Add to that the arching branches that are adorned with small green leaves. In general, elephant trees don’t need a lot of pruning. Portulacaria Afra-Elephant Bush Care, Types and Propagation - Succulent Plant Care January 2019 Portulacaria Afra 'Elephant Bush' how-to guide in caring, propagating, sunlight requirements, watering, soil and growing needs. You can propagate elephant trees via seed and cuttings. This means about 6 months of waiting. Caring for your elephant ear plants requires attention. In the Ndoki forest of Congo, forest elephants eat at least 500 plant species (Blake, 2002), the highest known dietary diversity of any mammal. Amazon elephant's ear is typically not susceptible to diseases but over-watering can lead to fungal infections. Grow potted elephant bush plants in unglazed ceramic containers with large drainage holes at the bottom. Elephant trees are native to Madagascar. That said, elephant trees need to be watered regularly during the warmer months. African savannah elephants in arid Namibia eat just 33 plant species, while in Uganda they consume over 200 species. Elephant bush succulents in the home interior should not have consistently wet feet. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It also makes them more interesting to look at since their trunks will have more bumps and lumps. But here, you’ll see them either as small trees or grown as bonsais. In habitat, this plant forms large "thickets" known as "Spekboomvelds", and are fed upon extensively by elephants. Within just a few weeks, elephant bush cuttings will produce enough roots to be transplanted into a permanent container or into a garden bed within U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 to 11. They adjust to a wide range. Cold drafts and hot, dry air from the heater can stress succulents such as elephant bush, so choose a location away from heater vents and leaky windows. Since they’re used to dry conditions, they’ve evolved to withstand drought. Growing them from seed allows them to develop better roots. This plant finds its place in various ways as it can be used in making terrariums, dish gardening, Miniature gardening, Fairy gardens and last but not the least it finds its place in a hanging planter keeping its spectacular spilling capability in mind. Set the pot in a warm, bright location out of direct sun. A liquid form of fertilizer is good for their moist soil conditions, and you should choose one that is high in nitrogen for best foliage growth. It is an evergreen bulbous perennial geophyte, prized horticulturally for its unusual appearance and extreme tolerance of neglect. While they’re not as popular as some other plants, they’re not uncommon. Elephant Ear Plant Care & Propagation. That’s because they are easy to grow as houseplants. Keeping them in clay pots or something that’s porous also helps keep their roots healthy since it allows excess moisture to seep out. For potted plants, add water until it trickles from the drainage holes at the base of the pot. Make sure the pot drains well and don’t leave a saucer with water sitting under the container. Gather a 2- to 4-inch-long stem with healthy foliage at the tip and a sturdy stem. You can propagate elephant ears by seed, runner or by transplanting. This makes them excellent candidates for windows that are facing the south, east, and west where they’re able to receive a lot of sunlight. After that, it will then begin to branch out sideways. Portulacaria Afra “elephant bush/porkbush” Propagation. They’re small trees that grow quite slowly. Elephant Tree Propagation. Growing Conditions and General Care. Thus, it will stretch towards where the light is, becoming longer and taller. This reduces the risk of overwatering. Or, if you live in cooler climate areas, leave them out during the summers. The Portulacaria Afra or the Elephant Bush is a perennial succulent shrub native to South Africa. Apply the fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn and discontinue feeding if the elephant bush produces leggy growth, which is a sign of too much nitrogen. Required fields are marked *. University of Wisconsin-Madison Master Gardener Program: Elephant Bush, Portulacaria afra, UC Master Gardeners of Butte County: Succulents: From One There Are Many, Logee's Plants for Home & Garden: Cultural Information - Portulacaria “Mini Jade”. 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.. Because the leaves on Portulacaria afra are so thin, it can handle more frequent waterings than other succulents. Check that your pots have drainage holes before potting your Portulacaria afra. 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