The elephant tree, Portulacaria afra, makes an appealing and relatively low-maintenance houseplant. Known by several common names like Spekboom, Porkbush, or Dwarf Jade, this succulent offers an attractive appearance with its small, fleshy leaves and often reddish stems. Its adaptability and ease of care contribute to its widespread popularity as an indoor plant.
Understanding Your Elephant Tree
The elephant tree, Portulacaria afra, is a succulent shrub native to the arid regions of South Africa. In its natural habitat, it can grow into a small tree, reaching heights of 8 to 12 feet, though it remains much smaller when cultivated indoors. This plant is characterized by its thick, woody stems and small, rounded, emerald-green leaves that grow opposite each other. The stems often display a reddish hue, adding to its visual appeal.
As a succulent, the elephant tree stores water in its fleshy leaves and stems, making it highly drought-tolerant. Its resilience and unique appearance, resembling a miniature jade plant, also make it a popular specimen for bonsai cultivation. The plant is even recognized for its environmental benefits, including carbon sequestration.
Essential Care for Elephant Tree
Light Requirements
Elephant trees thrive in bright conditions, requiring ample sunlight for vigorous growth and dense foliage. Place the plant in a location receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Indoors, a sunny southern or western window is ideal. While it tolerates some direct sun, especially morning light, intense midday sun through glass can scorch leaves, so adjust placement in very hot climates. Insufficient light leads to leggy growth, with elongated, sparse stems and paler leaves.
Watering Practices
Proper watering is important for elephant tree health, as succulents are highly susceptible to overwatering. Use the “soak and dry” method: water thoroughly until drainage occurs, then allow the soil to dry completely before rewatering. Check soil moisture by feeling the top inch or two. During spring and summer, water every two to three weeks; in dormant winter months, water much less. Overwatering signs include yellowing, mushy leaves, or soft, dark stems. Wrinkled or shriveled leaves indicate underwatering.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining soil mix is important for preventing root rot and ensuring the elephant tree’s health. Use a commercial succulent or cactus mix, or amend regular potting soil with perlite, pumice, or coarse sand. These amendments improve aeration and drainage, which are essential for succulent roots. Pots must have drainage holes. The pot size should be proportionate to the plant’s current size, allowing a few inches of extra space for growth without being excessively large, which can lead to prolonged soil moisture.
Temperature and Humidity
Elephant trees thrive in average room temperatures, between 65°F and 75°F (18°C-24°C). They are not cold-hardy; protect them from temperatures below 30°F (-1°C). If grown outdoors, bring them inside when night temperatures consistently drop below 40°F (4°C). As desert natives, these plants tolerate dry indoor air and do not require high humidity, suiting most home environments.
Fertilizing
Elephant trees are not heavy feeders and require minimal fertilization. During their active growing season (spring and summer), apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half or quarter strength to avoid over-fertilization. Fertilizing once or twice during this period is sufficient; avoid it entirely during dormant winter months. Over-fertilization can lead to salt buildup, negatively impacting plant health.
Pruning and Shaping Elephant Tree
Pruning an elephant tree helps maintain its size and shape, encourages bushier growth, and removes leggy or unsightly stems. The plant responds well to pruning, allowing for a more compact or bonsai-like appearance. The best time for significant pruning is during the active growing season (spring or early summer), when the plant recovers quickly and produces new growth.
Use clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors for precise cuts. Make cuts just above a leaf node, where new growth emerges. Removing longer, unruly branches encourages branching, leading to a denser canopy. Regular light trimming maintains the plant’s form and promotes continuous branching. Pruned cuttings can be used for propagation.
Propagating Elephant Tree
Propagating elephant trees is straightforward, most commonly achieved through stem cuttings. This method has a high success rate. Select a healthy stem 2-6 inches long with plump leaves. Using clean, sharp scissors or a knife, cut just below a leaf node, where roots are more likely to emerge.
After taking the cutting, allow it to “callus” or dry for a few days to a week. This forms a protective layer, preventing rot when planted. Once callused, plant the cutting halfway into a well-draining succulent or cactus soil mix. The soil should be slightly moist. Place the potted cutting in bright, indirect light and maintain consistent, light moisture. Roots form within a few weeks, and new leaf growth indicates successful rooting.
Troubleshooting Common Elephant Tree Issues
Elephant trees are resilient but can encounter problems, often linked to improper care. Overwatering frequently leads to root rot. Symptoms include yellowing, soft, or mushy leaves that drop easily, and a soft, dark, or discolored stem. If root rot is suspected, remove the plant from its pot, trim mushy roots, and repot into fresh, dry, well-draining soil.
Conversely, underwatering causes leaves to appear wrinkled, shriveled, or deflated. This indicates the plant is drawing moisture from its leaves due to insufficient water; a thorough watering will cause them to plump up within days. If the plant exhibits leggy growth with stretched stems and sparse, pale leaves, it is not receiving enough light and needs a brighter location. While pest-resistant, elephant trees can attract common houseplant pests like mealybugs or spider mites. Manage these by wiping the plant with a damp cloth or treating with insecticidal soap or neem oil.