Elephant Foot Tree Plant Care

Elephant Foot Tree (Pachypodium densiflorum) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Pachypodium genus. Elephant Foot Tree is native to Madagascar. Elephant Foot Tree is also known as Bottle Tree.

Elephant Foot Tree displays an upright, branching tree-like growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Elephant Foot Tree produces tubular white or yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Elephant Foot Tree every 14–21 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Elephant Foot Tree thrives in full sun.

Pachypodium densiflorum tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Elephant Foot Tree prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for extra drainage. Good drainage is essential for Elephant Foot Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Elephant Foot Tree every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for extra drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Elephant Foot Tree is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Elephant Foot Tree can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Elephant Foot Tree while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Elephant Foot Tree is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Elephant Foot Tree can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to madagascar palm plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Elephant Foot Tree is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Elephant Foot Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Elephant Foot Tree is native to Madagascar. In cooler regions, grow Elephant Foot Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.