Light: Elephant bush likes bright indoor lighting. Low light levels will take a toll on the plant, causing leggy growth and leaf loss.

Temperature: 60-80 F

Humidity: low

Water: Water when the top 2-4” of potting mix feels dry. You may only need to water 2 times each month (in winter even less).

Repotting: Repot as necessary every 1-4 years. You may not need to upgrade container size, just refresh potting mix. Growth rate is determined by your plants water and light availability. This plant can reach several feet high if happy with its growing conditions.

Well-drained potting mix is key for this plant’s happiness.

Fertilizing: Either…

1. Water Application: Incorporate fertilizer into your watering cycle once per year. Dilute an all purpose fertilizer (20-20-20) by half OR use your favorite fertilizer rated for houseplant use in your water.

2. Slow Release: Incorporate slow release fertilizer pellets into the top inch of potting soil every 6 months. Apply the rate indicated for indoor plants on the label. If no recommendation for houseplants is present, apply 1/4 to 1/2 the listed rate.

Portulacaria is related to several plants you may know including some common weeds and a few favorite annuals, purselane and moss rose.

(Listed in order of commonality…)

• Root decay caused by overwatering

• Mealybugs

• Leaf loss from low light stress

• Soft brown scale

Is this plant pet safe?

Yes