“Elephant Bush” has typical watering needs for a succulent. It's best to use the “soak and dry” method , and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Portulacaria afra needs less frequent watering during its dormancy period.
How often should you water an Elephant Bush?
Not enough water causes the leaves to dry up and sometimes drop off. Elephant bushes should be watered more often in summer and less in the winter. Let the soil dry between waterings, usually four to five days .
How much water does an elephant Bush need?
In the summer months, I water my Elephant Bush as often as every 7-10 days , sometimes more during a heatwave, giving the plant a good drink. I cut back on watering to about 10-14 days when the weather cools down. If you live in a humid location, you won't need to water as much.
How do I know if my Elephant Bush is overwatered?
The first sign of overwatering is swollen and discolored leaves . If you spot these changes in your Elephant Bush, simply replant it in fresh soil and remove any rotten roots. Leaf drop can also be a sign of underwatering. Not getting enough water can cause leaves of Elephant Bush to dry out and eventually fall off.
Why are all the leaves falling off my Elephant Bush?
Sudden changes in light, temperature, and humidity can all contribute to leaf drop in Elephant Bush. This succulent prefers full sun, and if relocated to an area of less sunlight, it can start dropping leaves. The same goes for temperature.
How do I make my elephant Bush bushier?
The best mixture for this type of plant is cactus soil or potting soil cut by half with sand, vermiculite, or pumice . Choose a location with indirect sunlight when growing elephant bush indoors. Overly bright sunlight can char the leaves and cause them to drop off.
How do you shape an elephant Bush?
The plant readily produces buds wherever branches or even leaves are removed, so it is easily kept almost any size or shape by pinching or cutting just above a pair of leaves pruning .
What is the difference between jade plant and Elephant Bush?
The stem gets thicker over time as the plant matures. ... Portulacaria Afra, commonly known as Elephant Bush, are often mistaken for Crassula Ovata ‘Jade Plants' because they resemble each other in a lot of ways. Although Elephant Bush closely resemble Jade Plants in appearance, they are not at all related .
How fast do elephant bushes grow?
Elephant Bush Propagation
While the plant is taking root (4-6 weeks), take care to keep it out of direct sunlight and ensure that you are keeping the soil moist when it starts to go dry. It should take about four to six weeks for plants to fully take root and start developing new growth.
Is Elephant Bush poisonous to dogs?
The Elephant Bush/Plant (Portulacaria afra) is a nontoxic pet safe houseplant you can have around your cats and dogs without worry.
Does elephant bush like full sun?
Like most succulents, elephant bush thrives on neglect. Just plant it in full sun in sandy soil so it dries quickly and the roots don't rot.
Why does my elephant ear plant keep losing leaves?
An Alocasia Plant may lose a leaf every time it gets a new leaf when it is an imature plant. Small young Alocasia Plants are unable to maintain more than a few leaves. This is because the Alocasia Plant stalk is constantly expanding . As the Alocasia Plant stalk expands it forces the smaller leaves to drop off.
How much sun does elephant ear plants need?
Can elephant ears grow in full sun? Full sun is not ideal for most—they grow best in bright but indirect sunlight . Too much sunlight can burn the leaves, while too little sunlight can cause yellowing.
When should I repot my elephant Bush?
Best Time for Repotting Portulacaria Afra. Spring through summer . I like to wait until the temperatures have warmed & the days have gotten a bit longer. In more temperate climates, you can repot from late winter through early fall.
What is wrong with my elephant plant?
The most common elephant ear plant disease is fungal leaf blight . It produces tiny round lesions on the ornamental leaves that may ooze fluid and turn purple or yellow when dry. When the fungus is in full bloom, there is also fuzzy growth. ... Phyllosticta leaf spot is another very common problem in elephant ears.
What can I do with a leggy elephant Bush?
Pruning Elephant Bush Succulents
Portulacaria species tolerate heavy pruning to shape the plant and remove leggy, trailing stems. This woody succulent produces buds wherever branches are removed. This growth habit makes it easy to prune elephant bush succulents into the desired shape.
