Elephant Bush Vs Jade Plant: A Comprehensive Comparison

Are you planning to add more greenery to your home or office space? Do you love succulents and want to grow them indoors? If yes, then chances are that you have come across two of the most popular and widely grown succulent plants - Elephant Bush and Jade Plant.

While both these plants are easy to care for and look beautiful, there are some significant differences between them. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Elephant Bush Vs Jade Plant and compare them on various aspects such as appearance, growth habits, care requirements, and more. So, let's dive in!

Succulent plants have become increasingly popular over the last few years, thanks to their hardy nature and unique beauty. Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra) and Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) are two of the most well-known and commonly grown succulent plants. Both these plants belong to the Crassulaceae family and share many similarities, but they also have some distinct differences.

Elephant Bush is native to South Africa and is also known as Dwarf Jade Plant or Spekboom. It is a small bushy plant with green, glossy leaves that resemble those of a jade plant. On the other hand, Jade Plant is native to South Africa and Mozambique and has thick, fleshy leaves that can range from light green to dark green or even red.

Now that we have a brief idea about the plants let's explore them in detail.

Appearance

As mentioned earlier, both Elephant Bush and Jade Plant have a similar appearance. They both have glossy, fleshy leaves that can store water and help the plant survive during droughts. However, there are some differences in their appearance that can help you identify them.

Elephant Bush has small, round leaves that are about 1 cm in length. The leaves are a bright green color and can turn reddish in full sun. The stems of the plant are thin and have a reddish-brown color.

Jade Plant, on the other hand, has thick, oval-shaped leaves that can grow up to 5 cm in length. The leaves are usually a light green color but can turn red or burgundy in strong sunlight. The stems of the plant are thick and woody.

In terms of size, Elephant Bush is generally smaller than Jade Plant. It can grow up to 4 feet tall, while Jade Plant can grow up to 6 feet tall.

Growth Habits

Both Elephant Bush and Jade Plant are slow growers and can take several years to reach their maximum height. However, they have different growth habits that you should know about.

Elephant Bush is a small, bushy plant that can be grown as a bonsai. It grows well in containers and can be pruned to maintain its shape. The plant can also be propagated easily through stem cuttings. Elephant Bush prefers bright, indirect light and can tolerate some direct sunlight.

Jade Plant, on the other hand, is a relatively larger plant with a tree-like growth habit. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors and can reach a height of 6 feet under ideal conditions. The plant can be propagated through stem cuttings or leaf cuttings. Jade Plant prefers bright, direct sunlight and can tolerate some shade.

Care Requirements

When it comes to caring for Elephant Bush and Jade Plant, there are some similarities as well as differences.

Both these plants prefer well-draining soil and should not be overwatered. Overwatering can lead to root rot and cause the plant to die. It's best to water these plants when the soil has completely dried out.

Elephant Bush prefers bright, indirect light and can be grown in temperatures ranging from 50 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can tolerate some direct sunlight but should not be exposed to it for long periods.

Jade Plant, on the other hand, prefers bright, direct sunlight and can be grown in temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can tolerate some shade but should not be kept in complete darkness.

Both Elephant Bush and Jade Plant can benefit from occasional fertilization during the growing season. You can use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10.

Pest and Disease Control

Like all plants, Elephant Bush and Jade Plant are susceptible to pests and diseases. However, they are relatively easy to care for and are not prone to many problems.

Mealybugs and spider mites are common pests that can attack these plants. You can control them by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or spraying the plant with insecticidal soap.

Root rot is a common problem that can affect both Elephant Bush and Jade Plant if they are overwatered. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and the plant is not sitting in water.

Toxicity

One factor that you should consider while choosing a plant is its toxicity. Elephant Bush and Jade Plant are both non-toxic to humans and pets, making them safe choices for indoor gardening.

In conclusion, both Elephant Bush and Jade Plant are beautiful succulent plants that are easy to care for and can add a touch of greenery to your home or office space. While they share many similarities, there are some differences that you should know about before choosing one over the other.

If you're looking for a small, bushy plant that can be grown as a bonsai, then Elephant Bush is a great choice. On the other hand, if you want a larger plant with a tree-like growth habit, then Jade Plant is the way to go.

No matter which plant you choose, make sure to provide it with the right care and attention. With proper care, these plants can thrive and add a touch of natural beauty to your surroundings.

FAQ

1. What is Elephant Bush?

Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra) is a small, bushy succulent plant that is native to South Africa. It has glossy green leaves that resemble those of a jade plant and can be grown as a bonsai.

2. What is Jade Plant?

Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) is a succulent plant that is native to South Africa and Mozambique. It has thick, fleshy leaves that can range from light green to dark green or even red.

3. Can Elephant Bush be grown indoors?

Yes, Elephant Bush can be grown indoors and prefers bright, indirect light.

4. Can Jade Plant be grown indoors?

Yes, Jade Plant can be grown both indoors and outdoors and prefers bright, direct sunlight.

5. How often should I water Elephant Bush?

You should water Elephant Bush when the soil has completely dried out.

6. How often should I water Jade Plant?

You should water Jade Plant when the soil has almost completely dried out.

7. Are Elephant Bush and Jade Plant toxic to pets?

No, both Elephant Bush and Jade Plant are non-toxic to pets.

8. How do I propagate Elephant Bush?

You can propagate Elephant Bush through stem cuttings.

9. How do I propagate Jade Plant?

You can propagate Jade Plant through stem cuttings or leaf cuttings.

10. What is the ideal temperature for growing Elephant Bush?

Elephant Bush can be grown in temperatures ranging from 50 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.