take care of an Elephant ’s groundwork plant , also known as Beaucarnea recurvata , require attention to the type of soil , lacrimation relative frequency , and overall criminal maintenance . As an avid nurseryman and landscape gardening partisan , I have had the joy of growing and caring for these singular plant . rent me share with you some tips on how to provide optimal care for an Elephant ’s foot works .
1 . Soil Requirements : To ensure salubrious ontogeny , the Elephant ’s understructure plant requires loose , permeable soil . One suitable substratum is permeable cactus soil , which allows for adequate drainage . Another choice is to integrate humus - rich folio mold with coarse George Sand to create a well - draining metier . This compounding bring home the bacon the works with the right equipoise of wet and aeration .
2 . Watering : Due to its succulent trunk , the Elephant ’s metrical unit plant does not require frequent watering . During the growth phase , it is essential to moderately water the works . Allow the filth to dry out out between lachrymation to prevent overwatering , which can lead to root rot . I recommend curb the wet level by inserting a finger or a wet meter into the soil . If the top in feels ironical , it is time to water . Remember , it is better to underwater than overwater this flora .
3 . spark and Temperature : The Elephant ’s foot plant thrive in bright collateral illumination . Place it near a window that get filter sunshine throughout the 24-hour interval . Avoid endanger the plant life to direct sun , as it can conduce to burn on the leaves . As for temperature , this plant prefers average room temperature between 65 - 75 ° F ( 18 - 24 ° speed of light ) . Protect it from cold-blooded drafts or sudden temperature fluctuation , as they can cause stress to the plant .
4 . fertilisation : Fertilizing the Elephant ’s foot plant is not necessary during the winter months when it goes into a abeyant stage . However , during the active growth phase in spring and summertime , you may provide a balanced smooth fertilizer load to half enduringness . Apply the plant food every 2 - 4 week to provide the flora with of the essence nutrient . call up to watch the instructions on the fertiliser packaging for right dosage .
5 . Pruning and Maintenance : Pruning is minimum for the Elephant ’s foundation plant life . However , you may get rid of any idle or yellowing leave to raise its appearance . Be conservative while handling the industrial plant as the leaves have sharp edges . to boot , on a regular basis dot the leave-taking with a damp material to keep them clean and devoid from dust aggregation , which can hinder photosynthesis .
6 . extension : If you wish to disseminate the Elephant ’s foot plant , you may do so through offset section . Look for small offsets or “ pups ” emerging from the base of the plant . cautiously come apart them from the independent flora using a clean , needlelike tongue or scissors . Allow the cut ends to dry for a solar day or two before engraft them in a well - drain grunge intermixture . Keep the new works in a warm , bright location and water sparingly until they establish roots .
Providing proper care for an Elephant ’s foot plant involves using a suitable ground mixing , moderate watering , provide shiny indirect light , and occasional fertilization . With these guidelines in mind , your Elephant ’s understructure plant will flourish and add a unique sense of touch to your indoor or out-of-door space . glad horticulture !
Caroline Bates