difference between jade plant and elephant bush

The stem gets thicker over time as the plant matures. ... Portulacaria Afra, commonly known as Elephant Bush, are often mistaken for Crassula Ovata 'Jade Plants' because they resemble each other in a lot of ways. Although Elephant Bush closely resemble Jade Plants in appearance, they are not at all related.

How do I identify a jade plant?

About Jade Plants

They get their name from the jade-green colored leaves that are usually tear-shaped, oval-shaped, or wedge-shaped. Sometimes, the leaves can have red blushing around the edges. In hot tropical climates, jade trees have thick woody stems and smooth shiny green or yellowish leaves.

Why is it called Elephant Bush?

“Spekboom” (known popularly as “Elephant Bush”) is essential to many browsing animals, including kudu and elephants because of its ability to remain succulent despite periods of searing heat and drought.

How tall does elephant bush grow?

Elephant bush plant may get 6- to 20-feet (2-6 m.) tall in habitat where it is a favorite food of elephants. In the home interior, it is much more likely to remain just a few feet tall. The bush has thick succulent brown stems with small tender green leaves that resemble a diminutive jade plant.

Is Portulacaria Afra a jade plant?

Portulacaria afra is a perfect addition to your indoor or outdoor succulent garden. Although a popular name for this succulent is “Miniature Jade,” it is not related to Crassula ovata. “Elephant Bush” also comes in miniature and variegated forms.

How long does jade plant live?

How Long Do Jade Plants Live? Although they don't grow very quickly, they can live for at least 70 to 100 years, giving it plenty of time to grow into an impressive specimen.

Where should you place a jade plant in your house?

Kitchens and offices with a south-facing window are typically great spots with just enough light, as are western-facing windows. Jade plants grow best at room temperature (65° to 75°F / 18° to 24°C), but prefer slightly cooler temperatures at night and in the winter (down to 55°F / 13°C).

How do you shape an elephant Bush?

The plant readily produces buds wherever branches or even leaves are removed, so it is easily kept almost any size or shape by pinching or cutting just above a pair of leaves pruning. Elephant bush is well suited to growing in a hanging or elevated container.

Is Elephant Bush poisonous to dogs?

The elephant ear plant is a houseplant with giant pointed leaves that look like elephant ears. This plant may be nice to look at, but it can be toxic to your dog. In fact, it can even be fatal if not treated right away.

Is Spekboom the same as jade plant?

Portulacaria afra (known as elephant bush, dwarf jade plant, porkbush and spekboom in Afrikaans) is a small-leaved succulent plant found in South Africa. These succulents commonly have a reddish stem and leaves that are green, but also a variegated cultivar is often seen in cultivation.

How fast do elephant bushes grow?

While the plant is taking root (4-6 weeks), take care to keep it out of direct sunlight and ensure that you are keeping the soil moist when it starts to go dry. It should take about four to six weeks for plants to fully take root and start developing new growth.

How do I thicken my jade trunk?

You can help the Jade plant to grow a thicker trunk by pruning back the plant. You may leave a few leaves on it, but prune back the plant as much as you can. To the first pair of leaves on each branch for example. This way you can keep it shorter and it will focus more on making its trunk thicker.

When should I repot my elephant Bush?

Best Time for Repotting Portulacaria Afra. Spring through summer. I like to wait until the temperatures have warmed & the days have gotten a bit longer. In more temperate climates, you can repot from late winter through early fall.

What are the benefits of jade plant?

Jade presence in the house or office is considered auspicious. This beautiful succulent plant has vibrant green leaves that are symbolic of growth and renewal, closely resembling jade coins/stones, symbolic of wealth and prosperity. The Jade plant gives off nourishing “chi” the positive energy.

Why is the Spekboom referred to as the miracle plant?

“Planted in the correct area, spekboom is indeed a miracle plant. It can root from cuttings even in degraded soils which reach 70°C in summer and which receive no rain for several months on end. These rooted cuttings can then grow into mature plants over 10 to 20 years, allowing the spekboom thicket to regenerate.”

Can Spekboom grow indoors?

As an indoor plant, its fleshy green leaves, red stems and tendency to form a sculptural bush, make Spekboom a visual delight. Its drought-tolerant properties make this succulent a hardy home cohabitant. Place in bright light to direct sunlight and water once every two weeks.

Are coffee grounds good for jade plants?

Coffee grounds are an efficient source of nutrition for plants, but they must be used in moderation. Houseplants like Philodendrons, Jade Plants, Christmas Cacti, Cyclamen, and African Violets grow best with the use of coffee grounds.

How do I make my jade plant bushy?

Prune the jade plant just above one of the brown rings around a stem, called a leaf scar, with sharp pruning shears or a sharp knife. Two new stems will sprout at the pruning site, so select the stem to prune based on where you want the jade plant to be thicker and fuller.

What does an overwatered jade plant look like?

Jade Plant Overwatering Symptoms: The symptoms of overwatering a Jade Plant are yellowing leaves, leaf drop, soft leaves and dry leaves. The soil will usually be waterlogged and the roots will show signs of root rot.

Can I put a jade plant in the bathroom?

Avoid showcasing a jade plant in the bathroom or bedroom, since these areas are more closed off. The jade plant will sometimes grow into a small tree or shrub, up to five feet tall indoors. Very easily maintained, the jade plant only needs water when dry to the touch.

Which type of jade plant is lucky?

Crassula ovata, better known as "jade plant", "lucky plant" or "money tree", is an extremely popular, easy to care for house plant. It is believed to bring wealth and good luck to owners and is often given as housewarming gifts.

How do I get my jade plant to flower?

Getting a jade plant to bloom requires mimicking its native growing conditions. Lack of water, cool nights and bright days encourage the plant to form buds and finally flowers. It's a bit of a trick, but you can fool your plant into producing pretty little starry white to pink flowers in spring.