Portulacaria afra aka Elephant Bush

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Elephant Bush due to its easy-going nature.

Elephant Bush does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

When it comes to the Elephant Bush, a potting soil that is too moist can cause problems. For this reason, it's important to use a soil mix that is well-draining and does not retain too much moisture. A soil that includes perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. You can achieve this by simply adding a few scoops of perlite to your store-bought cactus soil.

To ensure optimal growth, the Elephant Bush prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

During the wintertime, it's common for Elephant Bush to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Elephant Bush is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.

Elephant Bush enjoys dry environments, but misting the plant or providing extra humidity can create an environment for harmful fungi to thrive on the leaves.

The growth of Elephant Bush is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.

Elephant Bush grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.

Elephant Bush’s native range is Southern Africa.

Yes, if you provide it with the correct amount of sunlight and water, you can witness your Elephant Bush blooming.