Elephant's Foot - Adenia glauca (Care, Characteristics, Distribution, Images)

Elephant's Foot

Elephant's Foot (Adenia glauca) is an indigenous South African plant that grows in rocky soils in arid climates in the wild. Elephant's Foot is cultivated as a house and garden plant where it grows best in bright sunlight. This species will experience root rot if allowed to stand in watery soil. It produces a milky poisonous sap which can irritate the skin. Elephant's Foot is toxic to children and pets.

Scientific classification

Species

Elephant's Foot (Adenia glauca)

Nances, spurges, willows and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Succulent, Vine

Plant Type

Spring, Fall, Late winter

Bloom Time

50 cm to 3.5 m

Plant Height

90 cm to 1.2 m

Spread

Green, Gray

Leaf Color

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Elephant's Foot

Distribution of Elephant's Foot

Distribution Map

Elephant's Foot is native to the southern parts of the African continent and has also been introduced to other regions for cultivation. The plant flourishes in its natural habitat and adapts to environments beyond, primarily through deliberate introduction by humans seeking to grow elephant's Foot for its ornamental qualities.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Rocky

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Care Guide for Elephant's Foot

Every 3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Succulent & Cactus Soil

Soil Type

Water: Elephant's Foot is a drought-tolerant succulent from arid regions, requiring watering only once every three weeks. It thrives in well-draining soil to prevent root rot, as overwatering is harmful. Typically grown indoors for its ornamental qualities, elephant's Foot adapts to minimal moisture effectively.

Fertilize: To care for elephant's Foot, use a balanced Succulents and Cacti Food, fertilizing monthly at half strength during spring and summer. Stop in fall and winter when elephant's Foot is dormant. Apply during watering to enhance absorption, while avoiding over-fertilization, which can damage roots.

Propagation: Elephant's Foot features a unique caudex and vine-like growth. Propagation involves cuttings from healthy, non-woody stems, which should be allowed to callous before planting in well-draining soil. Gradually acclimate rooted elephant's Foot to brighter light to prevent sunburn during the transition to independent growth.

Repotting: Repot your elephant's Foot biennially for optimal health during the growing season. Use a larger pot with excellent drainage. After repotting, provide bright indirect light, minimal water, and avoid fertilization for weeks as elephant's Foot re-establishes.

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Images of Elephant's Foot

Distribution of Elephant's Foot

Care Guide for Elephant's Foot

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