how to prune elephant bush

Prune unwieldy branches with bonsai pruners or small, sharp-pointed scissors to achieve a tree framework. While elephant ears can't be propagated from cuttings like many plants, you can divide the tubers of a healthy parent plant. This growth habit makes it easy to prune elephant bush succulents into the desired shape.

How do you trim an elephant Bush?

Cuttings. To grow Portulacaria afra “Elephant Bush” from cuttings, use a sterile, sharp knife or pair of scissors. Remove a stem from the main plant, and allow it to callous for several days before placing on well-draining soil. Water whenever the soil has dried out completely.

Where do you cut elephant bushes?

Place the cutting in a moderately lit area where temperatures are at least 65 F (18 C). Keep the soil lightly moist and in a few weeks the cutting will root and you will have a new elephant bush succulent to share with a friend or add to your collection.

How do you take care of elephant bushes?

Elephant Bush Care

Hold the watering can! Like most succulents, elephant bush thrives on neglect. Just plant it in full sun in sandy soil so it dries quickly and the roots don't rot. If you are growing it in a pot, be sure the container has a drainage hole at the bottom so the water drains out.

Why is my elephant Bush dropping leaves?

Sudden changes in light, temperature, and humidity can all contribute to leaf drop in Elephant Bush. This succulent prefer full sun, and if relocated to an area of less sunlight, it can start dropping leaves. The same goes for temperature.

Is Elephant Bush poisonous to dogs?

The elephant ear plant is a houseplant with giant pointed leaves that look like elephant ears. This plant may be nice to look at, but it can be toxic to your dog. In fact, it can even be fatal if not treated right away.

How do you revive an elephant Bush?

To save a plant that has been overwatered, re-pot it after removing any rotten roots. Leaf drop can also occur if the elephant bush is underwatered. Not enough water causes the leaves to dry up and sometimes drop off. Elephant bushes should be watered more often in summer and less in the winter.

How often should you water an elephant Bush?

In the summer months, I water my Elephant Bush as often as every 7-10 days, sometimes more during a heatwave, giving the plant a good drink. I cut back on watering to about 10-14 days when the weather cools down. If you live in a humid location, you won't need to water as much.

How do I thicken my jade trunk?

You can help the Jade plant to grow a thicker trunk by pruning back the plant. You may leave a few leaves on it, but prune back the plant as much as you can. To the first pair of leaves on each branch for example. This way you can keep it shorter and it will focus more on making its trunk thicker.

When should I repot my elephant Bush?

Best Time for Repotting Portulacaria Afra. Spring through summer. I like to wait until the temperatures have warmed & the days have gotten a bit longer. In more temperate climates, you can repot from late winter through early fall.

Is Elephant Bush toxic to cats?

The Elephant Bush/Plant (Portulacaria afra) is a nontoxic pet safe houseplant you can have around your cats and dogs without worry.

Can elephant bush grow in shade?

Elephant bush portulacaria afra requires plenty of bright light and a warm environment to grow and thrive. Plant in full sun or partial shade. However, if plants are moved from indoors to direct sunlight the leaves will burn and shed. This is why filtered or partially shaded bright light is ideal.

Do elephant ear plants need sun or shade?

Can elephant ears grow in full sun? Full sun is not ideal for most—they grow best in bright but indirect sunlight. Too much sunlight can burn the leaves, while too little sunlight can cause yellowing.

Will elephant ears kill dogs?

Elephant ears contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, toxic to dogs and cats. If your dog decides to take a nibble of this vegetation, the act of chewing or biting releases the crystals, which penetrate his tissues, leading to symptoms such as drooling, pawing at the face, foaming at the mouth and vomiting.

Do elephant ears grow fast?

This plant grows quickly, with the amount of height added each year depending on the variety, but its growth rate also depends on the plant's receiving the right amount of light, moisture and soil nutrients.

Is Lavender toxic to dogs?

Lavender, the plant, does contain a small amount of a compound called linalool, which is toxic to both dogs and cats. The linalool is found in such small concentrations, however, that this is rarely an issue. Problems arise only if a dog ingests a very large quantity of lavender.

Does elephant bush bloom?

Elephant bush generally only flowers when grown in the ground in mild climates (L), with very tiny pink flowers (R) on the ends of the succulent stems (LC and RC).

Why is it called Elephant Bush?

“Spekboom” (known popularly as “Elephant Bush”) is essential to many browsing animals, including kudu and elephants because of its ability to remain succulent despite periods of searing heat and drought.

Are coffee grounds good for succulents?

As the used coffee grounds break down, they'll add nitrogen to the soil, which is a vital nutrient for succulents. They'll also help aerate the soil and improve drainage, and may even suppress weeds and keep pests away. ... Brewed coffee grounds have a lot less caffeine, so they're safe to use.

Does Spekboom grow in shade?

The spekboom is an attractive evergreen succulent with its small round emerald-green leaves, borne on startling-red stems. ... It is an easy to grow succulent that is heat, drought and fire resistant, and can be grown in full sun or semi-shade.

Can a Spekboom grow indoors?

As an indoor plant, its fleshy green leaves, red stems and tendency to form a sculptural bush, make Spekboom a visual delight. Its drought-tolerant properties make this succulent a hardy home cohabitant. Place in bright light to direct sunlight and water once every two weeks.