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How to Water an Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra)

Udgivet November 20, 2025

How to Water an Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra)

How to water

All of the soil should be dry before watering again. If the soil still is moist you risk giving the plant too much water and it can rot.

If the soil is moist - snooze this action, we will remind you again in 2 days.

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Water over the soil

  1. Pour water over the soil, using, for example, a watering can or put the plant directly under a tap

  2. Try to avoid getting water on the stems and leaves

  3. Continue adding water to the pot until it starts to run out from the drainage holes

  4. If you have a tray under the pot when watering, make sure you remove all the collected water afterwards - never let your plant sit in water

  5. If you watered under a tap make sure that water has stopped running out from the bottom before putting it back

Fastest way to kill it? Give it too much water. So make sure that the pot has drainage holes and that it's planted in soil with great drainage.
— Planta tip

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Bottom watering

  1. Fill the plant tray with water

  2. Make sure the soil is in contact with the water on the tray

  3. Wait for about 10 minutes

  4. Feel the soil to see if it absorbed enough water —> if the soil is moist throughout, remove any excess water from the tray

  5. If it’s still dry —> add more water to the tray

  6. Wait 20 more minutes before removing the excess

Note

Bottom watering will not wash away salts and other minerals from the soil, so make sure to also give water over the soil every now and then.

Water bath

  1. Fill a bucket or any other vessel with lukewarm water

  2. Lower the whole pot down in the water, stop where the stem of the plant starts. Make sure all of the soil is under water

  3. The water will now start to bubble - wait until it stopped

  4. Lift the pot up and let the excess drain off

  5. Put the plant back in the cachepot or on the tray

  6. After 1 hour, check that the plant isn’t standing in water, if it is it might get overwatered and rot

Ofte stillede spørgsmål

How do I know when my Elephant Bush needs water?

Your Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra) needs water when all of its soil is completely dry. If the soil still feels moist, it's best to wait to avoid overwatering.

What is the biggest risk when watering an Elephant Bush?

The biggest risk when watering an Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra) is giving it too much water. Overwatering can quickly lead to root rot.

Can I exclusively bottom water my Elephant Bush?

While bottom watering is an effective method, it's important to also water over the soil every now and then. This helps to flush out any accumulated salts and other minerals that bottom watering doesn't remove.

What should I do if water collects in the plant's tray after watering?

If water collects in the tray after watering your Elephant Bush, you must remove all of it immediately. Never let your plant sit in standing water, as this can cause overwatering and rot.

How should I handle excess water after giving my Elephant Bush a water bath?

After an Elephant Bush water bath, lift the pot and allow all excess water to drain thoroughly. Then, after about an hour, check again to ensure no water is pooling around the plant.

Why is good drainage important for an Elephant Bush?

Good drainage is crucial for an Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra) because it helps prevent overwatering, which can lead to rot. Ensure your pot has drainage holes and that the plant is in well-draining soil.