How to Care for Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra)

Succulent Garden
Oct 19
3 min read

The Elephant Bush, or Portulacaria afra, is a popular and relatively easy-to-care-for succulent shrub, prized for its small, fleshy leaves and reddish-brown, woody stems. It is a fantastic choice for both beginner plant enthusiasts and experienced gardeners, often used in xeriscaping, as a houseplant, or even for bonsai.

Here is a guide to providing the best care for your Elephant Bush:

1. Light Requirements

Bright Light is Essential: Elephant Bush thrives in bright light. It can handle full to partial sun outdoors.
Indoor Placement: If grown indoors, place it near a south-facing window where it can receive several hours of bright, direct, or indirect light daily.
Warning Signs:
- Insufficient light: Stems will become long, weak, and "leggy" (etiolated) as the plant stretches to find light. Leaves may also drop.
- Too much intense sun (especially sudden exposure): Leaves may develop yellow or red tips or even get scorched and fall off. Gradually acclimate indoor plants when moving them outside.

2. Soil and Potting

Well-Draining Soil: Like most succulents, the Elephant Bush is highly susceptible to root rot if left in consistently moist soil.
Recommended Mix: Use a pre-made cactus or succulent potting mix, or create your own by mixing regular potting soil with gritty materials like perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to improve drainage.
Drainage Holes: Always plant your Elephant Bush in a container with a large drainage hole to allow excess water to escape completely. Unglazed terracotta pots are often preferred as they help wick away moisture.

3. Watering

Drought Tolerant: This plant stores water in its leaves and stems, making it very drought tolerant. Overwatering is the most common cause of death.
The "Soak and Dry" Method: Water thoroughly and deeply, then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
When to Water: A good indicator is to wait until the leaves look slightly wrinkled or shriveled—a sign the plant is using its water reserves. Do not water on a set schedule.
Winter Dormancy: Reduce watering significantly during the cooler winter months when the plant's growth naturally slows.

4. Temperature and Humidity

Warmth is Key: The Elephant Bush prefers warmer temperatures, ideally between 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 27°C).
No Frost: It is not cold-tolerant. Protect it from freezing temperatures, as temperatures below 30°F (-1°C) can severely damage or kill the plant. Bring potted plants indoors before the first frost.
Drafts: Avoid placing it near cold drafts or heat vents, as sudden temperature fluctuations can cause leaf drop.

5. Fertilizing

Seasonal Feeding: Fertilize sparingly. Feed the plant once a month during the active growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer (often diluted to half-strength).
No Winter Feed: Do not fertilize in fall or winter when the plant is dormant.

6. Pruning and Maintenance

Pruning: The Elephant Bush is a fast grower and responds well to pruning. Prune in the spring or summer to maintain a desired shape, encourage a bushier habit, or remove leggy growth. It is an excellent candidate for bonsai training.
Repotting: Repot every two to three years, or when the plant becomes root-bound, using fresh succulent soil.
Propagation: It is easily propagated from stem cuttings. Snip a healthy stem, allow the cut end to callus (dry out) for a few days, and then plant it in well-draining soil.