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Elephant bush dropping leaves

8 years ago



We have had this plant for about two months. It was doing well till recently it has been dropping a lot of leaves. When we first bought it, it was full and bushy. Now not so much. However there is new growth. I think I may have overwatered it. Should I repot it with new soil? Or what do you recommend?



Comments (8)

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    You are probably right about overwatering. It's a very hardy plant, so if the soil is only a little bit too moist, just let it dry more. If the soil is soggy, repot with a fast draining cactus mix, not a potting mix with lots of peat. When you water, take the pot out of the dish and let the water run out the hole in the bottom. It should not be sitting in a dish of water. I have them outdoors in the ground where they thrive with almost no care at all and they're easy to start with cuttings.

    HU-339297377 thanked lgteacher
  • 8 years ago

    Thank you for your response. The soil is not soggy, but definitely moist. I will follow your recommendation and let it dry some more. Thanks again!

  • 8 years ago

    In case you don’t know, you can test for dryness using a wooden skewer inserted into the soil for a few minutes. When you pull it out if it’s damp, don’t water. Even if it’s dry you could wait a few days. Is it getting plenty of light there?

    After you water and let it drain, you could sit it on a stack of newspapers for a few hours and you’ll be surprised at how much water can be wicked out that way.

    HU-339297377 thanked socks
  • 8 years ago

    Like the wooden skewer tip. Thank you! Yes, we get indirect sunlight. Just cloudy today.

  • 8 years ago

    Too wet would be my guess also - definitely do not leave it with water sitting in the saucer for extended periods. Typically succulent house plants like this need much brighter light than is usual in most household interiors, some watering in summer and darn little in winter.

    HU-339297377 thanked Embothrium
  • 8 years ago

    It probably needs more light. If there is any way to move it outside and slowly transition into at least some direct sun each day, it would love it. Or maybe a place in your home in some direct sun. Mine are outside in full sun all day, in the ground. They can take a lot of sun.

    HU-339297377 thanked socks
  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    These are very drought tolerant full sun plants. We have some in the ground that go through an easy 6 months of 90-100f heat, full sun, and zero precipitation.

    However, if given good drainage and full sun, you can grow them pretty fast with a good amount of water.

    HU-339297377 thanked Nil13 usda:10a sunset:21 LA,CA (Mount Wash.)
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