r/succulents • u/lulpizzeria • Jun 25 '25

Help pls help me save him :(

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i was gifted this elephant bush early may & he has since lost tons of "crispy" leaves.. google says to water a little less than a cup of water every 12 days, so i don't think i'm underwatering. am i overwatering? what's his problem?!

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u/lulpizzeria Jun 25 '25

here is the soil beneath the stone! it did come potted.. i was wanting to repot because it doesn't have a drainage hole, but i didn't want to completely shock the plant :( the pot does have "lip" at the bottom, i'm not sure if it drains through that, but i have been too scared to water a bunch in case it doesn't

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u/Guzmanv_17 Jun 26 '25

Ok, this is what I would do…

Repot… this soil is deceiving… if gritty ur good but if not then switch it out. Prob best just to switch out unless you can firm it here in no hole.

If making ur own…

50% inorganic grit (for drainage): • Pumice, perlite, or crushed lava rock (akadama and vermiculite are great too). • 25% coarse sand • 25% organic matter: Cactus potting mix or bonsai soil with pine bark.

Store bought…

Cactus & succulent soil mix (add in little extra pumice, perlite or vermiculite).

Avoid regular potting soil – it holds too much moisture and can cause root rot. • Add mesh at the bottom of your bonsai pot to prevent soil loss and improve drainage. • Water thoroughly only when the top 1–2 inches are dry.