How to Care for Elephant Bush

Native to South Africa’s dry scrublands, Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra) is a hardy succulent known for its plump, glossy green leaves and tree-like form. In its natural habitat, it can sprawl as ground cover or grow upright into large, shrubby clusters, earning it nicknames such as Porkbush, Purslane Tree, and Dwarf Jade. Indoors, Elephant Bush is admired for its compact size, resilience, and ability to thrive with minimal care, making it a favorite choice for plant lovers seeking a low-maintenance yet striking addition to their home.

With easyplant, watering your Elephant Bush is simple. Make sure to check the easyplant reservoir once every 3 months and fill it if empty, and you’re all set!

Elephant Bush grows best in a space with bright indirect light, where the sun rays are diffused, and can also adapt to spaces with bright direct light, where the sunlight streams inside directly. Avoid placing it in spaces with low light or spaces without natural sunlight.

To keep your Elephant Bush looking its best, gently dust the leaves from time to time so they can breathe and absorb light efficiently. Rotate the pot every few weeks to encourage even growth and prevent the plant from leaning toward one side. You may prune back leggy or overgrown stems to maintain its full, compact shape, and the cuttings can even be propagated. Repotting is a natural part of your Elephant Bush’s life as it grows, but only do so once it clearly outgrows its pot. For this, easyplant offers a repotting kit with a larger pot that holds more soil, giving your plant the space it needs to continue thriving.

Indoors, Elephant Bush typically grows to about 2 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide, forming a bushy, tree-like silhouette. With proper care, it can add several inches of new growth each year, though its pace is relatively slow compared to faster-growing houseplants. While in its native habitat it can reach heights of over 10 feet, indoors it stays manageable and compact, making it an excellent choice for tabletops, shelves, or bright corners.

Elephant Bush thrives in typical household conditions and prefers temperatures between 65°F and 80°F. It can tolerate slightly cooler nights, but avoid exposing it to temperatures below 55°F. Keep it away from cold drafts, air conditioning vents, or heat sources such as radiators and fireplaces, as sudden fluctuations can stress the plant. Since Elephant Bush is a succulent, it adapts well to dry indoor air and does not require extra humidity, making it an easy fit for most homes.

Elephant Bush is considered non-toxic to both pets and kids, making it a safe choice for households with cats, dogs, or young children. While it’s always best to discourage nibbling on plants, you can feel comfortable knowing that accidental contact or ingestion is unlikely to cause harm.

If you’re using easyplant, simply following the 3-month refill schedule prevents most watering issues. For non-easyplant users, wrinkled or shriveled leaves often signal the plant is too dry - give it a deep watering and let the soil drain completely. On the other hand, soft, mushy, or yellowing leaves are signs of overwatering—allow the soil to dry out thoroughly before watering again. It’s also normal for older leaves at the base to dry and drop as the plant grows. If your Elephant Bush looks stretched or leggy, it may not be receiving enough light—move it closer to a bright window. Watch for pests like mealybugs or spider mites, which can be wiped away with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.