Does the elephant foot need special care in winter?
Originally, the elephant foot is native to the region around Mexico. Here you will find it mainly in warm, rather dry places. In its thick "foot" it stores water and nutrients for lean and dry times.
Native to warm Mexico, the elephant foot is not hardy
So the elephant foot is not hardy. In this country it is basically sold and used as a houseplant. Even beginners and people without a "green thumb" can get along well with the elephant's foot, because it is very easy to care for and robust.
Can the elephant foot go outside?
If the summer is warm and relatively dry, then the elephant's foot is welcome to spend this time of year outside in the garden. This summer freshness strengthens it and makes it more resistant to pests. However, the elephant foot should slowly get used to direct sunlight and be brought back into the apartment in good time in autumn. Do not wait until the first night frosts.
How and where should an elephant's foot hibernate?
It is perfectly possible to leave the elephant's foot in the living room all year round, but a cool hibernation is much better for it. He uses this time to regenerate and recover. In the spring it can then sprout with renewed vigour.
Ideally, your elephant foot spends the cold season in a moderately cool but bright winter quarters. It should not get colder than about 7 °C there, temperatures between 10 °C and 15 °C are better.
Does the elephant foot need special care in winter?
If your elephant's foot stays in your living room over the winter, continue watering it as usual. Make sure that the soil in the pot dries from time to time. The intervals between the individual waterings may be longer than in the summer months when the elephant tree gets new leaves. Do not give the plant any fertilizer in winter.
The essentials in brief:
- not hardy
- does not tolerate cold and drafts well
- can hibernate in the living room
- ideal winter quarters: moderately cool and bright
tips
If you can, hibernate your elephant foot in a cool and light place.