Are you considering a new succulent addition to your garden but find it challenging to make a decision? The Elephant Bush could be the perfect choice for your next plant project. Delve into this article where gardening specialist, Melissa Strauss, delves into all aspects of Elephant Bush, from its planting requirements to nurturing tips.
Referred to as the miniature jade plant, the Elephant Bush is not botanically linked to the jade plant, a member of the Crassula plant family. This plant falls under the Portulacaria family classification, commonly known as Purslane, with some research suggesting it could fit within the Didieraceae family.
Despite being popularly sold as a houseplant, in its native South Africa, it can grow to impressive heights of up to 15 feet. Its name comes from the elephants that often feed on its leaves, which are also consumed by humans for their tangy taste and are a common ingredient in salads.
Being hailed for its exceptional carbon sequestration abilities, the Elephant Bush makes an excellent indoor plant choice. This succulent is easily propagated and looks charming as a hanging basket plant.
Elephant bush is a long-living succulent that doesn’t shed its leaves.
Technically classed as a perennial succulent, the Elephant Bush can also be considered evergreen as it retains its leaves throughout its life cycle without a dormant period. With attentive care, this succulent can thrive for up to 50 years.
On the lookout for an effortlessly cared-for, rapidly developing houseplant that flourishes in well-lit windows? Look no further than the alluring Elephant Bush, boasting vibrant green leaves and striking red stems, making it a delightful plant to nurture.
Leaf Growth Patterns
Elephant bush leaves, which are small, round, and fleshy, with cream-colored edges.
Humans and animals commonly enjoy consuming the small, fleshy leaves of the elephant bush.
The elephant bush features small leaves similar to those of a jade plant, oval to round in shape, and bright green with occasional purple margins. These plump, fleshy leaves are often eaten by humans and animals since the tree’s trunk is typically woody and semi-hard.
Flowers
Portulacaria Afra beautifully blooms with small pink star-shaped clusters.
Although the elephant bush can bloom, it is rare when cultivated indoors; optimal blooming occurs in mild outdoor conditions. Nevertheless, indoor blooming is possible, but it shouldn’t be expected.
Fascinatingly, the elephant bush thrives in dry weather, blooming after a dry spell followed by abundant rainfall, usually in the fall when the plant is mature. In its native South African habitat, this succulent blooms abundantly, adorning shrubs with clusters of small, pink star-shaped flowers.
Propagation
Three methods enable elephant bush propagation: root cuttings, stem cuttings, and leaf cuttings. Root cuttings are stressful for the parent plant, so it’s advisable to avoid this method. Stem cuttings are a quicker and gentler way to propagate without straining the parent plant.
Stem Cuttings
Propagating elephant bush through stem cuttings is most successful during spring or summer.
Propagating through stem cuttings is the simplest method for elephant bush propagation. Like most succulents, these cuttings will root easily under proper conditions during the active growth seasons of spring and summer, encouraging successful rooting.
Select a healthy-looking stem with plump leaves, cut below a node using clean shears, and allow the cuttings to dry for a few days before planting.
Stem cuttings are a popular plant propagation technique.
Place the cuttings cut-side down in a container of moist cactus potting soil, incorporating pumice to enhance drainage. Maintain moist soil without overwatering until rooting, which usually takes 1-3 weeks.
Leaf Cuttings
Utilizing leaf cuttings for propagation is an option, although it’s a slower process with lower success rates compared to stem cuttings.
If you prefer patience and wish to propagate without stressing the parent plant too much, gently remove leaves, allow them to dry for three days, and then commence the propagation process.
Cultivating Elephant Bush Plants
To begin the journey of growing vibrant elephant bush plants, start by placing them in damp soil with the attached side facing down. In about three weeks, you should notice the roots taking hold, and you can look forward to seeing your small plants flourish by the following year.
Embraced for its simplicity in care, the elephant bush thrives as an indoor plant, content with occasional watering and a cozy sunny spot by a window. An essential tip to remember is to avoid overwatering, as this can be the primary challenge faced with these plants. Although there are potential threats from diseases and pests, especially for indoor succulents, most issues are preventable.
Ideal Planting Conditions and Pot Selection
The shallow root system of the elephant bush makes it suitable for hanging baskets or bonsai pots.
Due to their delicate and shallow root structure, elephant bush plants thrive in hanging baskets or bonsai pots. The key concern lies in adequately supporting the upper part of the plant, as the roots lack a robust anchoring system.
Both indoor and outdoor planting of elephant bush plants emphasize the need for shallow containers with drainage holes to prevent fungal growth. To keep moisture levels balanced without causing saturation, choose unglazed pots, which absorb excess water effectively.
For optimal growth, ensure that the soil in the container drains well, making cactus potting soil an excellent choice for elephant bush plants. To prevent root rot, a common issue with succulents, avoid overwatering by using a well-draining mix. A good practice is to integrate materials like perlite or sand in a 3:1 ratio with the soil to enhance drainage.
Lighting Requirements
Elephant bush plants thrive in bright, indirect light with a touch of morning sunlight, tolerating full sun exposure.
Known for its love of sunlight, the elephant bush plant flourishes under bright indirect light, ideally with a hint of morning sun.
To prevent leaf scorching and maintain a compact appearance, positioning the plant near a sunny window that offers light for most of the day is essential. If intense afternoon sun is a concern, simply filter the light with a sheer curtain to create a more comfortable environment for the plant.
Watering Tips
JAMES
James is an environmental gardener and passionate writer who holds a master's degree in agriculture. He graduated from Harvard University with a degree in environmental horticulture and has a particular interest in soil composition. Currently, James works as a researcher in plant research, where he continues to explore and advance knowledge in his field. His combined expertise in environmental gardening and soil science helps him contribute valuable insights to both academic and practical gardening communities.
