Green Elephant Bush (Portulacaria Afra)

Description

Green Elephant Bush is a hardy, small shrub that has lovely glossy, jade green leaves, produced on red brown woody stems. Known as either the Dwarf Jade, the Spekboom or the Elephant Food the plant resembles a Jade plant due to the rounded leaves, however these plants are not related. Native to South Africa, it grows with an upright habit, naturally developing into a thickening trunk and a small, tree-like shape.

A great succulent for the front of a bed or arrangement, or one that may be allowed to develop into a dwarf bonsai with its thick and flexible stems over time. Perfectly suited to a sunny window ledge or study or desk and ideal for the balcony with smaller versions – in fact a large plant can easily become established on its own in a pot or a garden border to develop into a full shrub. This can be grown from a hanging basket so that eventually, it is able to cascade over the sides and grow along the floor or bench top.

Green Elephant Bush is one of the truly simple, forgiving succulents. It’s incredibly happy in bright light and well-draining soil, and it makes the transition between a home environment and a blazing Indian summer with no fuss. A bit less prone to overwatering than some of the fatter succulents (as its leaves are not quite as thick), it nonetheless needs to dry between waterings. Once established, this succulent will reliably grow well for many years and occasionally provide a small flower or two that range from white to pink.

Key Features

• Glossy, small, jade-green leaves grow on woody, reddish-brown stems 
• A compact, branching form, which gradually develops into more of a tree shape and form 
• The stems are naturally flexible and woody so is a good option for creating bonsai shapes 
• Tough plant and quite drought resistant, once established, though also not minding a little more regular water 
• Fairly easy-going plant to grow and can therefore make a great beginner's plant for those with hectic schedules 
• Can be grown individually as a specimen, in an arrangement, or in a hanging basket
• A few tiny, white-pink stars can occasionally appear on the plant if it is in its preferred environment

Care at a Glance

Product Specifications

What's in the Box

• 1 × Live Green Elephant Bush plant
• 1 × Pot (Bare-rooted/Pot: Optional)
• Well-draining potting mix
• Basic care guide

Important Notes

• Natural variation in leaf size, stem colour, and growth habit is normal from plant to plant
• Some leaf drop is natural when transporting succulents and the plant will recover within 1-2 weeks
• Don’t subject plant to intense mid afternoon sun after unboxing, acclimatize to sun slowly
• Try not to over-water or let the soil waterlog especially during monsoon season
• Prune your plant back for more full bushier growth, or while growing a bonsai
• Generally regarded as non-toxic but refrain from allowing animals and kids to chew the leaves of any plant

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s with the leaves falling off of my Green Elephant Bush?

A: Most leaf loss happens when you’re over or under watering the plant. Allow the soil to get somewhat dry before watering, but don’t let it stay dry for too long, and make sure that your pot has a good drainage hole to prevent root rot.

Q: How often do I need to water the plant?

A: Water when the top inch of soil dries to the touch. This would be about every 10-14 days. Depends on climate and season though. Thanks to its thinner leaves this succulent can be watered slightly more regularly than some of its cousins but does not like to sit wet

Q: Will Green Elephant Bush live inside? 

A: It should live in a bright room that has a southern or western exposure and multiple hours of bright sunlight per day. It will not grow quite as fast, and stems are leggy, indoors in low light levels.

Q: How about the speed of the growth of the plant?

A: It is a moderate growing plant, but given ample light and water the stems become thicker over time and woody as well giving it a full tree like shape. 

Q: Will I need to give my plant any fertiliser?

A: A dilute liquid feed should be applied once a month from spring until late summer for growth. Don’t feed when the plant is dormant in winter.

Q: Are the green elephant bush pets safe?

A: The Green Elephant Bush plant is animal- and human- safe to ingest, since it’s entirely non-toxic. This is a suitable plant for households that own a pet . However, prevent animals from eating or chewing on house plants.