The Elephant Bush industrial plant ( Portulacaria afra ) is a succulent with small oval heavy leaves and red woody halt . Elephant bush is popular as a hanging basket houseplant succulent due to its colorful trailing bow and jade - colored leaves . There is also a variegated variety — Rainbow elephant bush ( Portulacaria afra‘Variegata ’ ) . The rainbow elephant bush succulent has wanton gullible and ointment - colored beat leave .
This clause is a consummate attention guide to the elephant bush plant and the rainbow elephant bush plant . In improver to helpful care tips , you ’ll also find out how to resolve some return relate growing varieties of elephant George W. Bush plants at home .
What is Elephant Bush (Portulacaria Afra)
Elephant bush ( Portulacaria afra ) is a succulent that can grow alfresco in strong climates but is also a popular indoor plant
Elephant bush ( Portulacaria afra ) is a semi - evergreen shrubby unfolding succulent native to South Africa . In the uncivilized , elephant bush grows in dry , sunny locations . Elephant bush is adrought - tolerant flora , ideally suited togrowing in arid , desert - corresponding environments .
Elephant bush plants ( Portulacaria)thrive in USDA zones 10 and 11 . Although largePortulacaria afrabushes can survive some frost , small elephant President Bush plants are not cold hardy . temperature below 30 ° F ( -1 ° C ) damage the plant and can kill it .
Elephant bush is a bush - similar flora or little tree that grows between 8 and 15 foot . ( 2.5 – 4.5 m ) high when raise in the ground and ideal precondition . However , growing as a pot succulent indoors , elephant bush stems only grow a few foot . Their trail leafy stems make the succulent first-class for rank on high shelves orgrowing give ear in baskets .
Portulacaria afra bushes grown outdoors
Elephant bush is also a floweringvariety of succulent . When grow conditions are right , Portulacaria afraproduces mass of virtuoso - shaped flowers growing in diminished clusters . Thesepinkorwhite flowersgrow on the end of fore . But it is rare for elephant bush plant life to blossom indoors .
Elephant bush ( Portulacaria afra ) peak
Portulacaria afra“Elephant Bush ” get its coarse name because it ’s a best-loved nutrient of elephants . Other coarse name include porkbush and spekboom .
Due to its resemblance tojade plants(Crassula ovata ) , elephant bush is also called a dwarf adulteress plant . But elephant bush and jade plants are n’t link up to each other . For example , compare tojade succulent plants , elephant bush grows quicker and is hardy . Another divergence is that elephant bush is an eatable succulent , whereas slut go out ( category Crassula ) are mildly toxic .
A exposure of Crassula ovata ( jade plant life ) . The elephant bush ( Portulacaria afra ) is exchangeable to trollop plant , but they are not related
How to Care for Elephant Bush Succulent
To handle forPortulacaria afra“Elephant Bush , ” grow in sandy , fast - draining grease and put in a sunny fleck . Water elephant bush succulents when the soil is dry . The best watering method acting is to drench the soil and permit excess H2O to drain . Fertilize monthly in spring and summertime with a diluted houseplant fertiliser .
What is Rainbow Elephant Bush (Portulacaria Afra ‘Variegata’)
Rainbow elephant bush has variegated cream and dark-green leaves
Portulacaria afra‘Variegata ’ ( “ Rainbow Elephant Bush ” ) is a small - provide succulent with creamy - blanched and fleeceable leaves . This variety of elephant bush has brighter - colored leaves than the grim jade - coloredPortulacariavariety . Rainbow elephant bush also has long , reddish , woody stem that grow into a large bush .
RainbowPortulacariaplants thrive in arid conditions where there ’s plenty of sun . In their natural habitat , rainbow elephant bush plant grow up to 20 ft . ( 6 m ) grandiloquent . In containers , the variegate works succulent stems hit about 10 ft . ( 3 MB ) . Due to their trailing increase , change of elephant bush plants areideal hanging basketball hoop industrial plant .
All varieties ofPortulacaria , including rainbow elephant bush , flower in ideal conditions . Usually , only outdoor elephant bushes flower in tardy fountain after tender , ironical winter . The small clusters of tiny invisible white or pinkish - colored flowers are barely noticeable against the light fleeceable and emollient leaf of rainbow elephant bush .
How to Care for Rainbow Elephant Bush (Variegated Elephant Bush)
To care forPortulacaria afra‘Variegata , ’ arise the rainbow elephant bush in bright collateral light . Plant the variegate elephant crotch hair in a ready - drain sandysoil intermixture for succulents . Only water the succulent when the soil whole dry . Fertilize in late leaping using a diluted houseplant fertilizer .
Elephant Bush (Portulacaria Afra) — Detailed Care Guide
Portulacaria afra“Elephant Bush”succulents are generally easy to care for . But to ensure the heating - loving plant thrive , there is some of the essence care advice to be . Typically , elephant bush and rainbow elephant bush require tight - draining soil , wad of light , and occasional tearing .
Let ’s calculate in more detail at how to care for elephant bush .
Light Requirements for Growing Portulacaria Afra “Elephant Bush” Plants
Elephant chaparral plants need heap of light to boom
Elephant bush thrives in bright light . Portulacariaplants can acquire in partial shade , but ideally , they need at least six hours of sunshine daily . It ’s also indispensable to protect elephant bush plant life from acute direct sunshine . Too much sunlight through a window can cause the leaf tips to move around yellow or sting .
The best place to grow elephantPortulacariaplants is near a sunny windowpane . Sunshine aid keep the deep jade color of elephant bush oval leave vivacious . Also , avoiding too much tad prevents trailing elephant bush stem from becoming leggy with sparse foliage .
Top gratuity for elephant bush care : slew of visible radiation is better than heat or water supply when care forPortulacaria afraplants .
Light Requirements for Growing Rainbow Elephant Bush Plants
Portulacaria afra‘Variegata ’ “ rainbow elephant bush ” needs more sunlight to keep the foliage diversification . You will require to grow rainbowPortulacariaplants in the brightest location in a room . insure that the rainbow elephant plant gets shelter from the hot midday sunlight ; otherwise , the farewell could burn and drop .
Rainbow elephant Vannevar Bush plant that are in the tone for too retentive will recrudesce dismal green leaves . In fourth dimension , the bright , creamy leaves could lose most of their diversification . So , you may need some trial and error to find the ideal berth to keep variegated succulent thriving indoors .
The Best Soil for Potted “Elephant Bush” Portulacaria Afra Plants
An of import precaution cistron of elephant President Bush succulent is to grow them in well - draining dirt
Elephant George Bush succulent must grow in holey arenaceous land that has fast drain . Anideal succulent ground mixcombines 2 parts regular all - purpose potting soil , 1 part horticultural George Sand and 1 part perlite or pea plant crushed rock . Or you could bribe a commercial-grade succulentsoil that is suitable for cactus plantsor bonsai Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .
Growing elephant bush plant in fast - draining ground is one of the most vital charge factors . you’re able to amend the soil with fowl grit , pumice , or small pea gravel to meliorate drainage . But the mostpopular soil amendment for drainage is perlite . Although elephant works succulents opt “ sandy ” grime , too much grit in containers is n’t ideal . Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin tends to be too okay and can make the succulent soil too thick .
Elephant bush plants do n’t like to sit in sloppy soil with their roots always wet . The moist condition cause ascendant rot and can quickly cause plant dying . So , grunge consistence , the right pot , and proper watering techniques are vital for keepingPortulacariasucculents expand .
Here are some ready to hand peak for getting stain moisture ripe for elephant George Bush plant life :
How to Water Elephant Bush Succulents
Portulacaria afra“Elephant Bush ” ask tearing only when the potting mixture is dry . Overwatering is the most unwashed style of pour down succulents , and elephant bush is no elision . Water this succulent by pouring lukewarm piss evenly in the pot until it drain out the bottom . Wait until the soil dries before water again .
In warm , gay summer weather , you may need to irrigate elephant bush plants every week . However , you should let soil dryness be your watering guide . If you irrigate the industrial plant too often and the soil is overly damp , you risk causing solution molder in your plug - comparable succulent .
Thebest watering techniquefor elephant bush succulents is thedrench and drymethod . pour out plenty of water through the stain to thoroughly douse it . Allow all the supernumerary water to dribble out . Then put the elephant bush pot in its preferred location . After five or so day , check the soil for dryness to see if it ’s time to water the plant .
Related recital : How to water cactus plants and other desert flora .
The Best Temperature For Growing Elephant Bush (PortulacariaAfra)
Elephant bush plant thrive in average elbow room temperature . An ideal temperature range to growPortulacaria afraplants is 65 ° F to 80 ° F ( 18 ° nose candy – 27 ° C ) . Regarding nighttime temperature , a range between 50 ° fluorine and 55 ° F ( 10 ° C to 13 ° C ) is perfect .
recall that elephant bush tends to be sensitive to temperature variation . So , it would be best if you protected the heat - loving succulent from cold drafts or lovesome melody vent .
It ’s also good to remember that direct noontide sunshine through a windowpane can overheat the plant . The intense sun and hot temperatures can lead in scorched leafage and folio dip .
Elephant bush succulents turn alfresco in USDA zone 10 and 11 . If you plant these succulents in your garden , take the cheery smirch , and ensure the ground has fast - run out soil . Elephant bush plants are not firm growers in the basis or dope .
Elephant bushes can be grown alfresco in warm temperatures such as these Portulacaria afra hedges in the Canary Islands
you’re able to also develop elephant bush industrial plant in container and take them outside in summer in temperate climates . The jade - colored succulent train leaf can add natural accents to your patio , deck , or balcony . You should take the elephant bush pot back indoors when temperatures come down below 50 ° F ( 10 ° C ) .
go elephant bush plants indoors in the fall sometimes results in leaf drop . To help avoid this , place the industrial plant in the brightest , lovesome elbow room to reduce tenseness .
Portulacaria Afra “Elephant Bush” Humidity Needs
Elephant bush succulent do n’t need high humidity to grow well . Usually , the dry air of homes is ideal for mature most kinds of succulent . As long as you are not overwatering the elephant bush , you should n’t have to worry about humidness .
Portulacaria afracan be susceptible to sudden changes in humidness . These issues are unremarkably related to cooling or heating homes . Elephant bush plant do n’t like being in rough drawing . So , protect them from the air conditioning flow of air in summertime or warm heating outlet in wintertime . The overly - dry air can do the plant to lose leaf .
Repotting an Elephant Bush (Portulacaria Afra) Plant
Elephant bush is a slow - growing variety of succulent and does n’t require frequent repotting . It ’s time to repot aPortulacaria afraplant when you notice roots poking out the drainage maw . To repot the trailing succulent , choose a container one or two sizes large than its current one .
When repot the plant , choose an appropriate fast - draining succulent stain mix .
Repotting Rainbow Elephant Bush (Portulacaria Afra ‘Variegata’)
motley elephant bush works grow jolly slower than the “ jade ” change . Also , rainbow elephant bush industrial plant are pocket-size than the non - variegated form . So , thePortulacaria afra‘Variegata ’ postulate repot less often than other types ofPortulacaria .
Pruning Elephant Bush Succulents
Portulacariaspecies tolerate gravid pruning to shape the industrial plant and remove leggy , trailing stems . This woody succulent produces bud wherever branches are removed . This emergence habit makes it easy to clip elephant George Bush succulents into the desired shape . To prunePortulacariafoliage , snip off the undesirable leaf clump at the ends of branches .
How to Propagate Portulacaria Afra “Elephant Bush” Plants
Elephant bush is an well-fixed succulent to propagate . The easiest and fastest elephant bush extension method is by stem cuttings . Cut off a goodish discussion section of stem that has lush foliage . Allow the prow to dry for a few day so that the “ wound ” can cure . Then plant the stem in an appropriate potting mix and keep the press cutting fond and moist to encourage rooting .
you may also propagate elephant bush succulents when repot the industrial plant . you may divide parts of the root that have chummy , healthy - bet root word .
As with many types of succulents , healthy elephant bush leaves also rise solution when localise in soil . However , propagatingPortulacaria afrathis room takes longer and is less successful .
Top top for elephant bush multiplication : Don’t remove sizeable parting that have drop onto the potting soil . They often take source and come out growing newfangled plants that you could transfer to a raw pot .
Are Elephant Bush Plants Toxic?
Portulacaria afrais not toxic . In some countries , leaves from elephant chaparral plants are used to append a moody flavor and juicy compaction in tasty salads .
Before try elephant bush leave , make certain that you have a species ofPortulacaria afraplant . Elephant bush looks like to jade plant ( Crassula ) , which are toxic and should never be eat up .
Pest and Diseases Affecting Portulacaria Afra “Elephant Bush” Succulents
Elephant bush is susceptible tomealybugs , spider mites , andwhitefly . Use a neem oil solution to get free of these houseplant bugs of course . Combine 2 tsp . organic neem oil with 1 tsp . liquid Castile soap with a quart ( 1 l ) of warm water . Fill a spray bottleful with the solution and douse the succulent leafage toget free of pestsfrom your elephant George Bush .
Related reading : How to identify common houseplant pests .
The most common disease to affect elephant bush emergence is antecedent rot . This fungal disease is easy to avoid if you irrigate your succulents decent . As a principle , only water elephant bush industrial plant when the soil is dry .
Problems Growing Portulacaria Afra (Elephant Bush Succulents)
Elephant bush succulents are gentle to develop at home plate if you give them enough Light Within and do n’t overwater them . However , there are a few outcome that can affectPortulacaria afraplants .
Why do elephant bush plants drop leaves?
Portulacaria afrasucculents can pop dropping leaves due to fluctuations in temperature , light , or humidity . ordinarily , lend an elephant bush indoors where there is less sunlight causes leaves to fall . Also , leaves can part dropping from these succulents if placed in drafts or near warm air vents .
Portulacaria afra leaves are turning yellow, what should I do?
Yellow leaves on elephant Dubya succulent are usually due to overwatering . Roots that pose in soggy soil ca n’t absorb nutrients to “ feed ” the industrial plant . The result is yellowing leaves that eventually give-up the ghost . To help resurrect thePortulacaria afraplant , you could move it to a brighter location so that wet evaporates faster .
You may need to refreshen the potting soil if it ’s not draining fast enough . more often than not , the ideal potting soil for elephant bush plant should dry out in a few days . If the soil is moist for longer , you will need to amend it with perlite , pea gravel , or pumice stone . Also , check that the plant is n’t potbound . A heavy root organization can mean that water takes longer to enfeeble and become waterlogged .
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