Elephant Bush Vs Jade Plant: Which One Should You Choose?

Are you looking for a low-maintenance and easy-to-care-for plant to add some greenery to your home? Two popular options are the Elephant Bush and the Jade Plant. Both of these plants are succulents, which means that they have thick leaves that store water, making them ideal for those who forget to water their plants. However, there are some differences between these two plants that may make one a better choice for you than the other. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Elephant Bush and Jade Plant and compare them side by side.

Succulents have become incredibly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They're beautiful, low-maintenance, and can survive in a variety of environments. The Elephant Bush and Jade Plant are two such succulents that are often pitted against each other. Both plants are native to South Africa, and both are known for their ability to thrive in hot, dry environments.

The Elephant Bush, also known as Portulacaria afra or Spekboom, is a small, bushy tree that can grow up to six feet tall. It has small, round leaves that are light green in color and can turn red in direct sunlight. The Jade Plant, on the other hand, is a smaller plant that rarely grows taller than three feet. It has thicker, oval-shaped leaves that are usually a deep green color.

Now, let's take a closer look at the Elephant Bush vs Jade Plant comparison:

1. Appearance

One of the most obvious differences between the Elephant Bush and Jade Plant is their appearance. While both plants are succulents with thick, fleshy leaves, they have different shapes and colors.

The Elephant Bush has small, round leaves that are light green in color. As mentioned above, the leaves can turn red in direct sunlight. The plant itself is small and bushy, and can grow up to six feet tall if left unpruned.

The Jade Plant, on the other hand, has thicker, oval-shaped leaves that are usually a deep green color. The plant is smaller than the Elephant Bush, and rarely grows taller than three feet. However, it can spread out wider than the Elephant Bush, which makes it a great choice for those who want a plant with a larger footprint.

2. Care

Both the Elephant Bush and Jade Plant are relatively easy to care for, but there are some differences in their care requirements.

The Elephant Bush prefers bright, indirect light, but can also tolerate low light conditions. It should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry, but can go longer between waterings than most other houseplants. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, so it's important not to let the plant sit in standing water.

The Jade Plant is also relatively low-maintenance, but it does require more light than the Elephant Bush. It should be placed in a sunny window and watered sparingly. Like the Elephant Bush, overwatering can cause the roots to rot, so it's important to allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

3. Propagation

Both the Elephant Bush and Jade Plant can be propagated easily from stem cuttings.

To propagate an Elephant Bush, simply take a cutting from the top of the plant and let it callus over for a few days. Then, stick the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining soil and water sparingly until it begins to root.

Jade Plants can also be propagated from stem cuttings. To do this, take a cutting from the plant and allow it to callus over for a few days. Then, stick the cutting in well-draining soil and water sparingly until it begins to root.

4. Toxicity

One thing to keep in mind when choosing between the Elephant Bush and Jade Plant is their toxicity level.

The Elephant Bush is non-toxic to pets, which makes it a great choice for those who have dogs or cats. On the other hand, the Jade Plant is toxic to both dogs and cats. If you have pets in your home, you may want to choose the Elephant Bush over the Jade Plant.

5. Uses

Both the Elephant Bush and Jade Plant have a variety of uses beyond just being houseplants.

The Elephant Bush is often used for erosion control, as its deep roots can help prevent soil erosion. It's also edible and is sometimes used in salads or as a garnish.

The Jade Plant is often used in feng shui practices, as it's believed to bring good luck and financial prosperity. It's also commonly used in bonsai gardening, as its small size and slow growth make it an ideal candidate.

6. Price

When it comes to price, there isn't a huge difference between the Elephant Bush and Jade Plant. Both plants are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most garden centers or nurseries.

However, the price may vary depending on the size of the plant. Larger plants will typically be more expensive than smaller ones, regardless of the type of plant.

7. Durability

One of the biggest advantages of both the Elephant Bush and Jade Plant is their durability. As succulents, they're able to survive in a variety of environments and can go longer without water than most other types of houseplants.

However, the Elephant Bush is known for being particularly hardy. It's able to survive in temperatures ranging from 25 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and can even withstand light frost.

8. Growth Rate

When it comes to growth rate, the Elephant Bush and Jade Plant are fairly similar. Both plants grow slowly and can take several years to reach their full size.

However, the Elephant Bush is known for being a faster grower than the Jade Plant. If you're looking for a plant that will fill out a space more quickly, the Elephant Bush may be the better choice.

9. Pests and Diseases

Both the Elephant Bush and Jade Plant are relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, there are some issues that you may encounter with these plants.

The Elephant Bush is susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites, which can weaken the plant if left untreated. The Jade Plant, on the other hand, is susceptible to aphids and scale insects.

10. Maintenance

When it comes to maintenance, both the Elephant Bush and Jade Plant are relatively low-maintenance.

However, the Elephant Bush does require occasional pruning to keep it from becoming too leggy. It's also important to keep an eye out for signs of overwatering, as this can cause root rot.

The Jade Plant, on the other hand, is relatively self-sufficient and doesn't require much pruning or maintenance beyond occasional watering.

So, which plant should you choose? Ultimately, it depends on your personal preferences and needs.

If you're looking for a larger plant that can help prevent soil erosion and is non-toxic to pets, the Elephant Bush may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you're looking for a smaller plant that's believed to bring good luck and financial prosperity, the Jade Plant may be the way to go.

Regardless of which plant you choose, both the Elephant Bush and Jade Plant are beautiful, low-maintenance options that are sure to add some greenery to your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Elephant Bush and Jade Plant easy to care for?

Yes, both plants are relatively low-maintenance and easy to care for.

2. Can Elephant Bush and Jade Plant be grown indoors?

Yes, both plants can be grown indoors. They prefer bright, indirect light and should be watered sparingly.

3. Are Elephant Bush and Jade Plant toxic to pets?

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

4. How do you propagate Elephant Bush and Jade Plant?

Both plants can be propagated easily from stem cuttings. Simply take a cutting from the plant and allow it to callus over for a few days before planting in well-draining soil.

5. Can Elephant Bush and Jade Plant survive in hot, dry environments?

Yes, both plants are native to South Africa and are able to survive in hot, dry environments.

6. What are some uses for Elephant Bush and Jade Plant beyond being houseplants?

The Elephant Bush is often used for erosion control and is edible. The Jade Plant is often used in feng shui practices and is commonly used in bonsai gardening.

7. Are Elephant Bush and Jade Plant resistant to pests and diseases?

Both plants are relatively pest and disease-resistant, but may be susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, and scale insects.

8. Do Elephant Bush and Jade Plant require pruning?

The Elephant Bush may require occasional pruning to keep it from becoming too leggy. The Jade Plant is relatively self-sufficient and doesn't require much pruning.

9. How fast do Elephant Bush and Jade Plant grow?

Both plants grow slowly and can take several years to reach their full size. However, the Elephant Bush is known for being a faster grower than the Jade Plant.

10. How much do Elephant Bush and Jade Plant cost?

Both plants are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most garden centers or nurseries. However, larger plants will typically be more expensive than smaller ones.