The Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra) is a resilient, drought-tolerant succulent known for its fleshy, round leaves and woody stems, which stores water to survive long dry spells. Despite its hardiness, the sudden dropping of leaves is the most common sign that the plant is under distress and indicates a need to adjust its care routine. This protective mechanism allows the plant to shed moisture-storing leaves when conditions are unfavorable, conserving resources. Correctly diagnosing the cause of leaf drop is the first step toward restoring the plant’s health.
Moisture Management Errors
Watering issues are the most frequent cause of leaf shedding in the Elephant Bush, with overwatering being particularly detrimental. Overwatering causes the leaves to become swollen, soft, and mushy, often turning a translucent yellow or light green color before falling off easily. The excess moisture prevents the roots from accessing oxygen, creating an environment where fungal pathogens thrive and lead to root rot.
The symptoms of underwatering present differently, though they also result in leaf drop as the plant sacrifices older growth to conserve water. An underwatered Elephant Bush will display shriveled, thin, and wrinkled leaves that feel dry or deflated. To avoid both extremes, the “soak and dry” watering method is recommended: water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom of the pot, then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
Watering frequency should be adjusted based on the season, as the plant’s needs change. During the active growing period of spring and summer, more frequent watering is necessary, perhaps every two weeks. In the cooler, darker winter months, the plant often enters dormancy, requiring significantly less water, sometimes only once a month or less. It is always safer to slightly underwater an Elephant Bush than to overwater it.
Environmental Stress Factors
In addition to incorrect watering, the Elephant Bush is sensitive to its surrounding environment, especially concerning light and temperature. This succulent requires bright light for optimal health, ideally receiving five to six hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily. When the plant is moved to a location with insufficient light, it may respond by dropping leaves to reduce the surface area requiring photosynthesis.
Sudden exposure to intense, unacclimated direct sun can also cause leaf damage, resulting in sunburn that manifests as brown or white patches. These damaged leaves will eventually fall off. The plant prefers consistent temperatures, ideally between 70°F and 85°F during the day, and does not tolerate cold. Leaf drop can occur if the plant is exposed to sudden temperature drops, cold drafts, or temperatures below 40°F.
Checking for Pests and Drainage
The physical medium the plant is growing in plays a significant role in moisture management. Poor drainage can quickly lead to problems regardless of a careful watering schedule. If the soil remains soggy for extended periods, even infrequent watering can cause root rot, where the roots turn black, soft, and mushy. Ensuring the Elephant Bush is planted in a porous, fast-draining succulent or cactus mix and a container with adequate drainage holes is important for preventing this issue.
Pest infestations can also weaken the plant, prompting it to shed leaves as a defense mechanism. Common succulent pests like mealybugs and spider mites feed on the plant’s sap, which depletes its energy and causes discoloration and eventual leaf drop. Mealybugs appear as small, white, cottony masses, while spider mites are tiny arachnids that often create fine webbing. Regular inspection of the stems and foliage allows for early treatment with insecticidal soap or neem oil to minimize damage.