Why the Leaves of the Elephant Bush Wrinkle and How to Fix It

The elephant bush (Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta') is one of the most common succulents in everyday life. Its colors are fresh, and its leaves are small and delicate. It is often placed in bedrooms and on desks, and it has a certain ornamental value. But most flower lovers also find that not long after growing the elephant bush, the leaves become shriveled and wrinkled, and the leaves may even drop at a touch. What exactly is going on?

Why the Leaves of the Elephant Bush Wrinkle

One: Overwatering

This is the most common cause of leaf drop and death in most plants, and the elephant bush is no exception. If the elephant bush only drops leaves without the leaves wrinkling, it is very likely due to overwatering, which causes the plant's roots to rot and the leaves to drop.

Remedy: Usually water less in general, and when watering, grasp the principle of “let it dry completely, and water thoroughly when watering.” Avoid water accumulating in the potting soil, keep the potting soil slightly dry, and do not let it stay in the rain for a long time during the rainy season, so as to avoid root rot.

Two: Lack of Water

If the leaves of your elephant bush become wrinkled, it is very likely caused by a lack of water.

Remedy: Water and replenish moisture in time, but water thoroughly each time. Be sure to wait until the potting soil is dry before watering again. If it is hard to judge the dryness of the soil, you can use a toothpick or bamboo stick to check. Generally speaking, watering the elephant bush once a month is also fine.

Three: Scorching Sun

The elephant bush likes a sunny environment. With enough sunlight, the plant shape becomes more compact and the leaves thicker and more vivid. But in the hot high temperatures of summer, scorching sun can easily cause leaf drop.

Remedy: Immediately move the plant to a shaded place to avoid scorching sun, and make sure there is good ventilation to prevent leaf drop and root rot caused by stuffiness and dampness. When the temperature is above 35 degrees, spray around the pot to increase air humidity.

Four: Black Rot

Black rot is one of the most common diseases of succulents. It is usually a fungal infection caused by overwatering or an overly humid growing environment. It generally causes symptoms such as leaves becoming soft and leaves dropping.

Remedy: If it is caused by black rot, use a sterilized clean knife to cut off the infected part, spray with benomyl, and cover with sulfur.

Solutions

Repotting

If the wrinkling of the elephant bush leaves is a root problem, it needs to be repotted and transplanted, and the root hairs trimmed so that it can re-root. An appropriate amount of rooting powder can be added to the potting soil.

Cuttings

If the leaves of the elephant bush become wrinkled and thinner, and in severe cases even the branches become shriveled, then the plant needs to have branches cut for cuttings and be cared for slowly.