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Cacti & Succulents

portulacaria afra/speckboom/elephant bush

14 years ago

I have a few elephant bushes, and when I went to re-pot a few of them because they were getting big, I found a smaller one that had only a couple pairs of leaves down at the bottom. The 'trunk' reaches about 5" and has no leaves at the top, so I'm worried that it is offically stumped.

Will it grow more leaves at the top eventually, and grow, or is it a lost case?

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Comments (5)

norma_2006
14 years ago
I think so, if elephants eat them and they didn't grow back? I trim mine back and yes, they grow back. Norma
0
greenman28 NorCal 7b/8a
14 years ago
They are very vigorous plants!
I prune mine many times throughout the season.

Josh
0
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Post a picture, Rosemary. Without sunlight, these plants will struggle. Also, they need to be kept moist or they will drop leaves. I made that mistake when I started growing these. I treated them like other succulents, withholding water indoors during the winter, and mine dropped all their leaves. It wasn't until I began keeping them consistently watered that they thrived indoors. Josh
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jaybizzle
Original Author
14 years ago
Good to know, thanks guys.
Also, how long should I wait to water them after repotting? I've read that they need to be kept in a more shaded area and left dry for a time, does that tend to be days, or more of a weeks-range?
Mine normally grow way fast, so I'm eager to think that it won't take too long to see new growth, but I'm wondering what the average time is.
0
greenman28 NorCal 7b/8a
14 years ago
A few days' wait, that's all...

The purpose of withholding water after re-potting is to give damaged roots a chance to heal.

During active growth, 3 - 5 days is plenty. During the winter, 1 - 2 weeks might be safer.

The type/quality of potting mix really determines after-care.

Josh
0
norma_2006
13 years ago
Jay I have no idea how often it rains in Winter where you live. These plants do well abd even flower if treated cruely. No water the right temperatures, lots of heat. etc. It may give you
very tiny light lavender flowers. They are great for bonzai, and can be trained for shape. Don't let this plant scare you. Some hang down and others grow stiffly. They can grow in hot sun, or some light shade. Norma
0

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