Anacardiaceae
Elephant tree: Complete Care Guide
Operculicarya decaryi
Thrives in bright light and well-draining soil. Allow the substrate to dry out significantly between waterings and protect from frost.
Every 10 days
Bright indirect
15° - 35°C
30% - 60%
Categories
What is Elephant tree?
Elephant tree (Operculicarya decaryi) is a medium-care plant from the Anacardiaceae family. Operculicarya decaryi, commonly known as the Jabily or Elephant Tree, is a pachycaul succulent tree native to Madagascar. It features a thick, gnarled trunk with bumpy, cork-like bark and small, glossy dark green pinnate leaves. In its natural habitat, it can reach significant heights, but it is hig...
Elephant tree grows up to 9.0m, spread of 400cm, watering every 10 days, 15°C â 35°C, 30â60% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 20 days.
How to Care for Elephant tree?
TLDR: Elephant tree needs Bright indirect, watering every 10 days, and temperatures between 15-35°C with 30-60% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Elephant tree?
Water thoroughly until it drains out the bottom, then wait until the soil is almost completely dry before watering again.
How Much Light Does Elephant tree Need?
Provide as much light as possible; it loves full sun but can adapt to very bright indirect light indoors.
What Is the Best Soil for Elephant tree?
Use a mix of pumice, lava rock, and a small amount of organic matter to ensure rapid drainage.
What Pot Should You Use for Elephant tree?
Unglazed ceramic or terracotta pots with large drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Rotate
Every 14 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Elephant tree and Where Does It Come From?
Operculicarya decaryi, commonly known as the Jabily or Elephant Tree, is a pachycaul succulent tree native to Madagascar. It features a thick, gnarled trunk with bumpy, cork-like bark and small, glossy dark green pinnate leaves. In its natural habitat, it can reach significant heights, but it is highly prized as a bonsai specimen due to its naturally aged appearance and resilience.
How to Propagate Elephant tree?
Stem Cuttings
- Using a rooting hormone can increase the success rate.
- Do not overwater the cutting before roots have formed.
- 1 Take Cutting
Select a healthy, semi-hardwood branch and cut a 10-15cm section.
- 2 Callous
Allow the cutting to dry in a shaded area for several days until the wound callouses over.
- 3 Plant
Insert the cutting into a very gritty, sandy soil mix and keep slightly warm.
Materials needed:
Seed Propagation
- Seeds must be fresh for viable germination.
- Bottom heat can significantly improve germination rates.
- 1 Sowing
Sow fresh seeds in a well-draining succulent mix.
- 2 Environment
Maintain a constant temperature of around 25 degrees Celsius and high humidity.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Elephant tree Grow?
TLDR: Elephant tree can reach up to 9.0m tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
9.0m
Spread
4.0m
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Deciduous
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
Represents endurance, longevity, and stability due to its thick trunk and slow growth.
Compare with similar plants
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | â ïļ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | â ïļ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | â |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | â ïļ |
