The Elephant Bush, or Portulacaria afra, is a succulent originating from the arid regions of South Africa. Also known as Spekboom, this plant is highly adapted to drought conditions by storing water in its small, rounded, fleshy leaves. This natural mechanism dictates a very low water requirement when grown in a home environment.
Establishing a Seasonal Watering Routine
The frequency of watering for the Elephant Bush is determined by the seasons. During the active growing season, which spans from spring through early fall, the plant requires more frequent hydration to support new stem and leaf production. A baseline frequency during these warmer months is to water thoroughly every one to two weeks, assuming warm temperatures and bright light conditions.
As temperatures drop and light intensity lessens in the fall and winter, the plant enters a period of dormancy where its growth slows. Watering must be drastically reduced to prevent the roots from sitting in cold, damp soil, which causes root rot. In the dormant season, watering is often reduced to once a month, or even less frequently, allowing the plant to utilize the moisture reserves in its leaves. Regardless of the season, the goal is always a deep, saturating soak that completely wets the soil, followed by allowing the soil to dry out fully before the next watering session.
Essential Checks Before Watering
Relying solely on a calendar schedule is risky; essential checks must be performed before applying any water. The most important check is confirming the soil is completely dry throughout the pot, not just on the surface. For smaller containers, the soil should be dry all the way down. For deeper pots, the top two or three inches of soil should feel moisture-free. Inserting a clean wooden stick into the soil to the bottom of the pot checks for residual moisture; the stick should come out clean if the soil is ready to be watered.
The plant itself provides visual cues indicating thirst that are more reliable than relying on a fixed schedule. Slightly wrinkled or shriveled leaves signal that the plant is drawing upon its internal water reserves and needs replenishment. Conversely, soft or mushy leaves and stems are a sign of overwatering and potential root rot. If this occurs, the plant should not be watered and needs to dry out immediately. Proper drainage is non-negotiable for this species; the container must have drainage holes to allow excess water to escape, preventing the roots from suffocating.
Environmental Influences on Moisture Needs
The baseline seasonal routine must be adjusted based on the environmental conditions surrounding the plant. Increased light exposure, especially direct sunlight, raises the plant’s metabolic rate and accelerates the evaporation of moisture from the soil. A plant receiving six or more hours of intense light will require water more often than one placed in a shadier location. Higher temperatures increase the rate of transpiration from the leaves and evaporation from the soil surface, leading to a faster drying time.
Humidity also plays a role, as a high-humidity environment slows the rate at which the soil dries, requiring longer intervals between waterings. The material of the container affects moisture retention; unglazed terracotta pots wick moisture away more quickly than plastic or glazed ceramic pots. Gardeners must assess these variables—light, temperature, humidity, and pot material—to modify watering frequency, ensuring the soil is fully dry before rehydrating the plant.