Elephant Bush

Elephant bush is Portulacaria afra, a succulent shrub in the Didiereaceae family. Its small fleshy leaves grow in opposite pairs on reddish young stems. [2][8]

Also called dwarf jade or spekboom, this plant has finer stems and smaller leaves than Crassula ovata. The branching habit suits a container display and responds well to tip pruning. [9]

Give elephant bush bright indirect light indoors. Introduce stronger outdoor light gradually when moving it outside. [8]

Begin an outdoor move in a sheltered bright position and increase sun exposure in stages. Gradual acclimation protects foliage from scorch. [9]

Use very free-draining cactus or succulent compost. Choose a container with open drainage holes and let excess water escape. [8]

Keep a container proportionate to the root ball. A modest size increase when potting up reduces the surplus wet mix around the roots. [7]

Protect elephant bush from cold. Bring seasonal outdoor pots inside before nighttime temperatures fall below 40°F / about 4°C. [9]

Ordinary dry indoor air suits succulent growing. Give the plant ventilation and keep its watering matched to light and growth. [7]

Feed container-grown elephant bush approximately monthly during active growth. Use a fertilizer suited to potted plants and follow its directions. [9]

Reduce feeding when growth slows. Resume alongside renewed growth and brighter seasonal conditions. [7]

Pinch growing tips or cut just above a pair of leaves to shape branching. Trim selected stems to keep the silhouette balanced. [9]

Allow the plant to develop a loose branching outline, or use gentle shaping for a compact container display. Routine heavy pruning is optional. [8]

Match watering and feeding to active growth. Give the pot a drier, quieter routine as seasonal light and growth decline. [8]

Move a summer outdoor plant through gradually brighter positions. Return it indoors before cold nights, placing it in a bright spot. [8]

Classic jade has oval leaves; Gollum has tubular leaves. Both are Crassula ovata. [3][4]

Jade and elephant bush belong to different genera: Crassula and Portulacaria. Keep the botanical name with each plant. [1][2]