Taking care of an elephant bush , also known as elephant food plant , is relatively easy . As a succulent , it requires minimum aid and can really thrive on disuse . Here are some tips to ensure your elephant bush remain healthy and happy :
1 . Sunlight : Elephant bush loves brilliant , collateral sunshine . put it in a location where it can find at least 6 hr of sunlight per day . If growing indoors , choose a speckle near a south - face windowpane or render contrived grow light .
2 . Soil : Elephant George Bush prefer well - run out dirt that allow weewee to pass through quick . Sandy soil work best , as it dry out out faster and prevents the roots from rotting . you could also mix in some perlite or pumice stone to amend drainage .
3 . lachrymation : One of the most important aspect of elephant bush precaution is watering . It is of the essence not to overwater this plant , as it is susceptible to root rot . reserve the soil to dry out completely between tearing , and then thoroughly impregnate the stain . Empty any spare water from the drain tray to prevent waterlogging .
4 . Container : If you are growing elephant bush in a great deal , ensure that the container has a drainage fix at the bottom . This allow supererogatory water to escape , preventing waterlogging . The commode should also be gravid enough to accommodate the works ’s root scheme , with some room for growth .
5 . Temperature and humidness : Elephant bush is quite adaptable to different temperature ranges . It can brook temperature as low-pitched as 50 ° F ( 10 ° atomic number 6 ) but prefers temperature between 65 - 85 ° F ( 18 - 29 ° speed of light ) . It also appreciate restrained humidness , but it can tolerate dry indoor environments .
6 . Fertilizer : Elephant bush is not a heavy eater and can do well without frequent dressing . However , you’re able to provide a balanced , water - soluble fertiliser once or twice during the growing time of year ( spring and summer ) to advance healthy outgrowth . thin the fertilizer to half the recommend lastingness to avoid overfeeding .
7 . Pruning : Pruning is not necessary for the wellness of the works but can be done for aesthetic aim or to control its size . If you wish to work your elephant bush , trim back the fore using clean-living , discriminating pruning shear . you could also propagate the cuttings to produce new plants .
8 . Pests and disease : Elephant bush is comparatively pest and disease insubordinate . However , it can at times be affected by common succulent pest like mealybugs or spider mites . scrutinize your plant regularly and treat any infestation quickly using constitutional insecticidal max or neem oil color .
9 . Propagation : Elephant bush is easy to circularise from stem cuttings . Simply take a healthy clipping , have it dry for a day or two to form a callus , and then plant it in a well - debilitate soil mix . Keep the soil light moist until the cutting develop roots .
recollect , succulents like the elephant bush are adapted to live on in arid conditions , so it ’s undecomposed to err on the side of underwatering rather than overwatering . By provide adequate sunlight , well - draining land , and minimal water , your elephant bush will boom and bring beauty to your space .
Caroline Bates
