How to Take Care of Elephant Food Plants

Elephant food, otherwise known as elephant bush, belongs to the Portulacaria afra group. The bushes originated in South Africa and can reach 6 feet tall. Elephants consume the plant in Africa from the top down. The elephant food plant contains small round leaves that appear thick. Small pink clusters of flowers bloom on the plant in springtime. Elephant food grows best indoors because it cannot tolerate cold temperatures.

Things You'll Need

• Well-drained soil
• Peat moss or organic compost
• Water-soluble fertilizer
• Pruning shears
• Insecticidal soap

Instructions

1. Plant the elephant food plant in well-drained soil. Add peat moss or organic compost to the soil to help drainage, because the plant doesn't thrive in soggy soil.

2. Place the pot in a location with full sunlight. The elephant plant prefers indoor sunlight from a south- or west-facing window.

3. Water the elephant bush with tepid water until it drains from the bottom of the pot. Water the soil only when it feels slightly damp.

4. Apply a water-soluble fertilizer to the elephant food plant twice a year during the growing season. Apply the fertilizer in April and July for best results. Follow the dosage instructions on the fertilizer carefully.

5. Remove insect infestations from the plant when you notice them. Prune infested branches from the plant and discard in the trash or compost pile. Apply commercial insecticidal soap to the plant and follow the directions on the product to prevent damaging foliage.

6. Prune the elephant food plant to control its size. Always remove dead and broken stems from the plant to keep it healthy.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not expose the elephant food plant to temperatures below 30 degrees Fahrenheit because it will not survive.

References

• Delange: Xeriscape Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert
• Desert Tropicals: Elephant's Food, Elephant Bush
• "University of Missouri Extension"; Care of House Plants; Richard E. Widmer, et al.; October 1993
• Texas A&M University: Outstanding Interior Plants--Rainbow Bush, Elephant Bush
• "Garden Compass" Magazine; Elephants in Your Garden? Portulacaria; Renee O'Connell; July 2003
• Plant of the Week: Portulacaria Afra Elephant Bush