How to Grow Elephant Bush
Portulacaria afra
Elephant Bush is an easy-care South African succulent shrub with small, round fleshy leaves on reddish-brown stems. It thrives in full sun with very little water and excellent drainage. Extremely drought-tolerant once established — water sparingly and let soil dry completely between waterings. Frost tender, so protect below 0 °C or grow in containers that can be moved indoors. A major carbon sequesterer in its native habitat and an excellent choice for xeriscaping.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Light balanced feed once in spring (April–May). Elephant Bush is not a heavy feeder — a half-strength succulent fertiliser is sufficient. Do not feed in winter.
Watch For
- Mealybugs (white cottony clusters in leaf axils)
- Aphids on new growth
- Root rot from overwatering — the most common killer
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Elephant Bush performs best in full sun (6+ hours direct sunlight). Tolerates partial shade but growth becomes leggy and leaves may drop. In very hot climates, light afternoon shade prevents leaf scorch.
Watering
Very low — let soil dry completely between waterings
Water deeply but infrequently — allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. In summer, roughly every 10–14 days; in winter, once a month or less. Overwatering is by far the most common cause of death. Leaves wrinkle slightly when the plant needs water — this is the safest indicator.
Fertilizing
Light feed once in spring with succulent fertiliser
Apply a half-strength balanced or succulent-specific fertiliser once in spring. Elephant Bush is adapted to nutrient-poor soils and does not need heavy feeding. Excess nitrogen causes soft, leggy growth.
Pruning
Shape in spring to early summer; cuttings root easily
Prune in April–June to maintain shape and encourage branching. Cut stems back to a leaf node. Any stem cutting 5 cm or longer will root in a few weeks if left to callus for 2–3 days before planting in dry mix.
Soil
Fast-draining, gritty mix — cactus/succulent compost ideal
Requires excellent drainage. Use a cactus/succulent mix or add 50% perlite or coarse grit to standard compost. Never use moisture-retaining compost or leave the pot sitting in a saucer of water.
