Leaf drop on a favorite houseplant is a frustrating problem because it can be hard to diagnose the causes and correct the situation. The Elephant Bush plant (Portulacaria afra) is a succulent with small oval fleshy leaves and reddish woody stems. Rocky soil always works as well. Portulacaria afra âVariegataâ (âRainbow Elephant Bushâ) is a small-leaved succulent with creamy-white and green leaves. Watering âElephant Bushâ has typical watering needs for a succulent. Some growers prefer this look, but if you donât, you simply need to reduce the amount of light your Elephant Bush receives each day. Elephant bush plants need plenty of light to thrive. Portulacaria species tolerate heavy pruning to shape the plant and remove leggy, trailing stems. This is the most common cause of leaf drop, but it can be th⦠Elephant bush succulents must grow in porous sandy soil that has fast drainage. If you water the plant too often and the soil is overly moist, you risk causing root rot in your jade-like succulent. If left alone to grow this plant will make a tree. Elephant bush loses its leaves prematurely because of the watering issues. Hold off watering during winter when temperatures are generally cooler, there is less sunshine, and plant growth is dormant. As a rule, only water elephant bush plants when the soil is dry. Cut back the yellow leaves and wait for it to return next spring. It leaves when underwatered or during a drought to conserve its water storage. Generally, the ideal potting soil for elephant bush plants should dry out in a few days. Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’ “rainbow elephant bush” needs more sunlight to preserve the leaf variegation. The rainbow elephant bush succulent has light green and cream-colored round leaves. This variety of elephant bush has brighter-colored leaves than the darker jade-colored Portulacaria variety. Scientific name: Portulacaria afra Synonyms: Spekboom, Bacon Tree, Pork Bush, Elephantâs Food, Elephant Bush, Dwarf Jade Plant. During a drought or when underwatered, the plant will drop leaves to conserve its water storage. It's also possible that it is not a problem at allleaf drop is a normal condition of growth for many plants, in which lower leaves die and fall off gradually as part of the life cycle. Allow the stem to dry for a few days so that the “wound” can heal. The elephant bush is a mighty plant, just like the animal it was named after. If you suddenly lose a lot of leaves at once, or if you start losing healthy green leaves, then you might have one of the following problems. Intense light can scorch the leaves and cause them to drop from the plant. Elephant Bush (Portulacaria Afra) Care & Growing Guide. Moving elephant bush plants indoors in the fall sometimes results in leaf drop. Rainbow Portulacaria plants thrive in arid conditions where there’s plenty of sunshine. Remove a few leaves from the bottom of the plant so that roots can grow, then allow the wounds to heal and callous completely. Indoors is an excellent place to grow elephant bush houseplants. Pour plenty of water through the soil to thoroughly soak it. If you grow it the right way, the leaves of the elephant plant can be a tasty ingredient. The width it can cover is over two feet in diameter, depending on the size of the leaves. If the elephant plant you have is too big for its current container, then you need to relocate the plant into a larger container, so it has room to grow. It is a survival mechanism. The best watering technique for elephant bush succulents is the drench and dry method. Portulacaria afra 'Green' - Elephant Bush, Miniature Jade: Small round green leaves with red stems. Spekboom. Due to its resemblance to jade plants (Crassula ovata), elephant bush is also called a dwarf jade plant. First, repot the bush into brand new soil and remove any diseases root that you can see. I moved it inside and under a grow light for 14 hours a day. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Can you tell me the size of the spread? Rainbow elephant bush also has long, reddish, woody stems that grow into a large shrub. Growing elephant bush plants in fast-draining soil is one of the most critical care factors. It is not meant to have amounts of water around its roots, as well as its stem and leaves. Their trailing leafy stems make the succulent excellent for placing on high shelves or growing hanging in baskets. This plant should not be outside if it drops lower than 30F. Typically, elephant bush and rainbow elephant bush require fast-draining soil, plenty of light, and occasional watering. Fertilize monthly in spring and summer with a diluted houseplant fertilizer. Don’t add extra fertilizer to the soil right after repotting. No, you cannot grow an elephant bush in water. The most common disease to affect elephant bush growth is root rot. Overwatering is the most common way of killing succulents, and elephant bush is no exception. Elephant bush is a slow-growing variety of succulent and doesn’t require frequent repotting. Mini Jade aka Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra 'Green' aka Spekboom) (Jacquin): This stemmed succulent is particularly versatile and easy to grow.Plant it outdoors in warm climates and it can grow into a dense, 4' tall shrub. The leaves are used as homeopathic medicine, as it is thought to cure aches and pains. It is rare for Elephant Portulacaria to bloom in cultivation. You should take the elephant bush pots back indoors when temperatures fall below 50°F (10 °C). It is best placed next to a bookshelf or tall mantle so that the foliage can climb up up up! The overly-dry air can cause the plant to lose leaves. Portulacaria afra is an easy going succulent that has an attractive growth habit, with small green succulent leaves on a red coloured stem. To help avoid this, place the plant in the brightest, warmest room to reduce stress. You might find more thorough information by searching the Latin name. Here`s Why Watering. The best watering method is to drench the soil and allow excess water to drain. Fertilize in late spring using a diluted houseplant fertilizer. Elephant bush is a shrub-like plant or small tree that grows between 8 and 15 ft. (2.5 – 4.5 m) high when grown in the ground and ideal conditions. Water elephant bush succulents when the soil is dry. Overwatering and underwatering, both can cause premature loss of leaves. The bush can stand a few cold spells but not prolonged periods of cold. Top tip for elephant bush care: Plenty of light is better than heat or water when caring for Portulacaria afra plants. Usually, bringing an elephant bush indoors where there is less sunlight causes leaves to fall. However, when these elephant bush acquire the appropriate sustaining conditions, they will establish flowers in clusters and in shades of white, pink or purple. This happens because the roots at the bottom of the plant have developed funguses from being overwatered too many times. There is also a variegated variety—Rainbow elephant bush (Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’). An important care factor of elephant bush succulents is to grow them in well-draining soil. Also, check that the plant isn’t rootbound. Those same meaty leaves are the reason itâs so popular in South African cuisine. In some countries, leaves from elephant bush plants are used to add a sour flavor and juicy crunch in tasty salads. The elephant bush does best in areas within hardiness zones 10 and 11. However, you should let soil dryness be your watering guide. To keep these little pests off of your plant, spray a mixture of neem oil and water onto the entire plant, stem, soil, and the tops and bottoms of the leaves. The leaves are large to very large, 20â150 cm (7.9â59.1 in) long, with a sagittate shape. However, growing as a potted succulent indoors, elephant bush stems only grow a few feet. Although large Portulacaria afra bushes can survive some frost, small elephant bush plants are not cold hardy. Thanks to its sour flavor, you can add it to stews, salads, and soups. No, it is not poisonous. Description. Soil. Elephant Bush plant is a succulent with fleshy, glossy leaves that grows as a small bush. In their natural habitat, rainbow elephant bush plants grow up to 20 ft. (6 m) tall. To repot the trailing succulent, choose a container one or two sizes larger than its current one. However, propagating Portulacaria afra this way takes longer and is less successful. 8 Poisonous Houseplants that Are Dangerous for Children and Pets, Eureka Pink Lemon Tree Plant Care & Growing Guide, African Bush Daisy (Euryops Chrysanthemoides) Care &…. Temperatures below 30°F (-1°C) damage the plant and can kill it. You can amend the soil with poultry grit, pumice, or small pea gravel to improve drainage. If the soil is damp for longer, you will need to amend it with perlite, pea gravel, or pumice. It’s also essential to protect elephant bush plants from intense direct sunshine. organic neem oil with 1 tsp. Fill a spray bottle with the solution and douse the succulent foliage to get rid of pests from your elephant bush. If you shake the plants, all of the whiteflies that have wings will fly into the air. The elephant bush does best when it lives in hot weather, just like in its home on the African plains. The result is yellowing leaves that eventually die. In the wild, elephant bush grows in dry, sunny locations. This fungal disease is easy to avoid if you water your succulents properly. Rainbow elephant bush has variegated cream and green leaves. But the most popular soil amendment for drainage is perlite. During a dry spell out or when underwatered, the plant will drop leaves to conserve its own water stockpiling. The elephant bush succulent is characterized by a brownish-red stem sprouting with tiny, glossy green leaves. I have a very small, young dwarf jade/elephant bush that is starting to drop leaves. Sunshine helps keep the deep jade color of elephant bush oval leaves vibrant. This variety of elephant bush has brighter-colored leaves than the darker jade-colored Portulacaria variety. Then place the elephant bush pot in its preferred location. Elephant Bush Succulents Elephant bush plant may get 6- to 20-feet (2-6 m.) tall in habitat where it is a favorite food of elephants. The jade-colored succulent trailing foliage can add natural accents to your patio, deck, or balcony. Also, avoiding too much shade prevents trailing elephant bush stems from becoming leggy with sparse foliage. Leaf drop occurs when the leaves of the elephant bush fall off of the stem suddenly. Related reading: How to water cactus plants and other desert plants. Elephant bush (Portulacaria afra) is a succulent that can grow outdoors in warm climates but is also a popular indoor plant. Drill extra holes if you need to. What is the worst pest and disease that I will encounter when I have an elephant bush? To water the elephant bush correctly, you must use the soak and dry method. Elephant bush plants don’t like being in drafts. You can also propagate elephant bush succulents when repotting the plant. Elephant bush plants (Portulacaria) thrive in USDA zones 10 and 11. When growing conditions are right, Portulacaria afra produces masses of star-shaped flowers growing in small clusters. I was surprised to learn that it is called elephant bush because they (and humans) eat the plant where it is native in South Africa. The elephant bush (Portulacaria afra) is similar to jade plant, but they are not related. It is exactly what it sounds like. The best place to grow elephant Portulacaria plants is near a sunny window. I only water it occasionally. During the spring, its flowers only grow if the environment is mild and the heat isn’t strong. Soak the bush in a lot of water, and then let it dry out over several weeks. I potted it in July in a tropical soil blend sold by a club member here in Minnesota. Whiteflies are a significant pest to fight when you have an elephant bush that is infested with them. They often take root and start growing new plants that you can transfer to a new pot. As with many types of succulents, healthy elephant bush leaves also grow roots when placed in soil. Only water the succulent when the soil completely dries. Plant the variegated elephant bush in a quick-draining sandy soil mix for succulents. After that, do not water for over a week to give the roots time to dry up. If the leaves of your elephant ear are turning yellow it could mean there is a problem. The elephant bush loves sunlight and can be in full sun for several hours at a time. So, the Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’ needs repotting less often than other types of Portulacaria. In the home interior, it is much more likely to remain just a few feet tall. These large succulents can reach heights of over 12 feet, even if it is an indoor plant. Underwatering and overwatering can reason leaves to drop. But it is rare for elephant bush plants to bloom indoors. PETS. Then water lightly and monitor the plant to make sure it is accepting its new home. The flowers look like beautiful pink clusters of petals that grow around the elephant bush. I want to put it on my patio and am trying to decide how big it will become…. Haworthia Fasciata (Zebra Haworthia or Zebra Plant): Succulent Care and Growing Guide, Euphorbia Trigona: Caring for African Milk Tree (Euphorbia Cactus / Candelabra Cactus), Types of Succulents: Species, Varieties, and Identification with Pictures, Sansevieria ’Starfish’: Caring for Sansevieria Cylindrica (Cylindrical Snake Plant), Elephant Bush (Portulacaria Afra): Care and Growing Guide (Including Rainbow Elephant Bush), growing in arid, desert-like environments, succulents are generally easy to care for, popular soil amendment for drainage is perlite, How to water cactus plants and other desert plants, Types of Jade Plants (Crassula) with Plant Care, Pencil Cactus (Firestick Plant): Succulent Care and Growing Guide. Always use terracotta pots with large drainage holes in the bottom so that excess water drains fast. Elephant Bush may get 6 to 20 feet (15 to 50 cm) tall in the habitat where it is a favorite food of elephants. Elephant bush (Portulacaria afra) is a semi-evergreen shrubby flowering succulent native to South Africa. Cut off a healthy section of stem that has lush foliage. Elephant bush is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and whitefly. Underwatering and overwatering can both cause leaves to drop. It does not like the cold at all, and after a few days outside, the plant will start to wither. But to ensure the heat-loving plants thrive, there is some essential care advice to follow. This article is a complete care guide to the elephant bush plant and the rainbow elephant bush plant. Also, rainbow elephant bush plants are smaller than the non-variegated sort. If the place you live in is cold, then your elephant bush should stay inside the house with you. Elephant bush have a dormant period during the winter, as a result the plant should be watered more often during the summer and less often during itâs dormant period. Tall and robust, this plant is an excellent addition to your houseplants. Combine 2 tsp. Place variegated elephant bush in indirect sunlight. Elephant bushes can be grown outdoors in warmer temperatures such as these Portulacaria afra hedges in the Canary Islands. Other common names include porkbush and spekboom. Portulacaria afra is not toxic. Sand tends to be too fine and can make the succulent soil too dense. The most common reason for dropped leaves in Portulacaria Afra is watering issues. If you try to plant this bush in water, you will never see it again because it will wither and die at the bottom of the water. Not enough water can cause the leaves to dry up and fall off. The bush has thick succulent brown stems with small tender green leaves that resemble a miniature Jade Plant. Elephant bush is a drought-tolerant plant, ideally suited to growing in arid, desert-like environments. These pink or white flowers grow on the end of stems. All varieties of Portulacaria, including rainbow elephant bush, flower in ideal conditions. Regarding nighttime temperatures, a range between 50°F and 55°F (10°C to 13°C) is perfect. I hope you enjoy the content here! Itâs best to use the âsoak and dryâ method, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.Portulacaria afra needs less frequent watering during its dormancy period.. Because the leaves on Portulacaria afra are so thin, it can handle more frequent waterings than other succulents. The intense sun and hot temperatures can result in scorched foliage and leaf drop. Try changing the amount of sunlight or water the plant gets and possibly apply a fertilizer. Water this succulent by pouring lukewarm water evenly in the pot until it drains out the bottom. Always check that the loose soil mix is completely dry before watering. Usually, the dry air of homes is ideal for growing most kinds of succulents. They are herbaceous perennial plants with a large corm on or just below the ground surface. Top tip for elephant bush propagation: Don’t remove healthy leaves that have dropped onto the potting soil. As long as you practice the drought and soak methods and keep it in front of full indirect sunlight, your elephant plant will grow big and strong. Elephant bush is popular as a hanging basket houseplant succulent due to its colorful trailing stems and jade-colored leaves. Due to their trailing growth, varieties of elephant bush plants are ideal hanging basket plants. Elephant bush, Portulacaria afra, is a perennial succulent shrub from South Africa that is a popular succulent garden plant around the world.It is easily grown as a seasonal accent plant or low maintenance houseplant in our part of the world. This woody succulent produces buds wherever branches are removed. But the elephant bush’s leaves can get a sunburn if the sun is too intense, like during the height of summer. Yellow leaves on elephant bush succulents are usually due to overwatering. Place your cutting in water or soil to root. What is Rainbow Elephant Bush (Portulacaria Afra âVariegataâ) Rainbow elephant bush has variegated cream and green leaves. This succulent is a popular treat among elephants. Keep it indoors in a small pot and it will stay a petite, bonsai plant. Growing Condition Change. For example, compared to jade succulent plants, elephant bush grows faster and is hardier. Also, leaves can start dropping from these succulents if placed in drafts or near warm air vents. Hobby Plants is a blog created for all flower and garden lovers. It is about 6 inches from the light. Or you could buy a commercial succulent soil that is suitable for cactus plants or bonsai trees. South Africa is where the elephant bush comes from. With enough sunlight, the leaves of the Elephant Bush can develop red or yellow tinted leaf tips. The plant should be warm and protected from drafts. Elephant bush plants don’t like to sit in soggy soil with their roots always wet. Elephant bush (Portulacaria afra) flowers. Give it a few weeks before you change the composition of the soil. To prune Portulacaria foliage, snip off the unwanted leaf clusters at the ends of branches. When repotting the plant, choose an appropriate fast-draining succulent soil mix. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. It can kill the plant quickly, so you must take action. The elephant bush, on the other hand, needs support as it tends to droop and canât support its meaty leaves. Elephant bush plants are not fast growers in the ground or pots. To care for Portulacaria afra “Elephant Bush,” grow in sandy, fast-draining soil and put in a sunny spot. How to get Elephant bush plants to flower? The elephant bust itself can stand hot weather and humid climate, but it’s flowers cannot. But elephant bush and jade plants aren’t related to each other. Plant the stem into the soil and water it thoroughly, but don’t soak it. Elephant bush is an easy succulent to propagate. If you plant these succulents in your garden, choose the sunniest spot, and ensure the ground has fast-draining soil. Roots that sit in soggy soil can’t absorb nutrients to “feed” the plant. Leaf drop occurs when the leaves of the elephant bush fall off of the stem suddenly. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. It is used in soups and as topping in salads. Portulacaria afra succulents can start dropping leaves due to fluctuations in temperature, light, or humidity. We are a free resource for well-researched and unbiased plant information and product reviews. Usually, only outdoor elephant bushes bloom in late spring after warm, dry winters. Don’t use a pot that is too big for the size of your plant. The primary cause of Elephant Bush losing leaves is overwatering. To care for Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata,’ grow the rainbow elephant bush in bright indirect light. Elephant bush succulents are easy to grow at home if you give them enough light and don’t overwater them. Portulacaria afra “Elephant Bush” gets its common name because it’s a favorite food of elephants. And for the inside potted plants, basic potting soil or cactus soil would suffice as the soil mix. It’s also good to remember that direct midday sunlight through a window can overheat the plant. Why are my elephant ears turning yellow? You can also grow elephant bush plants in containers and take them outside in summer in temperate climates. As long as you are not overwatering the elephant bush, you shouldn’t have to worry about humidity. Too much sunlight through a window can cause the leaf tips to turn yellow or burn. Another difference is that elephant bush is an edible succulent, whereas jade leaves (family Crassula) are mildly toxic. It appears that the leaf drop your observing is due to the fact the you under watered your plant. The drought and soak method is the best way to make sure you’re not overwatering your plant. Wait until the soil dries before watering again. They mostly grow along the brown stem of the plant. Elephant bush succulents grow outdoors in USDA zones 10 and 11. Slowly increase the time you leave the bush out in the sun over a couple of weeks. The elephant bush needs periods of drought to offset any water that is absorbed. An ideal temperature range to grow Portulacaria afra plants is 65°F to 80°F (18°C – 27°C). In time, the bright, creamy leaves could lose most of their variegation. A picture of Crassula ovata (jade plant). Rainbow elephant bush plants that are in the shade for too long will develop darker green leaves. A dense root system can mean that water takes longer to drain and become waterlogged. Grow elephant bush in a porous unglazed clay pot to allow moisture to evaporate faster. Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’ (“Rainbow Elephant Bush”) is a small-leaved succulent with creamy-white and green leaves. These plants are used to experiencing drought and sudden heavy rains, so you don’t have to place them on a watering schedule. During the winter, you may only have to water the bush once a month. It was outside until about two weeks ago. Itâs recommended to keep the plant away from pets to be safe, as its toxicity to pets is unknown. In the home interior, it is much more likely to remain just a few feet tall. If not the plant will be suffocating. You can divide parts of the root that have thick, healthy-looking stems. Ensure that the rainbow elephant plant gets protection from the hot midday sun; otherwise, the leaves could burn and drop. The most widely recognized explanation behind Elephant Bush shedding leaves is watering dilemmas. Although elephant plant succulents prefer “sandy” soil, too much sand in containers isn’t ideal. Elephant bush is also a flowering variety of succulent. These issues are usually related to cooling or heating homes. Many people actively eat the leaves of the elephant bush. Be sure the container has adequate drain holes. This happens because the roots at the bottom of the plant have developed funguses from being overwatered too many times. Sometimes, the flower can come in an arrangement of white, purple, and pink. Before trying elephant bush leaves, make sure that you have a species of Portulacaria afra plant. Portulacaria plants can grow in partial shade, but ideally, they need at least six hours of sunlight daily. Variegated elephant bush plants grow somewhat slower than the “jade” variety. Elephant bush is non-toxic to humans. When growing Elephant Bushes ⦠Alternatively, the plant may be going dormant for the season. To help revive the Portulacaria afra plant, you can move it to a brighter location so that moisture evaporates faster. It can kill the plant quickly, so you must take action. First, choose a health branch with a lot of leaves on it, and cut the stem all the way to the base where the stem meets the main stem. When you have the pot you want to transfer it too, make sure it can drain at the bottom. However, there are a few issues that can affect Portulacaria afra plants. So, protect them from the air conditioning airflow in summer or warm heating vents in winter. After five or so days, check the soil for dryness to see if it’s time to water the plant. So, you may need some trial and error to find the ideal spot to keep variegated succulents thriving indoors. One has to understand how frequently in case water Elephant Bush. Use a neem oil solution to get rid of these houseplant bugs naturally. Home » Plants » Elephant Bush (Portulacaria Afra) Care & Growing Guide. If you are planting the elephant bush outside, then the soil you’re going to place the plant in needs to be sandy and well-draining. Because of its long stem, this plant is a great plant to propagate.