Light
Bright light, ideally a south-facing window; east or west works too. Strong direct sun can tint the leaf tips red or yellow, or scorch them after a sudden move. Move it outdoors gradually in spring, and expect a few dropped leaves when it comes back inside to dimmer light.
Water
In spring and summer, water thoroughly and let the top inch or so dry before the next drink. In winter, water very little; unless your room is bright and warm, wait until the lower leaves start to shrivel. Soil that stays damp rots the roots.
Soil & pots
A very free-draining mix, such as cactus mix or potting mix with plenty of pumice, grit or small gravel. Go easy on sand, which clogs the air spaces. A pot with large drainage holes, ideally unglazed, helps it dry out.
Temperature
In the ground it's rated hardy in zones 9 to 11. Potted plants can go outside once frost is past; bring them back in when nights drop below 40°F (4°C).
Is elephant bush safe for pets?
Pet safety not yet confirmed. ASPCA doesn't list elephant bush, and we haven't found a veterinary source that says either way. We haven't found a reliable source yet, so keep it out of reach of pets that chew plants.
Propagation
Elephant bush roots easily from stem cuttings taken in spring or summer, usually in 4 to 6 weeks if it's warm. Cuttings can also root in water.
- Cut a stem a few inches long, just above a pair of leaves.
- Let the cut end dry for a couple of days to callus.
- Set it in barely damp gritty mix somewhere warm and bright.
- Water once it resists a gentle tug. That means roots.
Common problems
FAQ
What's the difference between jade plant and elephant bush?
They look alike but aren't closely related. Jade plant is Crassula ovata, in the stonecrop family; elephant bush is Portulacaria afra, in Didiereaceae. Elephant bush has much smaller leaves, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch long, set closer together on thinner stems that are reddish-brown when young.
Is elephant bush toxic to cats and dogs?
We don't know for sure. The ASPCA doesn't list it, though it does list jade plant as toxic. Until a veterinary source confirms it's safe, keep it out of reach of pets that chew plants.
Can I grow elephant bush as a bonsai?
Yes, and it's one of the easiest. It sprouts new buds wherever you cut, so pinch or prune just above a pair of leaves to keep it almost any size or shape. Its small root ball suits shallow bonsai pots, and it forgives a missed watering better than most bonsai trees.
Why is it called elephant bush?
Elephants eat it in the wild, and so do tortoises and other animals. Pieces that elephants break off often root where they fall and grow into new thickets.
Does elephant bush flower?
Rarely in cultivation. In the wild, or planted out in a mild, dry climate, it can bear clusters of tiny pink flowers, usually after a dry winter.