Elephant bush care: watering, light and repotting
Also called portulacaria, dwarf jade · Portulacaria afra · Didiereaceae family
25 d in winter
How often to water the elephant bush?
Allow about 12 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 25 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
Easy to train as a bonsai. Direct sun and infrequent watering, like a jade plant.
What light does it need?
The elephant bush loves the sun: a south- or west-facing window suits it, ideally less than 3 ft (1 m) from the glass. Without enough light, the stems stretch and growth slows down.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 3 years, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from May to July, feeding every 45 days is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 1–3 ft (30 cm–1 m).
Common problems
Falling leaves
Cause: Too much water or cold. What to do: Let it dry out and keep it above 50 °F (10 °C).
Wrinkled leaves
Cause: Thirst. What to do: Water thoroughly once.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the elephant bush?
About every 12 days in spring and summer, and every 25 days in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the elephant bush?
The elephant bush loves the sun: a south- or west-facing window suits it, ideally less than 3 ft (1 m) from the glass. Without enough light, the stems stretch and growth slows down.
Should you mist the elephant bush?
There's no need: indoor air suits it. Wetting its leaves for no reason can even encourage disease.
When should you repot the elephant bush?
Every 3 years, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the elephant bush safe?
No toxicity is known, but no veterinary source has confirmed it: to be safe, keep the plant out of reach of pets and young children.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Yes: the elephant bush forgives a missed watering and adapts well to the home. A good plant to start with.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.