Why are my leaves falling off my Elephant Bush?
The primary cause of Elephant Bush losing leaves is overwatering. Too much water prevents pant to get enough oxygen, which encourages fungal rot diseases. Leaf drop can also be a sign of underwatering. Not getting enough water can cause leaves of Elephant Bush to dry out and eventually fall off.
How do I know if my Elephant Bush is overwatered?
A portulacaria afra that is too wet will look sickly and drop leaves. The dropped leaves might appear yellowish in color and could feel squishy. This usually happens when the plant has been overwatered and/or the soil medium does not dry out fast enough, or both.
How often should I water Elephant Bush?
Water the soil every few days or when it feels dry. After about two weeks or so, you will notice new roots growing.
What does Underwatered elephant bush look like?
Underwatered succulents like the elephant bush above will have shriveled foliage that is often dull or light in color. If left too long, some leaves will drop off, especially if touched.
Can a succulent come back from overwatering?
Can An Overwatered Succulent Be Saved? Yes. Majority of the time an overwatered plant do bounce back with proper care and treatment. And even if the plant has succumbed to rot, some parts of it can still be saved.
Is elephant bush an indoor plant?
Elephant bush plant may get 6 to 20 feet (2-6 m.) The home interior is an excellent place to grow elephant bush houseplants. Portulacaria care requires warm temperatures and bright light. After a dormant period in winter, the bush produces small pink flowers grouped in clusters at the ends of the branches.
When should I repot Portulacaria Afra?
Best Time for Repotting Portulacaria Afra. Spring through summer. I like to wait until the temperatures have warmed & the days have gotten a bit longer. In more temperate climates, you can repot from late winter through early fall.
How do you take care of Portulacaria Afra?
These succulents need well drained soil and an unglazed pot that will help excess moisture evaporate. The best mixture for this type of plant is cactus soil or potting soil cut by half with sand, vermiculite, or pumice. Choose a location with indirect sunlight when growing elephant bush indoors.
Why are the leaves falling off my Portulacaria afra?
To save the portulacaria afra that is overwatered, report it once you have removed the rotten roots. The leaf fall can happen even if the plant is underwater. Lack of sufficient water dries the leaves and sometimes causes them to fall. This plant needs to be watered most of the time in the summer period and less in the winter period.
Is the Portulacaria afra a bonsai plant?
At first glance, Portulacaria afra can be difficult to distinguish this plant as the good look of the bonsai subject. The water storage plants like this plant use it fleshy branches and leave like reservoirs.
What kind of soil to plant Portulacaria afra in?
Try to seal and water the soil around the fully planted plant to enhance the rooting process in the new soil. Planting this plant in the sandy soils with a pH of about 5.6 to 6.5 is ideal, as it is best to weaken acidic soils.
What to do with a wet Portulacaria plant?
The quickest way to solve this issue of a ‘wet’ Portulacaria Afra is to let it dry out. I do this by removing the plant from the soil and letting it dry completely for about a week or two in a shaded area away from direct sunlight.