diff --git a/lib/matplotlib/axes/_base.py b/lib/matplotlib/axes/_base.py
index fa628b3f34e0..fd4c26d14a36 100644
--- a/lib/matplotlib/axes/_base.py
+++ b/lib/matplotlib/axes/_base.py
@@ -1736,6 +1736,8 @@ def get_adjustable(self):
         Return whether the Axes will adjust its physical dimension ('box') or
         its data limits ('datalim') to achieve the desired aspect ratio.
 
+        Newly created Axes default to 'box'.
+
         See Also
         --------
         matplotlib.axes.Axes.set_adjustable
@@ -1761,6 +1763,8 @@ def set_adjustable(self, adjustable, share=False):
 
         See Also
         --------
+        matplotlib.axes.Axes.get_adjustable
+            Return the current value of *adjustable*.
         matplotlib.axes.Axes.set_aspect
             For a description of aspect handling.
 
@@ -1792,7 +1796,7 @@ def set_adjustable(self, adjustable, share=False):
                              "Axes which override 'get_data_ratio'")
         for ax in axs:
             ax._adjustable = adjustable
-        self.stale = True
+            ax.stale = True
 
     def get_box_aspect(self):
         """