rainbow elephant bush watering

They are drought tolerant but do require watering from April to October. In winter the plants are dormant and you may suspend watering. Elephant bush succulents in the home interior should not have consistently wet feet. Make sure the pot drains well and don't leave a saucer with water sitting under the container.

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 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 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.

Why are all the leaves falling off my elephant Bush?

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.

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.

How do you revive an elephant Bush?

You can still save the plant by saving the viable parts of the plant. Remove or cut off any visible rot, let the cuttings dry for a few days to about a week or so, then stick them in the soil to root. Keep away from direct sunlight and water when dry. In a few weeks' time, you will see new growth and new roots develop.

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.

How do you shape an elephant Bush?

The plant readily produces buds wherever branches or even leaves are removed, so it is easily kept almost any size or shape by pinching or cutting just above a pair of leaves pruning. Elephant bush is well suited to growing in a hanging or elevated container.

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.

Do elephant ears need full 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.

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 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.

Do jade plants like direct sunlight?

Jade plants need at least 4 hours of direct sunlight each day. Young plants should be kept in bright, indirect sunlight; large, well-established jade plants can handle more direct sunlight. Kitchens and offices with a south-facing window are typically great spots with just enough light, as are western-facing windows.

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.

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 is indirect sunlight?

Indirect light is sunlight that either passes through a medium—a window shade or the leaves of a tree—or reflects off another surface before reaching a plant. ... Indirect sunlight ranges from the bright indirect light of east-facing windows to the fainter, indirect light of north-facing windows.

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.

Why are jade plant leaves falling off?

Jade leaves could fall prematurely from being too wet or too dry, for lack of nitrogen in the soil or for need of more sunlight. Quite often mealybugs attack this succulent. Remove them by hand, using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol; repeat treatment once a week until there are no more bugs.

Should you trim jade plants?

Typically, jade plant pruning is done only on older, overgrown plants. Pruning jade plants is not necessary for the health of the plant and is done only for aesthetic reasons. ... You should never remove more than 20 to 30 percent of the branches on the plant when pruning jade plants.

How often do you water jade plants?

How to Water Jade Plants. Jade plants are succulents (they hold water in their leaves), so they don't do well when sitting in constantly moist soil, so let the top 1 to 2 inches of soil dry out between waterings. Indoors, this will probably mean watering once every 2 to 3 weeks—but be sure to check regularly!

What do you do when your jade plant gets leggy?

Pruning a Leggy Jade Plant

It is best to prune your jade either in the spring or early summer months. Your plant will be in active growth during this time and will start to fill out and recover much more quickly. If you have a very small or young jade plant, you may just want to pinch off the growing tip.