Elephant Bush Vs Jade Plant: Which Is The Best Choice for Your Home Garden?

Oleh Mrs. Kirk Murazik May 31, 2023 Post a Comment

If you are a plant lover, then you must be familiar with the two popular succulent plants – Elephant Bush and Jade Plant. Both of these plants are easy to care for, have attractive foliage, and are perfect for indoor or outdoor gardening. But which one should you choose? In this blog post, we will compare Elephant Bush vs Jade Plant in terms of their appearance, care requirements, propagation, and other factors to help you make an informed decision.

Succulent plants are becoming increasingly popular due to their low-maintenance nature, unique appearance, and health benefits. The Elephant Bush (Portulacaria Afra) and Jade Plant (Crassula Ovata) are two of the most common and beloved succulent plants. They both belong to the Crassulaceae family and share many similarities, including their drought-tolerant nature, ease of care, and ability to store water in their leaves. However, they also have some differences that set them apart.

In this article, we will explore the differences between Elephant Bush vs Jade Plant, including their appearance, care requirements, propagation, and other factors that can help you decide which plant is best suited for your home garden.

Appearance

The first thing that sets Elephant Bush and Jade Plant apart is their appearance. While both plants have thick, fleshy leaves, there are some notable differences:

Elephant Bush

Elephant Bush has small, round leaves that are green and glossy.
The stems of Elephant Bush are thin, woody, and reddish-brown in color.
Elephant Bush can grow up to 8 feet tall in the wild, but it is usually smaller when grown indoors.

Jade Plant

Jade Plant has oval-shaped leaves that are thick and waxy.
The leaves of Jade Plant are usually green but can turn red or yellow under stress.
The stems of Jade Plant are thick, woody, and brownish-grey in color.
Jade Plant can grow up to 6 feet tall in the wild, but it is usually smaller when grown indoors.

Care Requirements

The next factor to consider when comparing Elephant Bush vs Jade Plant is their care requirements. Both plants are low-maintenance and easy to care for, but there are some differences to keep in mind:

Watering

Elephant Bush needs to be watered once a week during the growing season (spring and summer) and once every two weeks during the dormant season (fall and winter).
Jade Plant needs to be watered once every two weeks during the growing season and once a month during the dormant season.

Light

Elephant Bush prefers bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate some shade.
Jade Plant prefers bright, direct sunlight but can also thrive in partial shade.

Soil

Both plants prefer well-draining soil with sand or perlite mixed in.
Elephant Bush can tolerate slightly acidic soil, while Jade Plant prefers neutral to alkaline soil.

Temperature

Elephant Bush can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) but prefers temperatures between 60°F (15°C) and 85°F (29°C).
Jade Plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 40°F (4°C) but prefers temperatures between 65°F (18°C) and 75°F (24°C).

Propagation

Another important factor to consider when comparing Elephant Bush vs Jade Plant is their propagation methods. Both plants can be propagated through stem cuttings, but there are some differences to keep in mind:

Elephant Bush

Elephant Bush can be propagated from stem cuttings that are at least 4 inches long.
The cuttings should be allowed to callus over for a few days before planting in well-draining soil.
Elephant Bush cuttings usually root within 2-3 weeks.

Jade Plant

Jade Plant can also be propagated from stem cuttings, but the cuttings should be at least 2-3 inches long.
The cuttings should be allowed to callus over for a few days before planting in well-draining soil.
Jade Plant cuttings usually root within 3-4 weeks.

Other Factors

There are a few other factors to consider when comparing Elephant Bush vs Jade Plant:

Toxicity

Elephant Bush is non-toxic to humans and pets.
Jade Plant is toxic to cats and dogs, so it should be kept out of their reach.

Price

Elephant Bush is generally less expensive than Jade Plant, but prices may vary depending on where you purchase them.

Aesthetics

Elephant Bush has a more natural, wild appearance that can create a tropical or desert vibe in your home or garden.
Jade Plant has a more refined, elegant appearance that can create a minimalist or Zen-like atmosphere.

Both Elephant Bush and Jade Plant are great choices for indoor or outdoor gardening. They are both easy to care for, have attractive foliage, and offer many benefits. However, they also have some differences that may make one more suitable for your needs than the other. Consider factors such as appearance, care requirements, propagation, toxicity, price, and aesthetics when making your decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Which plant is easier to care for, Elephant Bush or Jade Plant?

Both plants are low-maintenance and easy to care for, but Elephant Bush may be slightly easier because it can tolerate lower light levels and doesn't need to be watered as often.

Q2. Can Elephant Bush and Jade Plant be grown together in the same pot?

Yes, Elephant Bush and Jade Plant can be grown together in the same pot as long as they have similar care requirements.

Q3. Do Elephant Bush and Jade Plant flower?

Yes, both plants can produce small, white or pink flowers under the right conditions.

Q4. Are Elephant Bush and Jade Plant pet-friendly?

Elephant Bush is non-toxic to humans and pets, while Jade Plant is toxic to cats and dogs.

Q5. How often should I water my Elephant Bush or Jade Plant?

Elephant Bush should be watered once a week during the growing season and once every two weeks during the dormant season. Jade Plant should be watered once every two weeks during the growing season and once a month during the dormant season.

Q6. Can Elephant Bush and Jade Plant be propagated from leaves?

No, neither plant can be propagated from leaves. They can only be propagated from stem cuttings.

Q7. Which plant is better suited for indoor gardening, Elephant Bush or Jade Plant?

Both plants are suitable for indoor gardening, but Elephant Bush may be slightly better because it can tolerate lower light levels.

Q8. How tall can Elephant Bush and Jade Plant grow?

Elephant Bush can grow up to 8 feet tall in the wild, but it is usually smaller when grown indoors. Jade Plant can grow up to 6 feet tall in the wild, but it is usually smaller when grown indoors.