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What to Do When the Leaves of the Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra) Change Color? Causes and Solutions

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There are several reasons why the leaves of the Elephant Bush change color, and you just need to treat the cause accordingly. Control watering and provide it with soil that drains well; too much water turns the leaves yellow, so watering only when the potting soil is dry is best. When the leaves turn green, it needs more light; a purplish-brown color is the normal one.

1. Watering

Watering is a major factor affecting whether its leaves change color; if it is sprayed with too much water, its leaves will change color. It prefers well-draining soil, and during its growing period we need to wait until it is dry before watering; if it is not dry, do not water it, and do not let water accumulate in the pot, or the roots will rot. This plant is drought-tolerant but not waterlogging-tolerant, so watering must not be too frequent. If watered too much, its leaves will turn yellow, and in severe cases they will also drop. Of course, placing it in a cooler, well-ventilated spot is a great way to rescue it.

2. Light

Light also affects whether its leaves change color. Its natural color should be purplish-brown or even light brown. If new branches are purplish-red in the light, then the light is fairly sufficient; if they are green, the light is not quite enough. Therefore we should give it plenty of light; if it stays in a semi-shaded place, the stems easily become leggy, the branching is not great either, and the color change will be very obvious.

3. Fertilizing

It has its own fertilizer needs. But the fertilizer given to it must not be too strong, and of course it should not be applied frequently. Generally, we only add some when it is time to change the soil.

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