What is my house plant? Elephant Bush Plant
Hello. Can you please identify this house plant? I bought it at a market and the seller did not know what it was. Can you please tell me so I can care for it properly?
Hi Allison,
Your plant looks like an Elephant Bush Plant (Portulacaria afra). Here are some care tips for this succulent plant.
Water: Elephant Bush plants are drought resistant and do not like to be wet all of the time. Water well, then allow the soil to dry out before watering again. During the winter, when the plant is dormant, decrease your water even more. Be sure there are drip holes in the pot so excess water can escape. Over-watering is the main reason an Elephant Bush plant dies.
Light: Bright indirect light
Soil: Loose, fast draining potting soil or cactus mix
Fertilizer: Feed monthly March – June with a balanced plant food diluted to 1/2 the recommended strength
Pests: Mealy bugs, spider mites, white fly. You can read about these plant pests and how to treat them in the Glossary of the website.
These are great plants and really thrive on neglect.