- How much water does the elephant foot really need?
- Can the elephant foot tolerate hydroponics?
- How do I recognize excessive watering?
Even a low-maintenance plant like the elephant's foot does not get along without attention. However, too much of a good thing usually does a lot more harm than too little. An oversupply of water and/or nutrients makes it easy to die.
The elephant foot needs very little water
How much water does the elephant foot really need?
The elephant's foot is native to tropical areas, so it doesn't need too much water overall. However, if you only water it a little, but quite often, you are not doing the plant any good. On the other hand, the elephant foot tolerates a constant change between plenty of water (without the roots being wet) and a dry period in which the soil also dries up.
The thick "foot" at the lower end of the trunk is used by the elephant's foot to store nutrients and water. With regular water supply, he would not need this storage organ. So he is used to the fact that water is only irregularly available to him. Accordingly, you should water an elephant's foot plentifully, but less frequently than other houseplants.
Can the elephant foot tolerate hydroponics?
In classic hydroponics, the roots of the elephant's foot are practically in the water. That doesn't do him any good. The trunk often becomes soft as a result, the elephant's foot begins to rot and dies. If you are well versed in hydroponics, then you can try cultivating an elephant's foot like this. However, the water level should always be relatively low.
How do I recognize excessive watering?
If the trunk of your elephant's foot is softening, then the plant has definitely been overwatered and has been for a long time. It may already be too late for a rescue. Therefore, react early, for example when the leaves turn yellow or the soil is permanently wet. Give up watering for a while and replace the soil if necessary.
The essentials in brief:
- first sign of too much water: yellow leaves
- Warning sign: soft trunk
- Rescue: exchange earth
tips
If the soil of your elephant's foot is very wet, then it is better to replace it with dry soil.