---
title: "Trying to decide between getting an elephant bush or jade plant - I…"
description: "Trying to decide between getting an elephant bush or jade plant - I have to choose one as a gift. Help! They are both so gorgeous. Pls share your experience…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/vOLjreBcQ-OpqrHIhVSc4w/CQKIS0CeU8yqFUXkruH3tb"
community: "The Cactus & Succulent Circle"
author: "Sprout117"
published: "2025-06-10T08:28:02.495087Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v2/cloudinary/global_data/communities/theCactusAndSucculentCircle.jpg"
---

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# Trying to decide between getting an elephant bush or jade plant - I…

_Posted by Sprout117 on 2025-06-10_

Trying to decide between getting an elephant bush or jade plant - I have to choose one as a gift. Help! They are both so gorgeous.

Pls share your experience with either!

## 11 comments

### Phil commented on 2025-06-10

Elephant bush requires direct sun to thrive. Jade plant can get by with very bright indirect light or morning sun. And everyone loves the look of a jade plant. Plus jade will indicate need for water. Much harder to detect on elephant bush. So I say Jade.

### molly commented on 2025-06-10

that is some predicament! they’re both so pretty.  
i have fond memories with the elephant bush, so i lean towards that. my dad planted it in the yard back home and it took over in such a beautiful way.  
jades are such classic statement pieces though, especially if you wire wrap and shape it. i guess you could do that with either though 😂 i think i would make the decision by if you think they’ll want bigger or smaller leafs. they’re both similar care and growth so you truly can’t go wrong!

### Nunyabzwx commented on 2025-06-10

Elephant bushes are hard in my experience but Jade plants are super easy and they look super cool when they get bigger. I would get the jade plant..

### Ella commented on 2025-06-10

As a new plant mum, my Jade plant has been amazing. I’ve had it for over a year and now it’s flowering! Very easy to look after

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/QpeVyB72d1trnRqeWN0b5SLU24VaosNkXB444kPDYlA/Ik7ONcI4R_ans9kLoi9eag.webp?size=large)

#### Katomarose replied on 2025-06-10

This is not a jade. It's a bear paw.

#### Adrian replied on 2025-06-10

Hey there 👋 that’s actually a bear paw cactus, or coytledon orbiculata, not a jade plant. Just thought I’d let you know. Congrats on getting it to flower! I love bear paw cacti 😊 this is mine, for comparison.

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/CQyscbeN5f0KZltdaSyx3VQZZh8uHYoaKDmCZlFICjE/go6Cl0UQR82XphS9oCin8g.webp?size=large)

#### Ella replied on 2025-06-11

Your joking, that label when I bought it said Jade! Crassula ovata! 😂🙈

#### Ella replied on 2025-06-11

Thank you both for enlightening me 😂😂

#### Adrian replied on 2025-06-11

No problem! 😉 that’s strange! I wonder how it ended up in a pot with the wrong label. Good luck with your bear paw cactus! 🌵

### Bonzoid commented on 2025-06-10

Go Jade. Elephant plants are picky picky.

### Adrian commented on 2025-06-10

Elephant bush are nice for anyone that’s looking for something a little smaller or that they can prune into a bonsai. Jades are also great, and a little more easy care. I personally would opt for the jade if who you’re gifting the plant to is more of a beginner and wants a low-maintenance plant. I’ve got a ton of jades and I absolutely love them, and they make for great bonsai plants too. Here’s two of mine for comparison. The first is a variegated variety, and the other is a classic jade. Hope this helps.

![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/CQyscbeN5f0KZltdaSyx3VQZZh8uHYoaKDmCZlFICjE/itSa_RpvRFy1TyibEJbYcw.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/CQyscbeN5f0KZltdaSyx3VQZZh8uHYoaKDmCZlFICjE/wfeSe7SaSJCLJr7xJm5ysg.webp?size=large)

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