Elsa says: November 6, 2018 at … Spekboom has a photosynthetic mechanism which allows it to adapt to all weather conditions so it can survive extreme conditions – from drought to frost. The nature of its trunk and branches make it very susceptible to rotting. As a Houseplant. Over watering poinsettias could result in fungal diseases and root rot. It can survive well in drought, but it won't grow as much, and the bigger your Spekboom, the more carbon it will absorb. How Often to Water a Succulent. If yours is a houseplant, using all a good quality succulent & cactus mix is just fine. This is dependent on a number of environmental factors, as follows: It is Water-wise and Super Resilient The low-maintenance plant can survive on as little as 250 – 350mm of water per year! So how often can you expect the soil to dry out? Place in bright light to direct sunlight and water … My response to water shortage! Elephant bush, Portulacaria afra, is a perennial succulent shrub from South Africa that is a popular succulent garden plant around the world.It is easily grown as a seasonal accent plant or low maintenance houseplant in our part of the world. It responds very well to pruning, and you should prune it regularly to force it to grow branches, especially in the lower part of the trunk. If you sometimes forget to water your houseplants, or you are away from home often, it might be just the right houseplant for you. Giving them a big sip of water … Reply. Its drought-tolerant properties make this succulent a hardy home cohabitant. Succulents store water not only in their roots but also in their leaves & stems. You should water lightly once to twice a week. I am looking forward to using it for indoor “flower arrangements”, along with adding it to salads etc etc So excited! How often should I water my Spekboom? As an indoor plant, its fleshy green leaves, red stems and tendency to form a sculptural bush, make Spekboom a visual delight. If all of this wasn’t enough to inspire your love for Spekboom, it is also a highly water-wise plant, needing up to half the water of other plants to survive, meaning its not only easy to grow but also easy for those living in areas suffering from droughts or water shortages to care for. When you’re watching for signs the succulent is over- or under-watered, keep an eye on those stems. I now make my own mix but recommend any of the mixes listed right below if you can’t find 1 locally or don’t want to make your own. Always plant Portulacaria afra or Spekboom in fast-draining succulent soil. Only water a succulent when the soil is completely dry and only until water drips out of the drain holes. Dwarf jade is a succulent with small, thick, glossy leaves and burgundy-red stems. They thrive without problems under the full sun of italian summer (up to 40° C), in winter protect them in a closed patio south facing (min. Keep an eye on their leaves, because if they are turning yellow, it means you are not watering properly. temp. How often should you water a Spekboom? The water retention makes the tree limbs heavy which naturally bends the trunk and branches. Remember that it stores water primarily in its trunk, rather than the leaves. Too much water = root rot. Thank you for all the tips on growing this amazing plant. The water needs to drain out the bottom so poinsettias won't sit in water. If allowed to continue, the plant will wrinkle itself dry, turning brown or black. The soil should be damp, don't get it too wet, or let it go bone dry. DISCLAIMER. It is also an excellent soil binding plant that prevents soil erosion. Water thoroughly and only when the soil is dry. 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