Elephant Bush Vs Jade Plant: Which is the Best Indoor Plant For You?

Oleh Warren Orn May 27, 2023 Post a Comment

Are you confused about which plant to choose for your indoor garden? Do you love succulents and want to know which one to pick between Elephant Bush and Jade Plant? This blog post is for you. In this article, we'll compare Elephant Bush vs Jade Plant and help you decide which one is best suited for you.

When it comes to indoor gardening, succulents have become a popular choice. The Elephant Bush and Jade Plant are two of the most commonly grown succulents. Both plants are easy to care for, making them perfect for beginners. They also have similar requirements when it comes to sunlight, watering, and soil. But what sets them apart? Let's dive in and find out.

Appearance

The Elephant Bush, also known as Portulacaria Afra, is a small, tree-like succulent with round, fleshy leaves that resemble an elephant's ear. It can grow up to 6 feet tall and has a woody stem that becomes more visible as it ages. The leaves are green, but they can turn red or brown in direct sunlight.

On the other hand, the Jade Plant, also known as Crassula Ovata, is a small, bushy succulent with thick, oval-shaped leaves that are green in color. It can grow up to 3 feet tall and has a woody stem that becomes visible as it ages. The leaves can turn red when exposed to bright light.

Watering

Both the Elephant Bush and Jade Plant are succulents, which means they store water in their leaves and stems. This makes them drought-tolerant and able to survive in arid conditions. However, they still need some water to thrive.

It's important not to overwater succulents, as this can lead to root rot. The best way to water them is to wait until the soil has completely dried out before giving them a thorough watering. This usually takes about 2-3 weeks, depending on the humidity and temperature of your home.

Sunlight

Succulents love bright light, but too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves. The Elephant Bush and Jade Plant both prefer bright, indirect light. A south-facing window is ideal for these plants, but they can also do well in east or west-facing windows.

If you notice that your plant's leaves are turning yellow or brown, it may be getting too much direct sunlight. On the other hand, if the leaves are stretching towards the light, it may not be getting enough.

Soil

The Elephant Bush and Jade Plant both need well-draining soil. Succulents don't like to sit in wet soil, as this can cause root rot. You can use cactus soil or make your own by mixing sand, perlite, and potting soil in a 1:1:1 ratio.

It's important to repot succulents every 2-3 years to give them fresh soil and more room to grow. When repotting, choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and fill it with fresh soil.

Propagation

Both the Elephant Bush and Jade Plant are easy to propagate. You can propagate them by stem cuttings or leaf cuttings.

To propagate by stem cuttings, take a cutting that is at least 4 inches long and remove the bottom few leaves. Allow the cutting to dry for a couple of days before placing it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist but not wet, and within a few weeks, roots should to form.

To propagate by leaf cuttings, simply remove a healthy leaf from the plant and allow it to dry for a couple of days. Place the leaf on top of well-draining soil and mist it regularly. Within a few weeks, a new plant should to grow from the base of the leaf.

Pest and Diseases

Succulents are generally resilient plants that don't suffer from many pests and diseases. However, they can still be susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects.

To prevent these pests, keep your succulent clean and free from debris. You can also use neem oil or insecticidal soap to get rid of any pests that do appear.

Toxicity

Both the Elephant Bush and Jade Plant are non-toxic to pets and humans. This makes them perfect for households with children or pets.

Price

The price of both plants varies depending on where you buy them. Generally, the Jade Plant is cheaper than the Elephant Bush. However, if you're looking for a larger specimen, the Elephant Bush may be more expensive.

Durability

Both the Elephant Bush and Jade Plant are durable, low-maintenance plants that can live for decades with proper care. They are perfect for busy people who don't have a lot of time to devote to their indoor garden.

Aesthetics

The Elephant Bush and Jade Plant both have unique aesthetics that make them stand out. The Elephant Bush has a tree-like appearance that adds height to your indoor garden, while the Jade Plant has a bushy appearance that adds texture.

Size

The Elephant Bush can grow up to 6 feet tall, making it perfect for those who want a large, dramatic plant in their home. On the other hand, the Jade Plant only grows up to 3 feet tall, making it better suited for smaller spaces.

Maintenance

Both the Elephant Bush and Jade Plant require minimal maintenance. They don't need to be watered often and can survive in a variety of lighting conditions. This makes them perfect for busy people who don't have a lot of time to devote to their indoor garden.

Growth Rate

The Elephant Bush and Jade Plant both have a slow growth rate. This means that they won't outgrow their space quickly and can be enjoyed for years to come.

Climate

The Elephant Bush and Jade Plant are both native to Africa and are well-suited to warm, arid climates. They can survive in cooler temperatures but may need to be brought indoors during the winter months.

Companion Plants

The Elephant Bush and Jade Plant both look great when paired with other succulents or cacti. They also pair well with other plants that have similar water and light requirements, such as snake plants or ZZ plants.

In conclusion, both the Elephant Bush and Jade Plant are excellent choices for indoor gardening. They are easy to care for, durable, and add unique aesthetics to your home. The Elephant Bush is better suited for larger spaces and those who want a dramatic plant, while the Jade Plant is better suited for smaller spaces. Ultimately, the choice between the two plants comes down to personal preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Are Elephant Bush and Jade Plant poisonous?

No, neither the Elephant Bush nor the Jade Plant are poisonous to pets or humans.

Q2. How often should I water my Elephant Bush or Jade Plant?

Wait until the soil has completely dried out before giving them a thorough watering. This usually takes about 2-3 weeks, depending on the humidity and temperature of your home.

Q3. Can Elephant Bush and Jade Plant be grown together?

Yes, Elephant Bush and Jade Plant can be grown together as they have similar water and light requirements.

Q4. How do I propagate an Elephant Bush or Jade Plant?

You can propagate both plants by stem cuttings or leaf cuttings.

Q5. What type of soil do Elephant Bush and Jade Plant need?

Both plants need well-draining soil. You can use cactus soil or make your own by mixing sand, perlite, and potting soil in a 1:1:1 ratio.

Q6. How much sunlight do Elephant Bush and Jade Plant need?

Both plants prefer bright, indirect light. A south-facing window is ideal for these plants, but they can also do well in east or west-facing windows.

Q7. What pests and diseases are Elephant Bush and Jade Plant susceptible to?

Both plants are generally resilient and don't suffer from many pests and diseases. However, they can still be susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects.