Why Are My Elephant Bush Leaves Falling Off?
Understand why your Elephant Bush is dropping leaves by learning to interpret its symptoms. Pinpoint the specific issue and adjust its care for recovery.
The Elephant Bush, or Portulacaria afra, is a popular succulent known for its resilience and attractive, woody stems. Many owners become concerned when their plant begins to shed its small, round leaves. This leaf drop is a signal that the plant is experiencing stress. Understanding the potential causes is the first step toward identifying the problem and restoring the plant’s health.
Overwatering and Underwatering
Watering imbalances are the most frequent reason an Elephant Bush will drop its leaves. Overwatering creates an environment where roots cannot access oxygen, leading to fungal diseases. Signs of an overwatered plant include swollen, yellow, and soft leaves that fall off easily. The soil will also feel damp even if not recently watered.
If you suspect overwatering, cease watering and allow the soil to dry out completely. It is also beneficial to inspect the root system for rot. Healthy roots are firm and pale, while rotten roots will be black, soft, and may have a foul odor. Any damaged roots should be trimmed away before repotting in fresh, dry, well-draining succulent soil.
Conversely, underwatering can also cause significant leaf loss. An underwatered Elephant Bush sheds foliage to conserve water, and its leaves will look wrinkled and feel dry or crispy. Another indicator is the soil, which will be completely dry and may have started to pull away from the sides of the pot.
To resolve underwatering, use the “soak and dry” method. Water the plant until it flows freely from the drainage holes, ensuring the entire root ball is saturated. After this deep watering, do not water the plant again until the soil has dried out completely.
Improper Light and Temperature
Elephant Bush succulents thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Without enough light, the plant may stretch towards a light source, a process called etiolation. This results in weak stems with large gaps between the leaves. The plant eventually drops these leaves because it cannot sustain them in low-light conditions. Moving the plant to a brighter location, such as near a south-facing window, can resolve this issue.
Elephant Bush plants are sensitive to abrupt temperature changes and may drop leaves when exposed to cold drafts or a nearby heat source. Placing the plant near a drafty door, an open window in winter, or in the path of an air conditioning vent can cause it to go into shock. The ideal daytime temperature range for these plants is between 70 to 85°F (21 to 29°C). Maintaining a stable environment is important for its well-being.
Other Common Causes for Leaf Drop
Pest infestations can weaken an Elephant Bush, leading to leaf loss. Pests like mealybugs and spider mites feed on the plant, draining it of nutrients. Mealybugs appear as small, white, cottony masses on the stems and leaves, while spider mites are harder to see but may create fine webbing. Minor infestations can be treated by dabbing the pests with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
An Elephant Bush may also drop leaves after being repotted due to transplant shock as it adjusts to its new environment. With proper care, it should recover and produce new growth after a short adjustment period.
Finally, a small amount of leaf drop can be a natural part of the plant’s life cycle. During its winter dormancy period, an Elephant Bush may shed some of its older, lower leaves as its growth slows. This process is not a cause for alarm if the rest of the plant appears healthy and leaf drop is minimal.