Consulta Plantas

Care of the succulent plant Pachypodium rosulatum or Elephant's Foot Plant

The genus Pachypodium, family Apocynaceae, includes 25 species of succulent trees and shrubs natives, for the most part, from Madagascar. Some species are: Pachypodium rosulatum, Pachypodium ambongense, Pachypodium lamerei, Pachypodium geayi, Pachypodium baronii.

Common names: Elephant's Foot Plant, Cactus Pachypodium. This species is native to Madagascar.

Pachypodium rosulatum is a spreading, shrubby succulent plant with a thick, swollen trunk that reaches 30 cm (11.81") in height. The sparse, spiny branches bear leathery, glossy dark green leaves on the upper surface. The attractive yellow flowers measure 7 cm (2.75") in diameter. It blooms from mid-winter to mid-spring.

Elephant's Foot Plant is mainly used in pots for patios and terraces and as a houseplant. In gardens with frost-free subtropical climates, it is used in rockeries and as a single specimen.

Pachypodium rosulatum grows in full sun and light shade exposure. In winter, it goes dormant and may lose its leaves. It is not frost-tolerant. It is important that the temperature does not drop below 10 °C (40 ºF).

The soil can be a commercial cactus substrate with 20% coarse sand. It is recommended to repot it every 3 years to renew the substrate.

Elephant's Foot Plant is a very drought-resistant plant that requires moderate watering, waiting until the substrate has completely dried out. Do not water from mid-autumn to early spring. It withstands prolonged drought well.

Fertilize every two months in spring and summer with mineral fertilizer for cacti and succulents.

Prune dead branches in early spring.

Pachypodium rosulatum does not usually have serious pest and disease problems, but it is sensitive to excess moisture, especially at the roots. If grown indoors, it must be well ventilated.

Elephant's Foot Plant propagates from seeds sown in spring or autumn in a sandy seedbed.

Images of the succulent plant Pachypodium rosulatum or Elephant's Foot Plant