Elephant bush care guide

The elephant bush is a succulent shrub with small, round, bright green leaves on red-brown stems. In South Africa, elephants eat it, which is how it got its name. It looks like a small-leaf jade plant, but it is not related. It grows fast in a sunny window, takes hard pruning, and makes a great beginner bonsai.

Light

Give it the sunniest spot you have. A south or west window is best. It loves direct sun.

In low light, the stems stretch and the leaves grow far apart. If it has been in lower light, move it into strong sun over a week or two. Sudden full sun can scorch the leaves.

Water

Water when the soil is fully dry. Water until it drains, then empty the saucer. In spring and summer, that is about every two weeks. In winter, water once a month or less.

The leaves wrinkle a little when it needs water. They plump back up after a drink. Soggy soil rots the roots. Read how to tell if a houseplant is overwatered or underwatered.

Soil and potting

Use a cactus and succulent mix. A clay pot helps the soil dry out.

Repot every two to three years in spring. See how to repot a houseplant step by step.

Humidity and temperature

Dry indoor air is fine. Keep it between 18 and 29°C (65 and 85°F), and above 7°C (45°F). It can spend summer outside in full sun once it is used to it.

Feeding

Feed two or three times in spring and summer with a cactus fertilizer at half strength. Skip feeding in fall and winter.

Elephant bush or jade?

They look alike, but you can tell them apart.

• Elephant bush leaves are small, about 1 to 2 cm (½ to ¾ in), and come in pairs along the stem.
• Elephant bush stems are thin and red-brown, and the branches often droop or arch.
• Jade plant leaves are larger and thicker. Jade stems are thick, green to gray-brown, and stand upright.

Pruning

Elephant bush takes hard pruning well. Cut any stem just above a pair of leaves. Two new branches grow from the cut. This is how bonsai growers shape it into a small tree.

Prune in spring and summer while it grows fast.

Propagation

Cut a stem tip 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in) long. Pull off the lower leaves. Let the cut end dry for a few days. Push it into dry cactus mix. Wait a week, then give it a small drink. Roots form in three to four weeks.

Problems

What you see	Most likely cause
Leaves drop	A sudden move, cold, or too much water
Long, thin stems with gaps	Not enough light
Wrinkled leaves	Thirst
Soft, black stems	Rot from too much water
Red edges on leaves	Strong sun. This is harmless.
White, cottony spots	Mealybugs

Pests

Mealybugs are the most common pest. They hide where leaves meet stems. Dab them with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab. Watch for spider mites and scale too.

Pet safety

Elephant bush is not on the ASPCA list of toxic plants. In South Africa, people and animals eat its sour leaves. It is often sold as pet safe. Note that jade plant, which looks like it, is toxic to cats and dogs.

Varieties

• Green elephant bush has bright green leaves and red-brown stems.
• Rainbow elephant bush, ‘Variegata’, has cream, green, and pink leaves. It grows slower and scorches easier in hot sun.
• ‘Prostrata’ is a low, trailing form for hanging pots.
• ‘Aurea’ has yellow-green leaves.