Elephant's Foot: The Thick-Skinned Giant Among Houseplants

The Elephant's Foot gets its name from its appearance: its trunk can reach a diameter of up to one meter and closely resembles the foot of the large animal.

For budding plant enthusiasts, the Elephant's Foot is a must-have plant. This decorative houseplant is quite forgiving. When you first bring it to its new home or repot it, you should water it thoroughly. This ensures that the trunk and the plant itself are well-supplied with nutrients, allowing it to thrive for a while without much care. The next time you water the Elephant's Foot, wait until the soil around the root ball is completely dry, as the plant is sensitive to waterlogging.

The Elephant's Foot (Beaucarnea recurvata) prefers a location as sunny as its animal namesake. However, a spot in partial shade is especially beneficial during the summer months, as it offers protection from strong sunlight. This houseplant is largely unaffected by temperature fluctuations and can tolerate cooler periods as long as temperatures don’t drop below 5°C. However, it prefers it as hot as possible and can be placed outdoors in summer in a location that is protected from direct sun and wind.

For us humans, the Elephant's Foot is primarily a beautiful plant to look at. However, it can be very dangerous for animals. Cats in particular like to nibble on the leaves of this houseplant. The saponins contained in the plant can irritate the mucous membranes of your feline friend and may cause lasting damage. If you have a cat at home, it’s better to opt for cat-friendly plants like catnip or cat grass.