Elephant foot has brown leaves

Brown leaves from incorrect water supply

The first control point for your research into the cause should be the supply of the plant with water and nutrients. The elephant's foot (Beaucarnea recurvata), also known as the bottle tree, likes uniform moisture in the ground. If the soil in the flower pot feels too wet, let it dry out without taking any further measures. As a resident of tropical areas, the elephant foot can tolerate this, which avoids new brown leaves.

After it has dried out, start with a regular pouring rhythm. But always make sure to avoid waterlogging in the root area. If mold or other deposits have formed on the potting soil due to moisture, repot the elephant's foot and replace the potting soil.

The right location for healthy green

If the water supply is regulated and the elephant's foot still has discolored leaves, the location or a serious change of location can be responsible for the leaf death. The elephant's foot likes sunny locations and gets along well even in blazing sunlight. However, if it has been in the shade for a long time, you must first get used to direct sunlight slowly.

Separate the brown leaves. The regrowing leaves are significantly more sun-resistant and give the elephant's foot its beautiful, green appearance.

Fertilizer supply as the cause of brown leaves

An oversupply or undersupply with fertilizer also leads to discoloration in the elephant's foot. How to fertilize correctly: Provide your plant with nutrients every four weeks during the growing season. Use a weakly concentrated remedy. Cactus fertilizer is well suited, alternatively you can use conventional green plant fertilizer.

Important: In the resting phase, your crop does not receive any fertilization.

Fungal attack damages the foliage

If you have excluded care errors as the cause, a fungal attack can lead to brown leaves. This disease is characterized by discoloration that reappears after removing the affected foliage. White areas may also be visible.

Fungal infestation is not a cause for concern in healthy and vigorous plants. The robust growth usually recovers from it on its own. Cut affected foliage regularly to prevent it from spreading excessively. If your plant is too weak due to possible care mistakes, it can usually no longer be saved. In this case, dispose of the bottle tree.

Caring for the elephant's foot properly

In general, elephant foot is easy to care for. However, there are a few principles to keep in mind:

• Choose a bright location with direct sun.
• Use loose and water-permeable substrate.
• Water moderately during the growing season.
• Let the soil dry out between waterings.
• Avoid waterlogging.
• Provide with a suitable fertilizer every four weeks.
• Don't cut back.
• If the plants are too large, cut the stem in half and let it sprout again from the tuber.
• When roots fill the entire pot and are visible, repot.
• When growing outdoors, slowly get used to direct sunlight.
• In the dormant period (October to March), overwinter in a cool, bright place.
• Water sparingly in winter and do not fertilize.
• Propagate using cuttings and seeds.

With proper care, your elephant foot will grow strong and healthy.