The elephant bush, scientifically known as Portulacaria afra, is a versatile succulent that thrives in a range of lighting conditions. However, to ensure optimal growth and health, it is recommended to provide it with full to partial sun. This means that the succulent should be planted in an area of your garden that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.
If you are planning to grow the elephant bush indoors, it is essential to place it in a sunny window where it can receive adequate sunlight. In my personal experience, I have found that placing the plant near a south-facing window provides the best lighting conditions for it to flourish. East or west-facing windows can also work well, as long as the plant is not shaded by other objects or buildings.
One important thing to note about the elephant bush is that it has a tendency to stretch or become leggy if it does not receive enough sunlight. This stretching can make the plant appear less compact and bushy compared to when it receives adequate sunlight. However, the stretching is not as noticeable as it is in some other succulents.
To prevent stretching and promote a more compact growth habit, it is crucial to provide the elephant bush with sufficient sunlight. This will encourage the plant to grow in a more upright and dense manner. In situations where natural sunlight is limited, you may consider using artificial grow lights to supplement the lighting requirements of the succulent.
The elephant bush thrives in full to partial sun, requiring a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day. Whether you choose to grow it outdoors or indoors, ensure that it is placed in a location that receives adequate sunlight. This will help prevent stretching and promote a healthier and more compact growth habit for the plant.
