elephant's foot plant
Also known as
Pachypodium rosylatum
Taxonomy
Pachypodium rosulatum
Pachypodium
Apocynaceae
Gentianales

How to care for elephant's foot plant

How often to water your elephant's foot plant

every 12
elephant's foot plant needs 0.5 cups of water every 12 when it doesnāt get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every
12

Check the growing potential in your area
A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.

Select a city to check sunlight intensity

Finding light for elephant's foot plant in your home

a window
elephant's foot plant love being close to bright, sunny windows š.
Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
elephant's foot plant does not tolerate low-light š«.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of elephant's foot plant in your home š”.

How to fertilize elephant's foot plant

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil itās likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your elephant's foot plant after it doubles in size or once a yearāwhichever comes first.

elephant's foot plant thrives in dry soil and should be watered sparingly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Sunlight Needs
elephant's foot plant requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive šŖ. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home š”.
Toxicity
Greg does not have confirmed data on this plantās toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, itās always best to consult a medical professional.
If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control atĀ US (800) 222-1222.Ā If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA atĀ US (888) 426-4435.
Humidity
elephant's foot plant prefers dry environments. Providing extra humidity or misting your plant allows water to linger on leaves, which can create the perfect environment for harmful types of fungi.
Soil
elephant's foot plant does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!
Fertilizer
elephant's foot plant grows very slowly and doesnāt require added fertilizer. Replacing your plantās potting soil once a year should provide them with more than enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
Dormancy
Itās common for elephant's foot plant to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.
Native Region
elephant's foot plant is native to Madagascar and Africa.
Care Summary for elephant's foot plant
elephant's foot plant
Greg recommends:

0.5 cups every 12 days

< 1ft from a window

Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4ā pot your plant is in, and that it doesnāt get direct sunlight.
