Grow Portulacaria afra (elephant bush) this way: no root rot, no leaf drop, and one plant can be propagated into many lush, leafy ones

The name "golden branch, jade leaf" sounds quite nice, it is very pleasant to hear, and its meaning is beautiful too. It is also especially easy to keep alive, somewhat like the jade plant (Crassula ovata), with a graceful shape and lush branches and leaves. In the process of growing Portulacaria afra, people often run into leaf drop and even root rot. Can it still survive after root rot? How do you rescue it, and how do you avoid this situation? Actually, if you want Portulacaria afra to grow into a full pot, the method is not hard.

How to plant and grow potted Portulacaria afra: methods and tips

For everyday care of Portulacaria afra, put it in a spot with bright, indirect light and good airflow. In summer, do not expose it to harsh sun. Water thoroughly only after the potting soil has dried out completely, because it is fairly drought tolerant. It is better to keep the potting soil on the drier side than to water too much. It especially fears waterlogging and standing water, which easily cause leaf drop and root rot.

If it accidentally gets root rot, once root rot has set in, you must deal with Portulacaria afra promptly, otherwise it will all die.

First, cut off the rotted roots and rotting leaves, wash it clean, soak it in carbendazim, and prune away some of the branches and leaves so there are not too many, which would make it top-heavy.

Prepare fresh, loose, breathable soil. Sandy soil is fine, or nutrient soil mixed with vermiculite, perlite and the like. It is not very fussy. Replant it or root the cuttings, and it takes root very easily. In less than a month, it will grow new roots. Put it in a spot with bright, indirect light and good airflow, and it will gradually recover its vitality, with leaves growing more and more lush.

At the same time, when pruning Portulacaria afra, you can also cut several more branches to root as cuttings in a pot. Each branch should be about ten-plus cm long.

Shade it and keep it humid, and roots will grow in less than a month. It is autumn now, so rooting cuttings is even easier. One pot can grow into many plants.

For everyday care of Portulacaria afra, it is best not to grow it in a ceramic pot that does not have good enough breathability and drainage. Otherwise, it easily causes poor root respiration and root rot.

It is autumn now, so you can keep it outdoors for care. Give it more airflow, bright indirect light, loosen the soil, and apply a little fertilizer. As long as it is not in harsh sun or rain, it is fine. It will grow especially fast and especially lush. In winter, before frost, bring it indoors to a balcony for care, control watering and keep it warm, and it will grow sturdier and more vigorous.