Elephant Bush vs Florist's Chrysanthemum
Deciding between Elephant Bush and Florist's Chrysanthemum? Both are solid choices with different care needs. Learn which fits your lifestyle.
Elephant Bush vs Florist's Chrysanthemum: Quick Comparison
Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra): Bright indirect to full sun light, Every 10–14 days watering. Florist's Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium): Bright indirect to full sun light, Every 2–3 days watering. Different plants for different homes.
Elephant Bush: Profile
Easy difficulty. Bright indirect to full sun light. Every 10–14 days watering. Grows moderate. Often confused with Jade plant (Crassula) but unrelated. Faster-growing and more drought-tolerant than jade. Extremely popular for bonsai. The small round leaves and woody stem look like a miniature tree. Non-toxic to pets — rare among popular succulents. Elephants eat them in the wild.
Florist's Chrysanthemum: Profile
Easy (while blooming); Moderate (for reblooming) difficulty. Bright indirect to full sun light. Every 2–3 days watering. Grows moderate. Often sold as a disposable gift plant but can be planted outdoors (hardy in zones 5–9) or coaxed to rebloom indoors by manipulating day length. Toxic to cats and dogs.
Making Your Choice
Elephant Bush works if you have Bright indirect to full sun light and can water Every 10–14 days. Florist's Chrysanthemum suits Bright indirect to full sun light and Every 2–3 days watering schedule. Match plant to your conditions.
Bottom Line
Both are worthwhile. Success comes from matching the plant to your home.
The Bottom Line
Pick Elephant Bush or Florist's Chrysanthemum based on your light and watering commitment. Either choice works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar plants?▾
Different enough. Elephant Bush needs Bright indirect to full sun. Florist's Chrysanthemum needs Bright indirect to full sun. Pick based on your light.
Which is easier?▾
Elephant Bush: Easy. Florist's Chrysanthemum: Easy (while blooming); Moderate (for reblooming).
Can I keep both?▾
Yes, if conditions match. Most homes have room for both.
Growth rate?▾
Elephant Bush grows moderate. Florist's Chrysanthemum grows moderate.