rainbow elephant bush leaves falling

Overwatering is the primary cause of failure in Elephant Bush because it invites fungal rot disease. The leaves of the overwatered plant become swollen and discolored. ... Not enough water causes the leaves to dry up and sometimes drop off. This succulent should be watered more often in summer and less in the winter.

Why is my rainbow elephant Bush dropping leaves?

The primary cause of Elephant Bush losing leaves is overwatering. Too much water prevents pant to get enough oxygen, which encourages fungal rot diseases. The first sign of overwatering is swollen and discolored leaves. ... Not getting enough water can cause leaves of Elephant Bush to dry out and eventually fall off.

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 you take care of a rainbow elephant Bush?

Rainbow Bush Care

Place variegated elephant bush in indirect sunlight. Intense light can scorch the leaves and cause them to drop from the plant. The plant should be warm and protected from drafts. Be sure the container has adequate drain holes.

Is my elephant bush dead?

Inspect the roots

Rotted roots will also have a sewer-like smell, so if the plant's roots look mushy and they smell, it might just be dead. If the plant's roots are light and supple, though, the plant is probably still alive, it's just hibernating.

Does elephant Bush need direct sunlight?

Growing Elephant Bush Houseplants

These succulents need well drained soil and an unglazed pot that will help excess moisture evaporate. ... Choose a location with indirect sunlight when growing elephant bush indoors. Overly bright sunlight can char the leaves and cause them to drop off.

Do elephant ears need a lot of sun?

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. There are certain varieties that can tolerate full sun.

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.

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.

Can you eat elephant Bush?

The foliage of elephant bush is edible. Other animals, such as goats, eat the plant from the ground up, preventing the plant from surviving.

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.

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.

How do you bring a plant back to life?

20 Hacks That Will Bring Your Dead (or Dying) Plant Back to Life

Find Out if the Plant is Actually Dead First. 1/20. ...
Trim Back the Dead Parts. 2/20. ...
Leave Bits of Stem Intact. 3/20. ...
Diagnose the Problem. 4/20. ...
Water a Thirsty Plant. 5/20. ...
Move a Thirsty Plant to a Humid Spot. 6/20. ...
Use Filtered Water on Your Plants. 7/20. ...
Replant an Overwatered Plant. 8/20.

Is my tree dead or dormant?

Stems that are brittle and crack easily are likely dead. If the stem is mushy, it is likely very dead. Green hues and dampness are also good signs. Dry, brittle, and brown bark indicates that the tree is dead.

Does Rosemary go dormant?

Rosemary is an evergreen, so leaves remain green year-round though the plant goes dormant in winter and stops all growth until spring. Winterize your rosemary plants in fall to ensure they remain healthy throughout winter and into spring.

How do you water an elephant Bush?

“Elephant Bush” has typical watering needs for a succulent. It's best to use the “soak and dry” method, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Portulacaria afra needs less frequent watering during its dormancy period.

How do you care for an elephant Bush succulent?

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.

What does root rot look like?

Root rot can be identified by the presence of soft, brown roots. The root system of a healthy plant should be firm and white. But when soil is soggy, fungal spores multiply and the fungus starts to spread³, developing in the extremities of the roots first.

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.

Do elephant ears like coffee grounds?

The caffeine in coffee also suppresses some plant growth and too much of it will suppress the growth of elephant ears. ... If you use coffee grounds as a mulch around your elephant ear plant it will block moisture from getting to the plant.

Do elephant ear bulbs multiply?

When to Divide Elephant Ears

Elephant ears can become huge plants with gigantic leaves. Many spread through underground runners, or stolons, and send up baby plants along the way. ... Since it is not actively growing, the plant will be less stressed than if you divide it while it is in full growth mode.

Can you overwater elephant ears?

Elephant ears are rarely overwatered. It may be too much fertilizer, too little iron, etc etc.