Beginners Guide

Haworthia, also known as the zebra cactus, is one of the most amazing houseplants. This succulent is a great addition to sunny indoors and relatively bright window sills. You can also use it as a desk plant since it can survive in artificial medium light and only need to be watered once or twice a month. In fact, overwatering is one of the leading causes of death for this plant.

This article highlights some of the amazing facts about Haworthia that you need to know. Read on to find out everything you need to know about this amazing plant.

So, what are some of the amazing facts about Haworthia? The succulent is native to South Africa and can survive in drought conditions relatively long. It comes in a wide range of varieties, but the two common types of Haworthia are Haworthia Attenuata and Haworthia fasciata. The plant is closely related to aloe vera and can grow up to 15 centimeters tall when provided with the right conditions. Its rosette of leaves is usually approximately 20 centimeters wide. Haworthia flowers during summer, and its flowers are mainly white. The flowers can stay alive for a relatively long period if the growing conditions are right.

1. Origin

The Haworthia plant is native to the eastern parts of South Africa, where they thrive in relatively dry climatic conditions. The plant is often mistaken for aloe vera because of its similar shape.

Haworthias are mostly found in relatively sunny or partial shade conditions where they may go without water for several months. This succulent is generally a hardy plant that requires minimal care to survive in any environment.

2. Scientific Classification

The scientific name for this succulent is Haworthia Fasciata, and it is from the Asphodeloideae family of plants. Haworthia is its Genus name.

The Genus Haworthia is named in honor of Adrian Hardy Haworth, a renowned botanist and entomologist.

With over 80 species of different plants under its belt, Genus Haworthia is classified as one of the biggest Genus that offers botanists and gardeners a wide range of succulents to study and explore.

For instance, Haworthia Fasciata is commonly referred to as the Zebra cactus, even though it is not a cactus but a succulent. Some of its other names include the Zebra plant and the Zebra Haworthia.

The name “Zebra” is given to the succulent because it features white stripes on its surface, making it look like a zebra. Two other plants that are not succulents but are also referred to as zebra plants are Calathea Zebrine and Aphelandra squarrosa.

However, nothing comes close to the beauty exuded by the Zebra Haworthia, which has made it the most prominent among the Zebra plants mentioned here.

3. Related Species     

We have already mentioned that the most common Haworthia species is the Haworthia Fasciata which resembles a zebra hence the name zebra plant.

However, Haworthia attenuata is closely related to Haworthia Fasciata, and the only difference between the two plants is the tubercles on the leaves.

Haworthia attenuata has both sides of its leaf surface covered by white tubercles, while Haworthia Fasciata’s inner leaf surface is smooth and devoid of any white marks. Something else you need to note is that Haworthia fasciata is a rare species.

Many succulent beginners tend to think that the zebra plant is a stripped version of aloe vera. That is not true, even though the two plants are related.

Both are from the same sub-family and share a common origin, but there are clear mark differences that distinguish these two plants.

4. Notable Features

Haworthias are succulents adapted to surviving in relatively dry climatic conditions. They store plenty of water in their stems, allowing them to survive for relatively long periods without water.

These plants grow slowly and won’t invade your desk space at all. The white spots on their leaves are known as “pearls” and are responsible for their zebra-like appearance.

As these succulents grow, they usually form pups/ new offshoots, which can easily be separated from the main plant and propagated into new plants.

Unlike most of the other succulents that grow during spring/ summer and go into winter dormancy during winter, the Haworthias grow during winter and are semi-dormant during the summer season.

5. Haworthias Can Thrive Both Indoors and Outdoors

Haworthia is a highly flexible plant that gives you the freedom to grow it indoors or outdoors. You can cultivate them in your garden, greenhouse or conservatory. They are relatively easy to care for and thrive inside containers and planters in your office or home.

You must keep in mind that these succulents are desert plants and are adapted to a specific kind of climate. They are not cold-hardy plants and won’t survive in freezing temperatures.

Therefore, whether you are growing them indoors or outdoors, you need to provide them with relatively warm and stable temperatures for them to survive.

If you live in an area that experiences cold winters, consider covering your outdoor Haworthia during the cold season or move it indoors.

Room temperature provides the best conditions for these succulents to survive and thrive. It is advised to keep them at anything between 50^oF and 65^oF.

The plant is slow-growing and will take a couple of years to reach a height of 13-15 centimeters. Its rosette leaves are approximately 20 centimeters wide.

Although the stem of the Haworthia isn’t so large and tall, its roots grow deep into the ground pretty quickly. If you have the plant in a pot and the roots grow larger than expected, you should consider re-potting it to a relatively larger pot.

6. Every Haworthia Grown at Home Deserves a Name

So, are you fascinated about Haworthias and want to bring at least one to your home? If so, you need to do more than just ordering it from your nearest plant nursery, planting it in a pot and positioning it somewhere in your indoors.

Besides taking care of your Haworthia, you also need to give it a name as soon as it is delivered to your home. In fact, giving your plant a name will make it easy for you to remember to care for it since it will be part of your family.

So, think of a nice name to give to your plant. Something like “Peter the Haworthia” sounds great but feel free to choose whatever name you like.

Once you have given your Haworthia a name, find a good spot that receives plenty of bright light and position it there. If your house doesn’t receive plenty of natural light, consider using artificial fluorescent lights to provide your plant with the much-needed light.

Set a watering reminder and only feed your plant during the active growing season. If you notice that it is struggling to adjust to its new environment, find out what you are doing wrong and correct it immediately.

7. Only Re-pot When the Cluster Is Too Large for Current Container

Haworthias grow pretty slowly, and most species stay fairly small for a couple of years. Mature Haworthias will range between three and five inches tall.

It is advisable to grow a new Haworthia plant in a relatively shallow, wide dish where the mother plant can easily grow offshoots to make a large colony of plants with more leaf clusters.

Once your cluster is too large for the container, you should consider re-potting the plant into a bigger container. Re-potting should be done during spring or early summer so that the plant can spend summer bedding into its new home and growing new leaves.

The best option is a wide, shallow growing container filled with fresh succulent soil. If you are interested in propagating your Haworthia, this is the right time to take a few offsets from the mother plant and grow them into new plants. 

Ensure you use a sharp knife or pair of fine clippers when taking the offset from the mother plant to keep as many roots as possible. Allow the offset to dry a little bit, then transfer it into a relatively small pot using the same succulent soil that the mother plant is growing in.

8. Haworthias Are Not Monocarpic Plants

Haworthias usually don’t perish after flowering since they are not monocarpic plants. If you want to make these succulents flower, ensure they are getting optimal growth conditions and are grown in the right type of potting mix.

If you are growing them indoors, bring them outdoors and expose them to full sunlight for a couple of hours in the morning to stimulate flowering Exposure to full sunlight provides essential chemicals needed to help the plant produce flowers.

These succulents usually flower during summer, and their flowers can survive for a relatively long time as long as the conditions are right.

Summary

That is it about Haworthias, and we hope you are now looking forward to adding this succulent to your plant collection if you don’t have it yet. These plants are easy to care for and very rewarding to succulent enthusiasts.

Furthermore, there are many different types of Haworthias you can choose from and start your journey even if you have no experience growing and looking after succulents.

Have you been looking for an evergreen plant for your home that is easy to propagate? Sedums or Stonecrops can easily fit any space in your garden or planter. Growing Stonecrops is one of the simplest plant endeavors because of their low cultural needs and simple upkeep endeavors.  

Stonecrops belong to the genus Crassula, consisting of other succulents such as Echeveria and Jade plants. The Stonecrop perennial plant does well in hot sunny climates, making it easy for you to propagate and take care of.

What to Note Before Propagating Sedum

Stonecrops are a great way to get started as a gardener. They can thrive in either artificial light indoors or natural sunshine outdoors. The Stonecrop plant is excellent for container gardening, pathways, perennial borders, and rockeries. Moreover, Stonecrop succulents seldom suffer from diseases or pests, making them an ideal candidate to have at home.

Sedum has a shallow rooting system which means you can plant it on a tray or shallow pot. Sedum doesn’t like competition from weeds or other plants for nutrients. As such, you can only add some small stones or mulch at the base of the plant to offer support, decoration and keep away pests.

The soil must be well-drained, rich in organic additives; you can use low nitrogen fertilizer during the growing season. When the plants are young, water them every two days; however, they should not require any additional water afterward. In the fall and winter, watering is not needed at all.

Overwatering is the most common problem with Stonecrops. Use unglazed clay pots to encourage evaporation of surplus water when planting in containers.

How to Propagate Sedum

You can propagate Sedum plants from seeds, leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, and division(offshoots).

Propagating Sedum Using Seeds

Sedum seeds should be handled with care. They are quite small, thin, and lightweight. You can purchase them from gardening centers or pick them from your existing Sedum plant at home.

Here is how you can your own seeds from an existing Sedum plant:

To collect your seeds, remove several seedheads immediately after the Sedum plant blooming period is over, and the formed seed heads start changing color from green to brown. 

Place the seedheads in a paper bag and keep them in a cool, dry area for at least two weeks to allow them to dry. If you plant the seeds without drying or place them in a damp place, they will rot.

Remove the seedheads from the bag once they’re completely dry, then thresh them to collect seeds using your fingers. Do this over a very fine screen and place the screen over a bowl or tray. This allows seeds to pass and collect in the container, retaining all the debris on the screen.

After collecting all the seeds, put them in a bag labeled with the Sedum’s name and date of collection. Seeds collected from a fall-blooming Sedum plant can be sown the following spring. While waiting to sow the seeds, you can store them in your fridge for one year.

In the spring, when temperatures range from 45 to 65℉, is the best time to propagate your Sedum seeds.

Prepare a fine-textured, sterile seed-starting soil mix and soak it to make it damp and not soggy. Take the seeds and sow them on the potting mix and enures not to cover them with much soil.

It usually takes two to four weeks for the seeds to germinate, but you must keep the soil moist during the germination period. Once the seedlings have developed, repot them or plant them in our garden and tend to them until they thrive.

How to Propagate Sedum from Leaf Cutting

Propagation of Sedum plants from seed is slower and less predictable than propagating them from leaf cuttings. You have the potential to fill your garden or containers with new Stonecrop plants as every Sedum leaf is a potential cutting to develop into a new plant. 

To propagate Sedum from leaf cuttings, you need the following:

• Sharp knife/Pruning shear
• Alcohol rub
• Rooting hormone

To plant your Sedum from leaf cuttings, simply snap off only healthy leaves from the parent plant using your pruning shear or sharp knife to plant your Sedum from leaf cuttings. Remember to sterilize your cutting tool using alcohol rub to prevent transmitting or spread of pests and diseases.

Take the rooting hormone and apply it at the cut area or leaf node. Rooting hormone is for encouraging fast rooting. Now, take the leaves, and you can either root them in water or soil.

If rooting in the soil, ensure the soil is well moisturized and doesn’t retain water. Place the leaf on the well-draining potting mix slightly, covering the leaf node area.

If you have a gardening heating pad, use it to keep the pot or tray bottom about 70℉. Proceed to spray the container with water on a regular basis to maintain proper humidity levels. Alternatively, cover the pot or tray with clear plastic and place it under indirect light.

After two to three weeks, the plant will develop new roots, and you can observe new Sedum plants sprouting around the base. Transplant the young plants, and then you can discard the old leaf.

If rooting in water, you may need a mesh or something like a toothpick to support the leaves in a glass of clean water. You will have to constantly change the water for it not to get stagnant and cause the leaves to rot. Once you spot roots shoot, it’s time to transplant your Sedum.

How to Propagate Sedum from Stem Cuttings

Cut a stem about three to four inches long.

Tip: The bigger the plant, the bigger section you will need for planting.

If there are any leaves below the planting surface, cut them off and let the stem cutting have just a few leaves above. Be careful when cutting the leaves not to cause damage to the stem.

Now, dip the stem in water, followed by a rooting hormone powder. Water helps the powder to stick.

Go ahead and root the stem either in water or in soil. If rooting in the soil, prepare a well-draining soil and water it. Take the stem cutting and slowly push it into the potting mix.

Water the soil lightly every time it dries up. Sedum cutting needs water at this time to develop roots and thrive. You can water it at least once a day, only when necessary. It might take three weeks for your cuttings to establish roots and, once they have, start watering them less.

If you are rooting your stem cutting in water, add clean water in a glass or bowl and dip your cutting into the container. Make sure there are no leaves in contact with the water and always change the water on a daily basis. After two to three weeks, you will note rooting, which is when you can transplant your stem cuttings into pots.

How to Propagate Sedum from Division(Offshoots)

If you are a home gardener, the best way to propagate Sedum is by dividing your plants when it produces offshoots. It is usually very easy and most successful, making it ideal for novices.

Some items you will need:

• A clean, pruning shear or sharp knife  (for cutting)
• A shovel or trowel (to dig up the plant)

Spring is usually the growing season for Sedum, and at this time, it will start producing new green shoots. Your goal is to separate the shoots from the parent plant.

If looking to separate a grown Sedum plant, the procedure is similar to separating clones from a mother plant. 

Dig up the whole plant, making clean cuts with the shovel on both sides. Make sure the shovel is driven deep enough, and you have the full root ball.

Begin by cutting the core portion and working your way outward, aiming for two or more roots-bearing sections, and in each piece, there is a green bud. The ideal scenario is to get sections with multiple roots.

Make sure your divisions are replanted as soon as possible to avoid drying out. Plant the divided Sedum at the same depth before and at the base, add some mulch or compost. This will help keep the soil wet.

Final Thoughts

Sedum plants can be propagated easily following the above different ways and have hundreds of them popping up all over your home. All you need to do is a little care when planting, and once they grow, they require little caring. 

Go ahead and plant some to gift your friends and relatives.

Sansevieria remains a trendy hardy plant because of its easy adaptability to a range of growing conditions. The plant is well known for its tolerance to dark areas. This makes it a perfect indoor plant. These plants are very flexible when it comes to light requirements.

Direct sunlight for long hours makes the plant dry out quickly. If not checked, could dry out the entire plant completely. Although they can do well in direct sunlight, you should always be watchful for the signs of a leaf burn.

But because the plant is adapted to arid conditions, does it really need direct sunlight? Sansevieria can do well in all lighting levels, from darkness to direct light. Most snake plant species do well in bright indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight will affect this plant depending on the amount of time the plant has been exposed. 

How Much Light Does a Sansevieria Plant Need?

Snake plants can tolerate most indoor and outdoor lighting conditions compared to other succulent species. However, the amount of light that the plant receives has a huge impact and makes a significant difference in how the plant thrives.

Most species of the snake plant prefer at least 8-10 hours of bright, indirect light every day. Indirect sunlight, this plant can tolerate up to 5-6 hours of direct sunlight. Placing them in east-facing windows or using grow light can bring the best results.

Does Sansevieria Need Sunlight?

The snake plant’s native environment consists of a dry condition. Though this hardy plant can do well in low light conditions, they tend to grow very slowly without enough light. Every plant needs light to create not just its food but also to strengthen its stems for support.

One of the reasons a snake plant is grown indoors is because of its beauty. When this plant is denied proper sunlight, it starts to grow spindly as its leaves stretch for the light. This effect destroys their appearance in the house. To prevent this, place the plant next to a window.

If your snake plant is not getting enough sunlight, the plant becomes droopy, leggy, and sickly. They appear sad-looking as their health keeps on deteriorating. Do not suddenly move your plant from a dark corner to light. Instead, you should train your plant bit by bit until it adapts to proper lighting.

While moving the snake plants towards proper sunlight, ensure to keep its humidity levels high. In cases with low humidity levels with high sunlight, the plant is susceptible to sunburn. Sunburnt leaves show signs of a thin leaf that darkens. The tips of the plant also get flimsy.

 Signs That Your Snake Plant is not in the Excellent Light Spot

1. It leans towards the light source

Snake plants tend to gravitate towards the source of light when in a spot without enough light. For optimal photosynthesis to take place, snake plants use red and blue light. The plant will always lean towards the direction that these rays are coming from. An indication it is craving direct sunlight.

Despite being rigid and thickened, the leaves of this plant will stretch as much as possible to reach the light. Temporarily, you may correct this by rotating the pot to the other side to get the light. A long-term solution is relocating the plant to a spot where it gets enough sunlight.

2. Thin, floppy growth

Your plant will strive to grow even amid low light. In the absence of enough light, the plant will respond by just striving to stay alive and healthy. This means the plant will want to conserve most of its energy. This is achieved by remaining thin, floppy with leggy growth.

A snake plant that is not receiving much light tends to have longer than normal internodes. You may notice this by looking at the plant closely. You will notice that the spacing between the internode increases. If they are longer than usual, it signifies that your plant is receiving less light.  

3. small leaves

Sunlight is a source of vital energy for the snake plant. This energy is essential in the growth and development of the plant via photosynthesis. Without enough light, the plant cannot correctly nurture its roots, leaves, and even new shoots cannot develop.

4. Leaves start to fall over

Leaves falling may be attributed to other causes like overwatering. However, poor light can be a reason why your mother-in-law’s leaves are falling over. The extended absence of exposure or direct light causes the leaves to weaken, fall over, or bend randomly.  

5. Browning of the leaf tips

Let us put it in simple terms; a snake plant will do much better when exposed to bright light. During the low light periods, your plant will only resolve to stay alive. Some of the parts of the plants are adversely affected by this effect. The tips of the leaves are the most affected, as they start browning.

Older leaves and young ones will turn yellow and develop brown-like leaf margins. Ensure you establish the real The Browning of leaves cause should not be confused as too much light also causes the leaves to become brown. When in too much light, try relocating the plant to a place where it will get proper sunlight.

Direct Light vs. Dark Room: Which one does a Snake Plant prefer?

Snake plants can grow in a dark room for as long as exposed to some direct light. Snake plants do not necessarily need much light, which means that even artificial light can help the plant to grow. Without any light, the plant cannot carry out the process of photosynthesis, which in turn hinders its growth.

If you have placed your snake plant in a dark room and expect it to grow fast, try taking it to a place where it receives light. If the room has no natural light, you may try using artificial light, which may somehow help the plant to grow but slowly.

How to Ensure Your Snake Plant Survives Adverse Heat Waves from Direct Sunlight

You cannot control the conditions brought about by different seasons. There is much sunlight during the summer season, and hence the heat waves and the temperatures are high. This becomes even more complicated when these high heat waves last for extended periods. The snake plant is exposed to more risks, especially when in direct sunlight. To protect your snake plant during these periods, the steps below can be of great help.

1. Take your plant to where there is a shade

During this period, one of the most essential things you can do is to take the mother-in-law to a shade. You may not have helped much with the heat, but you will avoid the direct sunlight waves. This is mainly for the young and the less healthy snake plants.

Move the vulnerable plants to places they can get a shade or, better yet, take them indoors. For the mature and healthy snake plants, though they may be fine for some time in the sun, you should maintain a close eye on them to prevent sunburn.

2. Do not fertilize the plant

Fertilizing your snake plant is proper to ensure that they grow correctly and fast. During sunny or hot seasons, no growth takes place. It is not recommended to water the plant at these particular periods.

During the heatwave periods, snake plants need more water than nutrients. The plants should fertilize during the spring period when active growth occurs. Introducing fertilizers during this period may end up harming the plant.

3. Be keen on water levels

During heat waves, the amount of evaporation is high. Proper water practices should be practiced. While the rate of intake of water by the plant is low, the amount of evaporation keeps on rising. This means that the plant needs more water to avoid drying up.

The watering frequency should also increase to cater to the loss of water. Watering the plant should be done early in the morning to allow enough time to absorb the water. Watering snake plants during sunny hours or high heat waves may destroy the plant due to shock.

4. Avoid repotting

During sun waves, it is not the right time to repot your snake plant. Repotting during this time causes stress to the plant and can lead to the death of the plant. The best time to repot is during the spring season or when the temperatures are back to normal.

Bottom Line

Light can determine the appearance of your plant and how well your plant can grow. Too much sunlight can cause the snake plant to wilt, sunburn, and even wash out. For the leaves falling out, you can prune them out and leave the healthy ones.

Too little light will make the plant have a leggy growth. The plant may stretch too much and become thin as it strives to reach the light source. For snake plants, bright light is the optimal light for the plant. Expose the plant to 6-8 hours of bright light for maximum growth. For a maximum of 5 hours, indirect sunlight should be enough for the plant.  

Portulacaria Afra “Elephant bush” is a large succulent with woody stems that can grow to incredible heights with proper nutrients, enough time, and good growing conditions. The plant can develop into many sizes and can be placed in almost all the house spaces. The plant can grow anywhere between six inches and 20 feet tall, making them great for ornamental planting.

With proper growing conditions, this plant appears in many varieties, which often have reddish-colored stems and variegated foliage that is shiny and plump. Gardeners adore these sun-loving succulents because they are edible When planted indoor, they absorb carbon dioxide purifying your air.

Does Portulacaria Afra need direct sunlight? The Elephant plant will thrive well when it receives sunrays like other succulents; it needs bright indirect light for the better part of the day. Elephant bush plants can manage heat, but not the direct intense one from the direct scorching sun.

How Many Hours of Sunlight does Portulacaria Afra Need?

Like many succulents, Elephant bush will require at least 4-6 hours of sunlight a day to keep them happy and thriving. They love when placed in bright sunny spots because it represents their natural habitat. Under poor lighting, the plant will have elongated leaves as the plant stretches to reach the light. This weakens the stem leading to poor growth. 

The elephant in low light will also lose its pigmentation and paleness. If you want to see the true beauty of the Portulacaria Afra, place it in a bright spot. You will have broad blooming leaves all through. 

Sunlight Requirements for Portulacaria Afra

The Elephant bush plant needs plenty of bright light to grow properly, it can also tolerate full sun but during its early days, or when the plant is somehow old, you may need to acclimate the plant to full sunlight. Under very extreme temperatures, you can find a shade for your plant as it may experience mild sunburns.

Indoor Lighting

When you plant Portulacaria Afra indoors, choose a site where it can receive direct sunlight for some time and indirect light for the rest of the day. East or west-facing windows will work best for the lighting. While finding the right spot for the plant, you may need to move it as many times as possible to find the most appropriate site.

Ideally, the plant will require 5-6 hours of light a day to grow and thrive appropriately in a window. However, if your area does not receive adequate sunlight or there is poor lighting in your room, consider using artificial light sources. These include the grow light so that the plant can achieve the light requirements.

Portulacaria Afra pot placed in a window may need to be rotated several times to ensure that all the sides of the plant receive proper lighting. The succulent leaves should be far from the window to avoid direct contact with the window panes. Direct contact may cause the leaves to burn. 

Proper lighting will also go hand in hand with high humidity. Use a humidifier in the room where you plan on growing your Portulacaria Afra. You can also achieve this by elevating the plant’s pot a little higher to increase the level of humidity. While the plant is receiving proper lighting, the moisture will ensure that the plant is not much affected by the lighting.

Outdoor Lighting.

Portulacaria Afra succulent loves a place where it receives plenty of sunlight and shade. Elephant plants can tolerate partial sun to full sun, but they will do well in bright filtered sunlight, preferably in the shade. During the afternoon hours or in full sun, acclimate the plant to prevent sunburn.

If you place your plant outdoor, put it in a bright sunny place. As the plant grows, slowly increase the sun lighting hours to fully get used to the sun and prevent the leaves from sunburn. When you plant your Elephant bush outside, keep in mind that intense heat and heatwaves can also cause sunburn.

During the intense summer seasons, sunshades can significantly save the plant. Taking the plant indoors during these seasons will help the plant because the sun outside tends to be harsh. Keep an eye on the water demand of the plant outdoor.

Can Portulacaria afra be affected by too Much Sunlight?

Like other succulents, Portulacaria Afra can also be affected by too much sun or extended exposure to direct sunlight. Too much sun, especially the intense sun, will cause the beautiful leaves of the Portulacaria Afra to have sunburns and sun damage. Portulacaria Afra requires at least 4-6 hours of bright sun. Sunburn can happen quickly in less than an hour when the plant is exposed to much of it during the hot seasons. 

Sunburn can also be a gradual process. Brown sports start to occur, usually the first signs of sunburns. When you recognize these signs early, you still have time to save your plant. You can remedy the plant by placing it in the shade to cushion it from further damage. When the sunburn has progressed for some time, put the plant in a dark area to try and reverse the damage.

Though some succulents may toughen and survive in harsh conditions, is it essential to risk your Portulacaria Afra. Because you don’t want to take any chances. Always protect your plant during intense sunlight.

Can Portulacaria Survive without Sunlight?

Your elephant plant will survive indefinitely under very little sunlight or without sunlight. But the plant will only survive and not thrive. The plant will soon start exhibiting signs that tell you it is in trouble and needs proper lighting. Some of these signs include

• The leaves of the Elephant bush will start elongating more than usual, as the plant stretches to reach for the light.
• The plant will begin to experience stunted growth
• When the plant is given much water and little light, it may begin to succumb due to root rot
• And when root rot sets in, it will be hard to reverse the mess

For your plant to grow well, place it where it will receive proper lighting. Not giving the succulent enough light is trying to introduce a new nature that the plant is unfamiliar with and can’t survive in, for long.

Summer Care for Portulacaria Afra

Summer seasons are made of harsh conditions that are not favorable for the plant. However, don’t let the intense sun and the high temperatures of the summer months kill your plant. Although heat is not a significant concern for elephant plants, the plant will not thrive well in temperatures above 80 degrees. However, the heat is not the only concern during the summer season. 

The heat plus the sun will be deadly to your Portulacaria Afra. During this time, use sun protection to cover the plant from extreme temperatures. You can also move the plant to a place it gets shade and help your elephant bush by watering it early in the morning before the sun sets in to give it time to absorb the water. These will help the leaves from drying as there is available moisture for evaporation and cooling of the plant.

How to Fix an Etiolated Portulacaria Afra

Two factors could cause etiolated leaves. The first one is too much watering, and the second one is if the plant is receiving little light. The first sign of etiolating leaves is bending down of the lower leaves to create more surfaces to catch more light.

You can behead the leggy succulent and replant the top of the plant that is not much affected. These will help because the plant will not shrink down to standard size. However, if the lighting situation does not improve, the new growth will also start to etiolate, further weakening the plant.

To save the plant from this mess, give this succulent enough light for the new growth to come in the compact. Etiolated leaves don’t necessarily mean a lack of light. If your lighting is okay, try cutting down on the water to slow down the stretching.

How to Set-Up an Artificial Light for Your Succulent

 Indoor plants may need artificial lighting, especially during the winter when there is frost and no sunlight. To set up an artificial lamp, start by selecting the correct light bulb to use. Some light bulbs include incandescent, fluorescent, LED, and HID lights.

The second step is to choose the right light fixture. You can use any fixture to hold your grow light if only it is appropriate for the type and size of the bulb you will buy. Most supplemental lighting should be placed 6-12 inches from the light source. For a plant receiving no sun from outside, leave the light for up to 16 – 18 hours a day. These will mimic the plant’s natural cycle and supplement the natural light from the window.

Bottom Line

Portulacaria Afra will be happy to be in at least 6 hours of sunlight and partial shade each day. Don’t leave them outdoors in the frost at night as the plant has low frost resistance. Proper lighting will give your plant a healthy look and a lovely appearance in your compound.

Portulacaria Afra is a small succulent shrub native to South Africa. It can grow to about 13 feet tall but can be much smaller under gardening. It has a smooth brownish-like trunk that is thick and heavily branched with a large amount of bright green succulent leaves. Elephant bush is an adorable and exotic succulent, and that is why you need more of them in your home.

Propagating Portulacaria Afra does not take much effort, despite the big rewards. The plant propagates from stem cuttings that root fast in easy-draining soil under warm temperatures. In a few weeks, you have a strong elephant plant with roots ready for transplant.

So how do you perform the propagation? The best way to propagate an elephant bush is using stem cuttings and plump leaves during the spring or the summer periods. The stem used should be left out to heal and to callus for a few days before they are propagated. Roots development takes about 1-3 weeks before developing. With everything in place, propagating the Portulacaria Afra should be easy. Keep reading this article that we have prepared to ensure that you have everything in place and your propagation is a success.

Propagate During the Spring and Summer Months

The best time to propagate Elephant bush is in the spring and the summer months. During this period, they grow rapidly when propagated and will quickly grow new leaves. New leaves from your cutting indicate that it is time to transplant it to its destination.

While you can still propagate the Portulacaria Afra during the winter and the fall months, they do not grow much because they are in their dormant stage. Propagating in the cold season means not seeing new leaves until the spring, but the roots still grow. Leaves show signs of shriveling, especially when not receiving enough water.

Best Ways to Propagate Portulacaria afra

The Elephant plant is rarely grown from seeds. Most gardeners propagate this succulent from cuttings. The reason being the process takes a short time and is enjoyable. Propagating Portulacaria can happen in two ways.

1. Propagating from the stem cutting
2. Propagating from the leaf-cutting

1.    Propagating from the Stem Cutting

This is the most preferred method to propagate the Portulacaria Afra. The method is easier and takes a shorter time than the leaf method. To do it successfully, follow the steps below:

1. Obtain the right stem and cut it

The first step is to obtain a few cuttings from a healthy stem. Stems with plump leaves have a good water reserve and grow fast. They develop new leaves when needed. Look for branches that are thick with four sets of healthy leaves and fresh trucks.

You can also measure 5 inches from the tip of the branch and make an angle of about 45 degrees using pruning shears or sharp scissors. It is not necessary to measure the length of the stem. But focus on increasing the probability of a perfect result. 

You need to cut the stems right under their nodes. Stems have a node after a particular distance between two stem segments. Be careful not to cut through the node. It slows down the growth of new roots.

Place the Portulacaria Afra in a warm, waterless place away from direct sunlight. Allow the cutting to heal. The healing process takes a few days. The cutting has to be left until it develops callous before propagating it. This ensures the plant does not rot before the roots form.

2. Prepare the soil

The second step is to prepare a good pot for the plant. Select a fairly small pot with a depth of at least 5 inches with several drainage holes. The pot selected should not be too big for the plant as it will hold more moisture that can lead to root rot.  

Fill the pot with cactus potting mix or a mixture of equal parts standard soil and grainy sand. The soil should hold moisture for long but still drain the excess water. This soil will help the Elephant bush cutting to root properly.

Remember that this soil is used until the plant grows roots but after the roots have been established, transfer the plant to a more draining soil to prevent root rot. You can also increase the size of the pot as the plant grows.   

With your calloused stem cutting, it’s now time to bury it into the soil. Poke a 3-inch hole in the succulent soil mix. Insert the cutting of the elephant bush cutting into the hole and press slightly the soil around it. You can add a small layer of about 0.5 inches of gravel over the top of the pot to conserve water and prevent spilling over the edge when watering.

2.    Propagating from leaf cutting

Although most people prefer to propagate Portulacaria from the stem, rooting them from the leaves is also possible. Propagating from the leaves is not a preferred route due to the time taken by the plant to grow. When propagating from the leaves, first identify a good leaf that is neither too young nor too old. The leaf taken should include the stalk where it attaches to the branches of the Portulacaria plant because a leaf taken without the stalk will die.

Place the leaf in a cool place where it does not receive direct light. Let the leaf dry for a day to prevent it from rotting when planted into the soil. The cutting of the leaf will develop callus after some time which indicates that it is ready for planting.

Though not necessary, you can dip the leaf into a rooting hormone to speed up the process. Once the leaf is healed and dry, stick it to a well-draining soil mix like mentioned above. Laying the leaf flat can also be a way of making it grow.

Keeping it away from direct light and watering it when the soil feels dry will have the leaf rooting in a while. You can also take the healthy leaves that have fallen, throw them in the pot, and let them do their things. Amazingly, some of them end up developing roots.

Watering the Portulacaria Afra Propagated Cutting

Watering this plant during propagation depends on the environmental conditions of your area. With a good soil mix, water the plant once or twice a week after propagating. You can also do this when the soil seems dry or when it has stayed for a day.

 It depends on whether your area is humid or dry or whether you are propagating outdoors or indoors. The soil should not be left to dry for too long. The plant is still developing and can easily dry. Lack of proper watering will make your plant stay for long before rooting.

How Much Light is needed while Propagating Elephant bush?

Do not place the propagated cutting in direct sunlight. If the plant is outdoors, place it where it gets indirect sunlight, preferably in the shade. If kept indoors, leave the plant near a window that receives proper lighting.

Propagating the elephant bush in direct sunlight causes the leaves to be sunburnt. The plant is still young and cannot get enough water from the soil due to a lack of roots. Hence direct light could be preferable as they mature.

When to Water Your Portulacaria afra Cutting

Watering this plant depends on the environmental conditions of your area. With a good soil mix, water the plant once or twice a week after propagating. You can also do this when the soil seems dry or when it has stayed for a day.

 It depends on whether your area is humid or dry or whether you are propagating outdoors or indoors. The soil should not be left to dry for too long. The plant is still developing and can easily dry. Lack of proper watering will make your plant stay for long before rooting.

Common Problems Associated with Portulacaria afra during Propagation?

Improper Sunlight requirements

During propagation, place it in bright sunlight or a warm environment to grow the roots. When the plant is kept for too long in intense temperatures it may die. If the plant is grown indoors, provide as a bright light as possible for them in the house.

 If your place does not receive proper sunlight or there is poor lighting, consider a glowing light so that the plant can meet its lighting requirements. When grown outside, ensure to check on the plant regularly for proper growth.

Watering conditions

Watering will largely depend on the place you stay. These plants is adapted to their native settings, and when they are propagating, they are more sensitive to water levels. Do not apply much water to them. The soil should just remain moist for the roots to develop properly.

Frost will kill a propagating Portulacaria

Elephant bush can tolerate mild frost and cold temperatures when it is fully grown. During propagation in extremely cold places, grow these plants in a container and they should be kept indoors. A propagating Portulacaria should be treated like a child who is not adapted to most things.

Bottom Line

Portulacaria Afra succulent is an amazing plant, and growing it has many advantages. It is easy and fast to grow and take care of. If you find the optimal place for it in your indoor or outdoor garden, this succulent can best suit you.

With the information above, you can propagate as many Elephant bushes as possible using the same steps. The ball is now on your side to build a bonsai collection with this information. Success!

Watering succulents can be tricky for new gardeners because they don’t need to be watered as often as tropical houseplants. So, if you naturally try to water them like other plants, they may not survive. Many variables and factors affect how and when you should water these plants. Since it grows both indoors and outdoors, the watering rules may vary.

With simple watering rules and methods, you can make your Portulacaria Afra thrive better and fast. This article has prepared the 7 rules to water your Portulacaria Afra properly. Though the plant is drought tolerant, it performs better when following important rules during watering. Have a look at the following:

1. How Often to Water the Plant

How often to water your succulents plants differ from one area to another and from one plant to another. Some of the factors that determine how often to water your plant include

Humidity

This is the necessary amount of water vapor in the atmosphere. And since succulents absorb moisture from the atmosphere, their watering schedule may differ from one place to another, based on the level of humidity. For example, if you live in areas with high humidity, the soil takes more time to dry out completely. Therefore, water the plant less frequently. 

However, humidity is less in dry and warm conditions, and the soil will dry out faster. Therefore, watering them more regularly is recommended. On the other hand, winter conditions mean high humidity. Thus, water the plant less frequently. 

Succulent size

How often you water your Elephant Bush depends on how big or small your plant is. Bigger plants have a more robust root system that store important nutrients, helping them go for days without water. In that case, they have lower water demand. On the other hand, smaller plants are actively growing, and their water demand is high.

Sunlight

Elephant Bush exposed to more sunlight for long hours has different water demands to those under the shade. So, before watering succulents, what does the rule say? Before proceeding, check out the soil first by dipping your finger into the soil a few inches to see if the soil is dry. If dry, then water the plant, but if still moist, wait until it dries to avoid overwatering. 

2. Indoor Plant Consumes Less Water than the Outdoor.

Elephant Bush planted indoors may require less water compared to the outdoor ones. Outdoor, there is a higher evaporation rate due to high temperatures, and the airflow is high. Indoor environment limits the airflow, managing low temperatures. It means the evaporation rate is low. Thus the plant needs less water. 

When watering, give your indoor plant less water than your outdoor plant. Indoor plants also tend to hold water for long. Reason being, the slow rates of evaporations. Therefore, water them less to prevent overwatering the plant.

3. Water the Plant in the Root Zone

When watering Elephant plants, your focus should only be on the root area. Remember, only the roots need access to water. Avoid watering the stem or the leaves. Water absorption happens in the roots and is later distributed equally to other plant parts.

Wetting the foliage does not only wastewater but is also dangerous to the Portulacaria Afra plant. The plant will be exposed to diseases when leaves are watered. Also, wetting the leaves and exposing them to sunlight immediately leads to slight burn marks.

When the plant is watered in the evening, and you spread water on the leaves, it may cause the leaf mound disease. Efficient watering means the water reaches the roots and not the leaves. Too little water quantities reach the topsoil but will not get to the root cap of the plant. Water the plant deeply, and ensure that the can is near the roots to prevent water spillover. 

4. Use a Well-Drained Potting Mix

Some people tend to overlook the soil they use to plant the Elephant Bush. Soil determines a lot, especially when it comes to watering. However, there are different choices of soil to use when planting Portulacaria Afra. Always remember to grow the plant in well-draining soil.

Think about the environment the bush plant flourishes. It is an arid plant, meaning it needs minimal rainfall. Therefore, the plant adapts well in areas with little water. Also, the roots absorb water quickly. This means that soil used for this plant should drain fast to avoid rotting. 

Here is a suggestion on making good soil with good drainage.

To get the best potting soil, start with an essential cactus soil available in most garden centers. Then, mix the soil with organic matters like peat moss or coir, the main ingredient for potting soil. You can also add an inorganic substance that allows water to quickly soak and drain out of the soil. In addition, the inorganic substance maintains a crumbly and airy mix.

5. Type of Pot Matters

Figuring out the best watering routine that you can use for your Elephant Bush can be somewhat tricky. But knowing the type of pot you have is a deciding factor to know how often your plant needs water. Some materials used to make these pots determine their ability to drain or retain the water.

Terracotta pots, for example, are porous and the most breathable pots to use. However, planting your Elephant Bush in the terracotta pot means the watering should be habitual. This is critical if you reside in hot areas. Plastic pots and ceramic ones, on the contrary, help to conserve water but are less breathable compared to terracotta’s, hence the need to reduce watering intervals.

Whether using terracotta or ceramic pots, observe the rules associated with watering succulents. Water when the soil is dry to prevent dampness and molds. Regardless of the soil material used, ensure the pot has holes at the bottom to drain excess water from the pot. When watering, pour water continuously until it starts to drain from the base of the can.

6. Know the Correct Water Type for the Plant

Rainwater is the best option when deciding on the type of water to use. Rainwater contains more oxygen than tap water. The rainwater chemistry, including airflow and oxygen retention, is better than tap water. Rainwater has chemicals that have vital nutrients needed by the plant. When carbon dioxide mixes with other minerals, the chemicals formulate, releasing zinc and manganese.

Rainwater has 78 % nitrogen, an element that makes the plant greener. Other ingredients in rainwater essential for the plant include nitrate and ammonium forms. When they drop from the skies, they are absorbed by the plant immediately, through the roots and the leaves. The nutrients make the plant more robust and healthy. 

If there is no rainwater, use distilled water for watering the Elephant Bush. Purified water is also perfect for the plant. Avoid using tap water because it contains treated chemicals that will build up in the soil as salt when choosing water type. If rainwater and distilled water are unavailable, boil water at night and let it settle the whole night to water in the morning.

7. Water the Plant in the Morning and the Evening

Watering the Elephant Bush in the morning prepares the plant for the long hours of sunlight during the day. Watering the plant in the evening cools the plant. Watering at the two intervals helps the plant retain water and ensure it absorbs as much as possible. Watering the plant in the afternoon, especially during the summer season, makes the plant lose all the water through evaporation.

However, watering in the morning could be preferable to watering in the evening during the winter. Soaking the plant in the evening soaks the leaves in freezing water for long, and it causes root rot. Morning watering is again preferred because the plant has enough time to dry before the sun goes down. However, the water can shock the plant during this time as it cools down indefinitely, thus the need for moderation.

Signs of Underwatered Elephant Bush

Now that you know the rules for watering the elephant plant, you should also know how to identify an underwatered elephant plant. Underwatered Portulacaria Afra has flat and limp leaves. Don’t worry if you notice such a sign, as it is an indication that the plant needs a proper soak. Underwatered Elephant Bush will have faded foliage, dull in color, and if left for too long without water, some leaves start to fall off the plant when touched.

Signs of Overwatered Elephant Bush

Overwatering this succulent is a big mistake any gardener can make. However, the plant can forgive you for underwatering but not overwatering. Overwatered Elephant Bush develops a mushy stem, and the leaves start yellowing and are more transparent. When you notice such signs, cut back the watering frequency until the plant recovers, or it will begin to rot.

Bottom Line

When watering the elephant plant, soak and dry methods are the best. During the dormant seasons, water the plant less as there is no growth, and the plant uses less water. Water the plant appropriately and enjoy its beautiful foliage. Remember that your plant always communicates what it wants and does not want. Therefore, never ignore the signs it is giving you. 

Kalanchoe is a beautiful succulent plant with thick leaves that store water to grow in drought.

As with all other plants, Kalanchoes need a lot of sunlight to thrive. Therefore, they do well when planted in direct sunlight and partial shade. 

So, Does Kalanchoe Need Full Sunlight To Grow? Kalanchoe needs a lot of sunshine at every stage of their life cycle. Sunshine is crucial because chlorophyll uses solar energy to make food, widely known as photosynthesis. Therefore, if plants lack adequate sunlight, they will not achieve the normal photosynthetic process and will be stressed.

Keep your Kalanchoe plants outside in a sunny place where they receive full or partial sunshine. The indoor kalanchoes must be kept near a sunny and bright window if you want to expose them to the sun. Provide your succulent plants with the right amount of light and watch them become healthy and happy.

Protect your Kalanchoes from the sun’s rays as they may cause sunburn. In addition, do not starve them to sunlight because they may become leggy or stretched. Kalanchoe grows best under full sun or sunlight. What, then, is bright, indirect sunlight?

Understanding bright indirect light in succulents

Most indoor succulent plants originated on the floors of tropical forests where an aerial canopy of tree foliage shaded them, so they prefer indirect sunlight.

Indirect light is bright enough to project a shadow, although not dark and clearly defined. Instead, use transparent curtains, white curtains that you can see through between the panels and plants on the windows that receive direct sunlight.

Rooms or hallways that do not have windows may not provide bright enough light for indoor plants. You can create an indirect light with fluorescent or LED lamps for these areas.

The best way to create indirect sunlight for your plants is to use your windows and sun direction.

The amount of light your plants get often depends on where your windows are facing and how clear those windows are. Don’t forget the white walls will reflect more light towards your plants than the dark colors.

The relationship between the direction of the window and sunshine

South-facing windows

Suppose your south-facing window gets a lot of sun during the day; place plants that need indirect light within a few feet of the window. Place it as far away as possible for the sun’s rays to never reach them. If the window is shaded or draped to diffuse light, place your plants near it. Keep the drapery between them and the glass.

West-facing Windows

The afternoon light that a non-shaded west-facing window receives tends to be hotter and brighter than an east-facing window. Therefore, you will either want to place your plants 3 to 5 feet back in the windows facing west or insert a simple curtain between them and the window.

Eastward-facing windows

Although an eastward-facing window with no shade receives direct sunlight in the morning, the rays are softer than those later in the day. Consequently, most plants that prefer indirect light can be placed near or even on the edge of an eastward-facing window without the need for a dispersion curtain.

North-facing windows

You can place sun-loving plants that prefer bright and indirect light on a north-facing window because it seldom receives direct sun. Then, with low light levels in winter, place a mirror in front of the window to bounce more light on the plants. Alternatively, consider purchasing a fluorescent or LED grow light.

How do I move a Kalanchoe from an indoor to an outdoor setting?

Most commonly, Kalanchoe is grown in pots as an indoor plant with bright colors, but they can also be used as outdoor plants if you live in a suitable climate. The Kalanchoe, indoors and outdoors, prefer damp, light, and well-drained soil.

Immediate exposure of the succulent to the outdoors under direct sunlight can be detrimental to the plant’s health. In addition, succulent leaves can have sunburn caused by sudden exposure to sunlight. Consequently, plants should be exposed to the full sun to adapt to the new environment.

First, put the succulent in a place that gets filtered or partly bright sunlight. Once the succulent adapts, gradually move it under the full sun, where it will get a lot of the sun for several hours a day and a little shade in the afternoon hours.

Outdoor light demands of Kalanchoe 

The plant will adapt easier if you progressively introduce it into its new environment. For example, if you immediately put a succulent kalanchoe in full sun, its leaves can burn. So, firstly, please place it in a place that receives the partial sun or under a tree that gets the filtered sun. Then slowly move the pot to a place where it will receive full sun for most of the day and some shade in the afternoon.

Kalanchoe succulents grow best in a sunny spot that receives partial sunlight from the brutal afternoon sun. You can plant succulent plants beneath the trees to provide partial shade. Move your indoor Kalanchoe outdoors when the temperature gets hot in late spring or early summer.

Indoor Light demands of the Kalanchoe 

If you grow succulent Kalanchoe indoors all year round, they will do well in areas where they get a lot of sunshine. Therefore, they should be kept on a sunny window sill to provide the required amount of sunlight. The more sunlight your Kalanchoe gets, the better it will be. Under low light conditions, floral buds tend not to open, and foliage becomes thorny.

If your house does not have a bright and sunny place to keep your Kalanchoes inside, you can increase the lighting by using extra or artificial growth lights. However, be careful; try not to keep your succulent Kalanchoe too close to an incandescent bulb, as it creates heat that can burn the succulent leaves.

Put your Kalanchoe outside during the summer months in a shady place where it will only get 1-2 hours of direct sunlight daily. The plants do well if they get some months outdoors, as it helps them thrive and prepares them for the shorter days of fall.

What happens if a succulent Kalanchoe gets too little sunlight?

If a Kalanchoe does not get enough sunlight, it will begin to stretch its stalk and appear stretched and leggy. The legginess is because the succulent begins to project her growth toward the source of light. If you look at the plant under this condition, it will seek light or move towards the light.

A Kalanchoe leggy or stretched will eventually become weak and break down leaves.

Signs of insufficient light exposure include elongated stems, unbalanced growth, pale or deformed foliage, falling leaves, and the absence of flowers. If there is not enough exposure to natural light, move the plant to a brighter place or add a light lamp for additional light.

Signs of Overexposure to sunlight

Pigments look washed out and bleached.

Leaves appear to have blotchy burns in white, yellow, or brown

Wrinkled, scaly, or crispy leaves

Do Kalanchoe succulents have specific sunlight requirements for blooming?

Many people tend to throw out their succulent plants once they have finished blooming. But instead of throwing your plants away, you may deceive them into blooming again. The Kalanchoe succulents have specific light requirements that must be satisfied to bloom again in the next growing season. Therefore, succulent plants have different light requirements in both phases during the average growth period and the inductive blooming period.

A six-week period triggers the flowering cycle of this plant, where the plant undergoes a minimum of 14 hours of darkness every day. About four months after that time, the plant will begin to flower. However, it is possible to maintain the flowering almost a year-long if winter darkness resets the flowering cycle.

The kalanchoe plants cultivated indoors need a lot of light to bloom, so they must be kept in a room with abundant natural and bright light. However, do not place them in direct sunlight, burning the leaves and reducing flowering. Kalanchoe plants are plants that are sensitive to light. Therefore, a Kalanchoe flower must receive light and dark cycles to develop floral buds and bloom in the following season. 

How to Shift Light Levels for your Kalanchoe

Where you put your plants directly affects the light levels. Whether inside or out, there are several ways to influence light levels. Moving your plant to an open area is the easiest way to shift light levels. However, if that’s not an option, you can purchase an LED cultivation lamp to give your factory the additional light it needs.

Bottom Line

Kalanchoes prefer to receive natural sunlight that is relatively bright; however, they will usually not do well in full sunlight. Kalanchoe will also prosper in a house that gets a lot of sunshine and natural light. But they don’t like direct sunlight and may be stunted when you leave them in full sun all day long. That’s because too much sunlight will make the leaves burn, particularly the afternoon sun.