They start out as a small bush and eventually grow tree-like. I too have an elephant food plant and have learned from Q&A;s that I have been over watering (dropping leaves). The plant needs approximately four hours or more of sunlight a day to be happy. Alternatively, the plant may be going dormant for the season. This is one of my larger specimens, sitting out the Winter quietly in the greenhouse. It is a endurance program. The soil will usually be waterlogged and the roots will show signs of root rot. This usually happens with a newly purchased plant from the store. Try not to but will cut back. Plant with giant leaves, very large leaves, called the giant elephant`s ear Alocasia macrorrhiza. A grow light may help supplement the sunlight that the plant needs. Specially formulated potting soil for succulents is available, but bonsai potting soil will also work. I hope you found this article useful. It is highly recommended to Keep track on the soil to ensure that you are not letting your plant to stand in water. Uses, Benefits, Cures, Side Effects, Nutrients in Elephant Tree. If planted outdoors, it grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 11. The leaves of the overwatered plant become swollen and discolored. The wrong soil, coupled with the wrong watering technique, can make your plant deteriorate rapidly. They are simple to care for and make easy houseplants for a sunny location. I try to choose a pot that is just the right size for my succulents with a few inches extra for them to grow. ? Avoid placing the elephant bush near a heating or air conditioning vent to prevent it from getting too dry. Leaf drop may also occur if the soil does not have proper nutrients or drainage qualities. Try changing the amount of sunlight or water the plant gets and possibly apply a fertilizer. May 19, 2012 - This Pin was discovered by LueAnne Adams. I understand your situation that Elephant Ears won't survive the winter there if left in the ground. Diseases that affect the elephant bush the most are fungal. It is much more versatile, being able to withstand summer sun as well as living in shade. However, just like any other plant, begonia might develop problems such as dropping leaves. You may want to increase the watering frequency if you find this happening to your plant often. During a dry spell out or when underwatered, the plant will drop leaves to conserve its own water stockpiling. The leaves are water-repellen. It's hard to be sure, but it looks like the container that houses the other one is larger, though possibly not large enough either, over time. Fresh Green Closeup of Taro (Colocasia esculenta) Plant Leaves with Rain Drops or Morning Dew. Cut back the yellow leaves and wait for it to return next spring. If the leaves of your elephant ear are turning yellow it could mean there is a problem. Question and answers about watering and pruning elephant food plant interesting and helpful. Here are some, Sudden temperature changes can affect the plant. You can lose the plant pretty fast when it is exposed to extreme cold, especially a young, tender plant. Otherwise known as Portulacaria afra, the elephant bush has thick purple stems with dainty lobe like leaves. Indeed. As the name “Elephant Food” suggests, this succulent is eaten by elephants, but feeds goats and tortoises as well. Here are some frost protection recommendations. Visit my resource page for suggestions on where to find a Portulacaria Afra plant and other succulents online. I have some growing happily under the morning sun and also some in the full afternoon sun. Elephant trees (Bursera fagaroides) stand out with their stout trunks, peeling bark and dark green leaves, which emit a citrusy fragrance when handled. Yes, but it is not my preferred method of propagation because it takes too long and I tend to lose the leaves before it propagates successfully. If you find that the plant is not receiving adequate light, move it closer to the window where it can get more sun exposure. Pests and diseases can weaken a plant enough to potentially cause leaf drop. Use 1 part bleach mixed with 3 parts water. The bright green leaves are offset nicely with the reddish stems of the plant. Some can be kept as perennials in warmer climates and will grow back every spring on their own, while others should be planted from tubers amid warmer spring climates. Follow the tips and advice below to identify an overwatered Jade Plant and learn how you can treat and revive it. You can start with morning sun and gradually increase the intensity to minimize shock and avoid burning the plant. This disease causes the plant to turn yellow, but it’s usually a telltale yellowing. If severely overwatered, the stems of the plant would start rotting from the bottom. Elephant trees (Bursera fagaroides) stand out with their stout trunks, peeling bark and dark green leaves, which emit a citrusy fragrance when handled. To be on the safe side, I use cactus mix combined with perlite or a very porous mix like cactus jack. Leaf drop can also occur if the elephant bush is underwatered. The same goes for temperature. You can also use an all-purpose potting soil (which is a cheaper alternative) and combine it with perlite, or a combination of these three materials I mentioned. Rainbow Bush Info. If a plant is constantly too dry, it starts to drop its leaves to conserve water. Sudden changes in light, temperature and humidity can all contribute to leaf drop in elephant bushes. Move the plant indoors or provide some protection from frost to help the plant survive the cold. Remove or cut off any visible rot, let the cuttings dry for a few days to about a week or so, then stick them in the soil to root. Check out these links for related topics: Portulacaria Afra-Elephant Bush Care, Types and Propagation, Easiest Way to Propagate Succulents: by Stem Cuttings. Sudden changes in light, temperature, and humidity can all contribute to leaf drop in Elephant Bush. this plant grows fast and is a bushing type succulent with woody stems. Maybe your elephant food is not getting enough nutrients due to fast draining. Other common begonia issues include curling leaves, flowers turning brown, leaves turning brown, and leaves turning yellow. https://homeguides.sfgate.com/leaf-drop-elephant-bush-85450.html Rainbow portulacaria plant is a warm-weather plant, suitable for growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 10 and 11. 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