Elephant Bush vs. Jade Plant: Which One Suits You!
Do elephant bushes and jade plants differ in any way or are they identical? The first distinction between these two plants that you could notice is how they grow. While the elephant bush branches droop until fresh rigid leaves or plants sprout, the jade plants frequently grow upright.
They differ greatly from one another in terms of relevance, growing conditions, advantages, and many other factors in addition to growth habits. So we’ll compare more distinctions between elephant bush and jade plant so you can pick the one you’re looking for.
Table of Contents
Putting Two Plant Kings Side by Side: Elephant Bush and Jade Plant
| Key Points | Jade Plants | Elephant Bush |
| Growth Habit | Can grow between 3 to 6 feet | In the wild, up to 20 feet But it can grow up to 5 feet tall at home. |
| Leaf | Oval-shaped, waxy, thick | Rounded, soft, thin |
| Growing Conditions | Grows best at 18° to 20° C | grows well in a warm area or in direct sunlight. |
| Lifespan | 70 to 100 years | Over 50 years |
Compared Flowers
When they are treated well, the elephant bush blossoms. They bloom in white, pink, or purple depending on the growth environment. The grouped flowers create a lovely scene. Elephant bush can therefore frequently be seen near the entrance to a restaurant or store.
On the other hand, Jade plants do not bloom as frequently, particularly if grown indoors or at home. But they can produce white blossoms if you relocate them to a drier area with a cooler climate. For the plants to produce flowers, they must be old enough.
Comparative Advantages
The Jade plants are said to bring financial gains in Chinese Feng Shui. Furthermore, these plants have long been revered as lucky charms by humans. As a result, they are the perfect gift for a wedding or housewarming. They serve as symbols of good fortune, comradeship, and optimism.
Jade plants increase the humidity in the air as well. By ensuring that the humidity level is between 30% and 60%, plants help to improve the environment by preventing dry and itchy skin caused by dry air.
Elephants and other grazers prefer the Elephant Bush as a source of food. Nearly 80% of the nutrition that grazers require is provided by its luscious leaves and stalks. Additionally, one of the widely used elements in African cuisine is its meaty leaves. To improve the flavor of your cuisine, add them to your soup or salad.
Elephant bush is also frequently referred to as a carbon sponge. It improves air quality by sucking 4 to 10 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. They have a flavor that is citrusy or lemony and are effective mood lifters.
Differences The Best Growing Conditions
For the elephant bush to avoid withering, it needs lots of sunlight and a warm atmosphere. Ideal temperature range for thriving is between 21° and 29° C. The roots and stems need six hours of sunshine each day to stay healthy. However, you must keep them in some shade so they can sunbathe. If not, the sun will damage their delicate leaves.
On the other hand, jade plants thrive in cool, dry, low-humidity environments. For them, a temperature of 18 to 21 C is excellent. They additionally require at least four hours of sunlight each day.
Both plants require soil that drains properly. Since too wet soil may cause their leaves to fade or droop. They thrive on loose, rocky soil because it quickly absorbs excess rainwater.
Attention to Growth Habit
The Jade plants don’t expand quickly. Once a year, they expand by one to two inches. The elephant bush, on the other hand, has a growth rate of up to 4 to 6 inches every year. And it needs four to six weeks to really establish itself.
The leaves of the elephant bush trail until they are pruned, but the jade plant’s leaves grow straight. Up to 12 inches of the trails can be found below the container.
Fostering Diversity
The basic maintenance requirements of elephant bush and jade plants are another distinguishing feature. The former are low-maintenance plants, whilst the latter need, on average, more attention to thrive well.
The jade plants don’t require you to keep up a regular watering routine. Because they retain water in their leaves, they can withstand severe droughts. So even if you neglect to water them for three to four weeks, they won’t become dehydrated or wither.
Make sure the top layer of soil appears sufficiently dry before watering the jade plants. In the spring and summer, water them thoroughly once every three weeks. However, to avoid overwatering during humid weather, sprinkle or drizzle water during the fall and winter.
Every two weeks, elephant bush needs to be watered. Also, after you water them, plants require good drainage. Their roots will break or rot if water is allowed to remain under the container. Keep them in a pot that has more substantial drainage holes.
You must apply soluble fertilizer with compost tea, coir fiber, and fish emulsion to avoid elephant bush roots overheating. Each month, you must fertilize them. But once every three months of liquid fertilizer is all that is needed for jade plants to thrive.
FAQs
How can I recognize a Jade plant?
Jade plants and Crassula ovata are difficult to distinguish because of how similar they appear to elephant bushes. Look for the fleshy, deep-green, spoon-shaped leaves to identify a jade plant. In the right sunshine, leaf edges can occasionally seem reddish. To rapidly identify the plant, you can obtain a cheat sheet for plant identification online.
What distinguishes a Jade plant from a money plant?
There is no discernible distinction. It is thought to bring wealth and prosperity. And when the plants become older, they produce coins-shaped, round, juicy leaves. The Jade Plants are so renowned for being money plants.
Is elephant bush a plant of fortune?
Elephant Bush isn’t a lucky plant, though. The Jade Plants are regarded as lucky. Elephant Bush and Jade Plant, however, resemble each other quite a little. Consequently, some people mistake the elephant bush for a lucky plant known as the emblem of wealth. However, the elephant bush is frequently used in African cooking and interior design.
What is the lifespan of a jade plant?
Jade plants live for a very long time. Since they are low-maintenance plants, they can survive for years without routine maintenance. However, if given the right amount of sunlight and care, seasons can last for at least 50 to 100 years. They are a great generational gift because of their extended lives.
Jade should be watered how frequently?
The best time to water a Jade plant is at any given time. To prevent it from becoming limp, water it once every two to three weeks. Simply keep in mind not to overwater the plant. Moreover, avoid watering the soil if it is already damp. If the humidity level is high, we advise against watering the plants.
Which Plant Is Best for You?
Regularly caring for plants can get tiresome, especially if you have a hectic schedule to keep up. Pick a jade plant in that situation. Because jade plants don’t need frequent maintenance to thrive, unlike elephant bushes.
Jade plants should be kept in your house and office if you believe in good luck and positive energy. You can also give them as gifts during any festival. Because these plants are said to encourage friendship, wealth, and progress in Chinese culture. However, elephant bush is a classy option for house decor.
Our comparison of the elephant bush and the jade plant should help you make an informed decision regarding your preferred plant.
