Varieties
Operculicarya pachypus (Elephant’s Foot Plant)
Origin
Native to Madagascar’s dry, rocky regions
General Care
Light
Full, bright sun. Best with direct sunlight for several hours daily.
Temperature
18–30 °C (spring–fall). Give a rest at 10°C (winter), but maintain bright light condition. Protect from cold drafts.
Humidity
Low to average. Thrives in dry air..
Water
Spring–fall: every 1–2 weeks, water thoroughly and let mix dry fully.
Winter: every 1–2 weeks, water sparingly and allow barely moist potting mix to dry completely. Sensitive to overwatering, and susceptible to root rot. Always check moisture level before watering. Aerate mix to improve its condition.
Fertilizer
Monthly (spring–summer). Use diluted cactus/succulent fertilizer, according to packaging instructions. Do not fertilize during winter dormancy.
Maintenance
Every 1-2 weeks, rotate plant to ensure even growth. Every 1-2 months, dust stalks with a soft, dry paintbrush/shaving brush and inspect for pests, when doing so. Clear fallen leaves from planter.
Potting and Repotting
Free-draining cactus/succulent mix. Choose a shallow, wide container to accommodate its caudex (swollen base). Every 3–4 years (spring) move into a planter 1-2" larger (diameter and depth); or, repot in the same planter, using new potting mix, after cleaning planter and partially trimming back roots and foliage. Top dress annually, once maximum convenient planter size reached.
Special Points/Common Problems:
- Naturally slow grower; patience is required.
- Deciduous: sheds leaves in the dry/dormant season (late fall–winter). Do not overwater to “fix” leaf drop.
- Caudex health is critical: wrinkling = thirsty; softening or blackening = rot.
- Sun-stress can create corky or pale markings on the caudex—this is natural.
- Occasional pruning encourages branching, but only during active growth.
- Pests: mealybugs and scale often hide in bark crevices—inspect regularly.
- Propagation is difficult—typically grown from seed, making mature plants especially valuable.