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Re-sprouting an elephant's foot doesn't have to be difficult. Depending on the cause, simple measures can be sufficient. The instructions show how it can be done.

In a nutshell

  • cause must be found
  • Control and correct care of the elephant foot
  • simple measures can already remedy the situation
  • radical cutting may be required
  • Scratching should be a suitable alternative

search for causes

Before the appropriate measures can be carried out, the reason why the elephant's foot cannot sprout again must first be known. Common problems include:

  • care mistakes
  • Diseases
  • weakened by pests
  • wrong location or change of location too quickly

It is therefore worth checking the culture conditions first. Even slight changes can solve the problem and lead to renewed budding.

location

The origin of the elephant tree, or Beaucarnea, as the plant is called in botanical jargon, is in the desert. The location of the houseplant should therefore be warm and sunny. If it is too shady, it will hardly or only very slowly sprout again. Even in winter, temperatures should not fall below 10 degrees Celsius. In summer, on the other hand, no blazing midday sun should hit the leaves, as they burn quickly, especially behind glass. However, shady trees or curtains and blinds can quickly solve this problem.

The elephant foot needs a warm, sunny location.

substrate

The soil for the elephant foot should meet the following factors so that it can sprout well:

  • relaxed
  • permeable
  • moderate nutrient content

Suitable substrates are therefore, for example:

  • cactus soil
  • Lauberde with quartz sand
  • palm soil
  • Potting soil with sand or coconut fibers

Tip: Regular repotting prevents the soil from being used up. In addition, diseases and the spread of pests can be prevented.

pour

As a desert plant, the plant does not need much water, but is relatively tolerant of lime. This means that harder tap water can also be used for watering. In addition, watering is only necessary as required. It is therefore useful to carry out a test beforehand. All you have to do is press your thumb or finger to the ground. If it gives way slightly and appears damp, watering is not necessary. If the substrate is dry and solid, water until the first drops run out of the bottom of the pot. Waterlogging should never occur.

Notice: A drainage layer at the bottom of the planter prevents the roots from being in constant contact with the water. In addition, the cachepot should be checked in order to be able to remove standing, excess water in good time.

thickened foot of an older plant

Fertilize

As a desert plant, the elephant's foot not only has a very low water requirement. The nutrients can also be used very sparingly. It is sufficient to fertilize the plant once in spring and once in summer. A cactus or succulent fertilizer can be used as a means.

Notice: So that the roots do not suffer chemical burns, fertilizing should be done together with watering. As a result, the nutrients are distributed evenly in the substrate and are gradually absorbed by the plant.

To cut

Early pruning is required if the leaves are damaged. This applies, for example, in the following cases:

  • snapped leaves
  • burns
  • Diseases
  • pest infestation

As soon as discoloration occurs or the leaves dry up, a precise check should be carried out. This applies both to the culture conditions and to the leaves themselves. This allows pests to be identified, for example, but also potential problems to be discovered at an early stage. If the leaves are largely burned or otherwise damaged, they should be pruned radically and the crop moved to a bright spot. Green leaf sections, on the other hand, should be left on the plant. If all leaves have to be removed, there is a risk that the plant will die. Even small remnants of leafy green can therefore be saved.
Only when the plants sprout again should the old residue be cut off. The following points must be observed:

  • use clean cutting tools
  • watch out for sharp blades
  • produce smooth cut surfaces
  • Carry out cutting as early as possible
  • Allow cut surfaces to dry thoroughly

This reduces the risk of invading pathogens and pests. It is ideal to disinfect the blades of the scissors or the knife before and after the cutting tool is used. Cutting off the leaves ensures that the elephant's foot is stimulated to sprout new greens. Alternatively, you can also shorten the stem. However, it is then advisable to use an additional wound closure agent.

Instructions for carving

Another way to stimulate the sprouting of new leaves is to scratch the trunk. To do this, you need to make several shallow cuts at the top of the trunk. Clean cutting tools and sharp blades are also important here.

frequently asked Questions

When does the elephant's foot sprout again?

When the plants sprout again depends on the culture conditions. As a rule, growth takes place from spring to late summer. By changing the conditions, however, an earlier expulsion can also be achieved.

Is the elephant tree poisonous?

Yes, the plant is poisonous in all parts. Therefore, children and pets should be kept away from it. Cats and dogs in particular tend to bite and chew on the leaves.

Is a plant light useful?

If the houseplant no longer sprout, this can also be due to a lack of light. A plant light is then useful in any case.

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Category:

Indoor plants