Frithia pulchra - Fairy Elephant's Feet

The Fairy Elephant's Feet has got to have one of the strangest common names I've come across... but I can kind of see it, especially when the plant is in flower with its bright pink petals standing out bold against its succulent green foliage. This plant's leaves sprout individually from a central base, each leaf growing a few centimetres long with a kind of lop-sided heart as a cross section. Their sage green colour is more solid on the sides, with the ends looking more translucent in appearance. Treat this plant by giving it plenty of sun and patience, and it might even treat you in turn with stunning bright pink flowers, and growth up to 10cm tall and 20cm wide!

Scientific Name
Frithia pulchra (Frith's beautiful plant)

Common Name
Window Plant, Fairy Elephant's Feet, Toontjies, Living Stones

Origin
Native to Gauteng Province, South Africa

Light
This plant loves bright light and will thrive with a few hours of direct light each day- a south or west facing window will help it get the most of its sun in the UK!

Water
Make sure all the soil on your Fairy Elephant's Feet succulent dries out before you water it again. You can test this with a wooden skewer or similar; and be aware it will need less frequent watering in winter!

Humidity
This plant is adapted to low humidity, so most household locations will be fine. Make sure it's not somewhere too damp/soggy, and not too near an operating radiator.

Soil
Use a well-draining soil mix; one with added sand and grit, or one designed for cacti and succulents will work well here. Repot every 3-4 years in spring as the plant grows.

Food
Fertilise every two months in the growing season, reduce to every three in autumn and winter. Use a feed designed for cacti, or dilute your usual houseplant feed, for best results.

Temperature
This plant can stand a large range of temperatures as long as it stays dry. In summer, it will love temperatures from 20-32°C, and in winter can stand temperatures down to 5°C. A cooler winter will also help it grow better the following summer!

Pet-safe
Yes, but too much nibbling won't be good for pets, small humans or the plant!

Sprouts Top Tips
Allowing your Frithia to have a dormancy period, with less water and food, and lower temperatures, will help it to grow better when it warms up again. Use the winter as an opportunity to help your plant recharge.

This plant grows slowly so don't worry if you think it's not growing much- it will take several years to reach its largest size, and even that is not very big!