Elephant Bush

Elephant Bush prefers to be watered when the soil has dried out, usually about every 10-14 days in the spring and summer and every 3-4 weeks in the fall and winter. It’s important to make sure you don’t over water this succulent since it’s a jungle species and too much water can cause root rot. Soak the soil until it’s completely saturated and then allow it to dry out before watering again.

Elephant Bush prefers bright, indirect light. It can handle some direct sun if exposed gradually. In the summer, try to keep it in full sun for about four hours a day and in the winter, bright, indirect light is best. Not getting enough sun exposure will cause the leaves to become pale and elongated.

Elephant Bush prefers temperatures between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit (18-23 degrees Celsius). It can survive temperatures slightly lower than 65 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged cold temperatures can damage the plant.

Elephant Bush prefers a slightly elevated humidity, so it’s important to monitor the humidity in your indoor environment. Consider investing in a humidifier to increase the humidity levels. It’s also important to make sure there is adequate air circulation and to make sure there is no stagnant air around the plant.

For the best growth, Elephant Bush should be planted in well-draining cactus or succulent soil mix. It should also have some organic matter like perlite or coco coir mixed in. Make sure the soil is moist, but not heavily saturated.

Elephant Bush should be fertilized with a cactus and succulent fertilizer diluted to half strength once every two months during the growing season. Be careful not to over fertilize the plant as too much fertilizer can cause root burn or nutrient toxicity. It should not be fertilized during the winter months or dormant period.

Elephant Bush is prone to pests such as mealy bugs and spider mites. To prevent an infestation, it’s important to regularly inspect your plant for any signs of these pests. If you do find any, you can treat it by spraying it with an organic insecticidal soap and wiping away any visible pests. You can also create an insect repellent spray to spray on the plant using a combination of neem oil, mild liquid dish soap, and water.

Elephant Bush should be repotted every two to three years in the spring or summer. When repotting, transfer the plant to a pot that is only one size up from the previous pot and make sure it has good drainage. Remove all old soil from the roots and then spread the roots out in the new pot before filling in the new soil.

Elephant Bushes respond well to pruning and can be pruned in the summer months to maintain a compact form. Pruning can also be done to shape the form of the plant. Cut back the longer branches to maintain the desired shape and to encourage new, full growth.

Mulching the soil can help keep the soil moisture levels up and prevent weeds from growing near the plant. It also helps retain the heat from the sun and create ideal soil conditions for the plant. Use organic material like leaves, straw, or wood chips.

Elephant Bush is easily propagated by stem or leaf cuttings. To propagate by stem cuttings, take a stem that is 3-4 inches long and remove all the leaves from the lower half of the stem. Allow the stem to dry for several days before placing it in the soil. To propagate by leaf cuttings, pluck a leaf and lay it down on the soil. The leaf should root easily.

Elephant Bush benefits from support when it is planted outdoors in pots. If using a trellis, use stakes that are soft enough to not damage the stem or leaves of the plant. You may also want to shape the stem with support or use a stake to keep the stems upright and protect them from wind damage.

Elephant Bush requires a dormant period where temperatures are kept between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit (12-15 degrees Celsius). During this time, the plant will require much less water than during its growing season and should be watered only once every two weeks. This dormant period is important for the plant to remain healthy and to produce new growth in the spring.

Elephant Bush is not known to be toxic to cats and dogs.