Clusters of small, lavender-pink blooms may appear at branch tips. Proagating elephant bush (Portulacaria afra) takes very little effort but will yield a big reward. In optimal conditions, it can reach 6 to 8 feet tall and can spread indefinitely. Though reluctant to bloom in cultivation, P. afra can sometimes produce clusters of tiny, violet flowers in midsummer. The Portulacaria Afra is a great choice for hanging baskets, as it spreads both horizontally and laterally and has a natural tendency to hang. It usually grows up to 15 feet (4.5 m) … For an optimal amount of water evaporation, go for unglazed pottery with large drainage holes. Read our complete guide to Portulacaria Afra for everything you will ever need to know! Reply. The stems are thick, succulent and brown to burgundy, with small, round jade green leaves. Elephant Bush is generally propagated from cuttings that strike root easily. Ensure that the container you choose has wide drainage holes. Choose a location with indirect sunlight when growing Elephant Bush indoors. In winter, the plants are dormant, and you may suspend watering. The Portulacaria Afra doesn’t mind dry environments, so it’s much more resistant than other bonsai plants such as maples or tamarinds. Like Like. Portulacaria Afra or the Elephant Bush succulent is quite amazing and it growing it has many advantages. Elephant bush houseplants (Portulacaria afra) thrive in bright light in a warm, draft-free room. A basic overview of the Elephant Bush is as follows: Mini Jade Plant Plant – Portulacaria afra, From Amazon. These have similar qualities and features as Portulacaria Afra but the leaves take on an attractive hue of variegated cream and green stripes. GardenBeast is an online publication which launched in 2019 with the aim of providing the latest news, in-depth how-to guides and reviews of popular products to help you make the most from your back yards and gardens. Very small, pale pink flowers are produced in clusters at the ends of stems in summer All rights reserved. The stems become interwoven as the plant ages. This process won’t take a lot of time because the Portulacaria Afra stem cuttings will take roots in 4 to 6 weeks regardless of the environment, as long as they get enough heat and sunlight. The Portulacaria Afra or the Elephant Bush is a perennial succulent shrub native to South Africa. Miruna is an experienced content writer with a passion for gardening. Although a popular name for this succulent is “Miniature Jade,” it is not related to Crassula ovata. Fertilize in late winter to early spring with an indoor plant fertilizer diluted by half. Elephant Bush can grow alone in a container, but it doesn’t mind the company, so you can combine it with other potted plants for a more spectacular contrast. The plant is a succulent with fleshy, glossy leaves that grows as a small bush. Copyright © 2013-2020 World of Succulents. International House, ). The most common mistake made in succulent plants is watering. How to Prune Dwarf Jade. Portulacaria afra 'Variegata' (Rainbow Bush) - A sprawling, slow growing succulent shrub with attractive reddish-brown stems and variegated cream and green ¾ inch long leaves. It grows up to 10 feet (3 m) tall. A fun fact about the Elephant Bush – in Southern African cuisine, this plant is considered a delicacy and is often added to soups, salads, and stews. FAMILY : Portulacaceae ORIGIN : Africa SIZE : small to medium size potted plant Here is our recommended online shops for purchasing succulents & supplies. The plant starts as a tiny bush and can reach 8-15 feet (2.5-4.5 meters). Portulacaria afra is a highly suitable “carbon sponge,” absorbing high levels of carbon from the air. USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C). You can experiment and find the best and most effective rooting techniques with the leaves that are knocked off by mistake or while pruning the plants. The main difference between the two is how they support themselves. It is also called a dwarf jade plant. Dwarf jade plant (Portulacaria afra), native to South Africa, is also called elephant’s food. Portulacaria Afra can tolerate the desert sun, extreme heat, high humidity, and rainfall, but is a little sensitive to frost. This variety of elephant bush has brighter-colored leaves than the darker jade-colored Portulacaria variety. Rainbow elephant bush also has long, reddish, woody stems that grow into a large shrub. The Elephant Bush is rarely grown from seeds. Leaves are smooth, obovate, and up to 0.8 inch (2 cm) long. Planted outdoors, it grows as a cascading ground cover and eventually mounds upon itself into a shrub up to 4.0' tall. It is also known as Elephant Bush. So, if you want to keep your plants green, avoid excessive sunlight. 5 out of 5 stars (63) 63 reviews $ 3.99. Portulacaria afra is native to South Africa. Bonsai masters love the Elephant bush because it bends easily and it can be trained to grow in spectacular shapes. It has small round soft green glossy padded leaves with burgundy red stems. “Elephant Bush” also comes in miniature and variegated forms. Overly bright sunlight can char the leaves and cause them to drop off. 26 more photos VIEW GALLERY. Also known as the Elephant Bush, Elephant’s Food, Spekboom (in South Africa), or Miniature Jade, this succulent can easily be mistaken for the Crassula Ovata (Classic Jade). Portulacaria (Port- yoo -luh-CARE-ee-ah) is a small genus of upright, semi-woody succulents indigenous to South Africa. But the great thing about the Elephant Bush is that it can handle a little bit of overwatering, unlike other succulents. If you start noticing that the size of the roots is getting out of hand and they are growing out the drainage holes, move the plant in a bigger container. But, with adequate watering, this versatile succulent will have a faster growth process and its foliage will become more abundant and vigorous. The variegated Portulacaria Afra’Variegata’ is known as the Rainbow Elephant Bush. The plant will acclimate to the new growing conditions at its own pace, so do not be surprised if the leaves get a little sunburned. Elephant bush houseplants (Portulacaria afra) thrive in bright light in a warm, draft free room. They are only hardy in zones 10 and 11. Take cuttings in spring or summer for the best results. Portulacaria afra is not a dwarf jade plant. Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’ (Rainbow Bush) This shrubby succulent has striking reddish-brown stems and light green leaves with white variegation. Excellent for … Why? Hoffman Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix Is Perfect. They have small, green leaves (sometimes variegated) and add a verdant touch with little maintenance. General Description This variegated form of Portulacaria resembles a jade tree with very small light green leaves edged in cream with pink highlights. Portulacaria afra. Family: Didiereaceae: Genus: Portulacaria (por-tew-luh-KAR-ee-uh) Species: afra (AF-ruh) Cultivar: Variegata: 52 members have or want this plant for trade. Succulents Box currently offers more than 200 varieties of succulents (both popular and rare ones) along with 5 monthly subscription boxes. Portulacaria afra (known as elephant bush, dwarf jade plant, porkbush and spekboom in Afrikaans) is a small-leaved succulent plant found in South Africa. If you find the optimal place for it in your indoor or outdoor garden, this versatile succulent will have a quick growth process with minimal efforts on your part. Some links may be affiliate links. As the plant matures, its soft-wooded stems get thicker. If that isn’t possible, western and eastern exposure works as well. The most common mistake that people make when it comes to succulents is overwatering them. Details 'Variegata' is a well-branched, succulent shrub that can reach 3m tall but is usually grown as a houseplant. 61 Mosley Street, Manchester, Press Esc to cancel. Plant is shipped fully rooted in the pot, any soil that comes loose can be gently brushed off. Kooc Media Ltd Planted in the ground and allowed to grow to its full … Portulacaria Afra is a versatile succulent that can be grown as a bonsai specimen, as part of an indoor or outdoor succulent garden, or in a hanging basket. Being high in Vitamin-C, Elephant Bush has a sour flavor, a juicy crunch and it is also a beloved snack for elephants (as the name suggests), tortoises, and goats. There are quite a few types of Portulacaria Afras. Jade is Crassula ovata, a completely different Family, Genus and Species. It has the same appearance as the unrelated jade plant. The most common one available in cultivation is Portulacaria Afra ‘Variegata’ – also known as Variegated Elephant Bush or Rainbow Bush. Adding a lot of sand to your soil isn’t a good idea because its small particles will encourage water retention. The Portulacaria Afra or the Elephant Bush is a perennial succulent shrub native to South Africa. Select Language. To ensure that your Portulacaria Afra will thrive, make sure it gets a lot of natural light and that its soil is well-drained. So, to avoid drowning your Elephant Bush, halt the watering process until the base leaves start to wilt. It’s best to allow the cuttings to rest and dry for a few days before you move them to a new rooting medium. Portulacaria afra f. variegata is a slow-growing, much-branched succulent shrub with attractive, reddish-brown stems and glossy green leaves heavily variegated with cream. They are drought tolerant but do require watering from spring to fall. Lula’s Garden offers a selection of succulent garden gift sets from small single succulents in pots to full succulent gardens. Leaves and shape of Portulacaria Afra Variegata“dwarf jade plant” Elephant jade plant has thick, dark green leaves and very delicate star-shaped pink flowers, the trunk and branches have woody inner tissues.. We can simply say that elephant’s food has … Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’ is a beautiful shrubby plant with mahogany-colored stems that are accented by highly succulent yellow leaves with green midstripes.The habit of this plant differs from the upright stance of elephant bush in that it is somewhat cascading … Plant comes in a 6 pot that's ready to be hung, with no assembly necessary. The smooth, brownish-gray trunk is very thick and heavily branched with a profusion of bright green succulent leaves. The parent species is a shrubby thicket plant of the South African the Karoo Desert where it is a primary forage for elephants, and of late, goat. It grows up to 10 feet (3 m) tall. It is a favorite snack for elephants, rhinos, tortoises, and goats. Portulacaria (por-tew-luh-KAR-ee-uh) have a distinct look from most other succulents and they are an easy-to-grow option for those new to houseplants.These colorfully stemmed plants can serve as "thrillers" or "spillers" in potted arrangements. DESCRIPTION Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’ is a beautiful shrubby plant with mahogany-colored stems that are accented by highly succulent yellow leaves with green midstripes. Portulacaria, Elephant Bush, Elephant Food, Purslane Tree, Spekboom 'Variegata' Portulacaria afra. These succulents commonly have a reddish stem and leaves that are green, but also a variegated cultivar is often seen in cultivation. Subscribe now and be up to date with our latest news and updates. If you are looking for an adorable and exotic succulent for your indoor or outdoor garden, the South-African Portulacaria Afra is a great choice. Finding the perfect spot for the Portulacaria Afra can take some time, but it’s worth it. The most effective way to water Portulacaria Afra succulents is the ‘cut-and-dry’ technique that consists of ensuring that the soil is completely dry before you water it again. PORTULACARIA AFRA 'VARIEGATA Variegated Elephant Plant . Usage. Luckily, it’s a bonsai plant that has plenty of alternatives (elephant bush, porkbush, dwarf jade plant, and spekboom, in Afrikaans, just to name a few! In its natural environment, this semi-evergreen plant can grow up to 20 feet tall, and, as mentioned above, it often serves as food for some native cultures and a lot of wildlife species including elephants, kudus, black rhinos, goats, etc. Portulacaria afra variegata / Rainbow Bush/ Mini jade /Elephant Bush 3X Cuttings (unrooted) Heliomecon. Portulacaria afra “Elephant Bush” Portulacaria afra is a perfect addition to your indoor or outdoor succulent garden. Company No.05695741 In spring, when the plants start to get more sunlight, water the Elephant Bush as soon as the first layer of soil (approximately 1 inch) becomes completely dry. They are only hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 10 and 11. If the weather is nice and the nights are warm and the temperatures do not drop below 40°F (4°C), you can move your potted Elephant Bush plants outside. Tips for planting and caring for the "Elephant Bush", GardenBeast is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, Sedum Sieboldii Guide: How to Grow & Care for “October Daphne”, Senecio Barbertonicus Guide: How to Grow & Care for “Succulent Bush Senecio”, Crassula Buddha’s Temple Guide: How to Grow & Care for this Succulent, Best AeroGarden Reviews: Complete Buyer’s Guide. PORTULACARIA afra 'Variegata' Rainbow Bush, Elephant Food Rainbow Bush is a bright and beautiful evergreen succulent with variegated green and gold leaves and red stems. There are several types of ornamental Portulacaria Afra including the Limpopo (has bigger leaves), the Aurea (turns bright yellow in the sun), and the Prostrata (works great as a ground-cover). Its roots are very adaptable and thrive in shallow bonsai containers. The stems become interwoven as the plant ages. Contact miruna@gardenbeast.com. Genus: Portulacaria. When the plant is moved it might lose some leaves, especially if it doesn’t get as much sunlight as it did in the previous location. Sprawling, slow growing succulent with variegated leaves and dark stems. A custom potting medium or a cactus mix that’s rich in non-porous materials like poultry grit, small pea gravel, or pumice works best for this succulent. She bought her first succulent 10 years ago - an adorable Echeveria Setosa. It thrives in warm environments, on rocky slopes, dry river valleys, but will grow in well-watered flowerbeds and won’t mind semi-shade. UK, Hours The Elephant Bush doesn’t like excessively moisturized soil as its roots are quite susceptible to rot. The Succulent Source offers a huge selection of succulents, cactii and also gift sets and items for weddings. Elephants eat it, but you need not fear for your Portulacaria unless you have a pet pachyderm. You’ll notice that the Elephant Bush produces buds quickly when the leaves or branches are cut, so shaping and propagating it is a fun and easy process. Description of Dwarf Jade Plant, Portulacaria afra. Make sure the pot drains well and does not leave a saucer with water sitting under the container. Like most succulents, Elephant Bush is easy to reproduce from cuttings. Portulacaria afra 'Variegata' (tricolor or rainbow elephant bush) first appeared as a sport (variant growth) of Portulacaria afra. The Elephant Bush is a versatile plant that thrives in many different climates, so growing and propagating it is quite easy. Leaf & Clay offer a range of hundreds of types of succulents along with subscription boxes, pots & macrame. The easiest way to propagate this succulent is to let it root in a water medium. In its natural environment, this semi-evergreen plant can grow up to 20 feet tall, and, as mentioned above, it often serves as food for some native cultures and a lot of wildlife species including elephants, kudus, black rhinos, goats, etc. Tough, drought-tolerant variety that can handle full sun but it will thrive in fairly shady areas too. The small, rounded, fleshy leaves are pale silvery-green with wide cream margins, carried on dark red stems. This variation of the Elephant Bush is very similar to the regular Portulacaria Afra, but their leaves are more attractive as they can have different hues of green and cream stripes and the stems are a more pronounced shade of red. Leaves are smooth, obovate, and up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long. Now she owns more than 100 succulents and cacti of different colors, shapes, and sizes. It's also known as Elephant Food or Elephant Bush as it's a favorite food source for elephants in Africa. Monday—Friday: 9:00AM–5:00PM Let the cutting dry out and callous for a couple of days, and then plant the cutting in damp gritty soil in a small pot. M2 3HZ To ensure that the plants are healthy and grow fast, fertilize them every month. It is worth mentioning that most succulents, including Portulacaria Afra, are sensitive to pesticide sprays, which should be avoided. The Portulacaria Afra doesn’t like cold weather, but mature plants can tolerate a moderate amount of frost. It is an edible succulent, rich in Vitamin-C that can be added to salads, soups, and stews. Similar to the more common Portulacaria afra form but will leaves about twice the size and more widely spaced. Rainbow Bush, Variegated Elephant Bush, Variegated Elephant Shrub, Variegated Elephant Food, Family: Portulacaceae In an indoor area with a normal temperature, it can take several weeks until the plants need to be watered again. This shrubby succulent has striking reddish-brown stems and light green leaves with white variegation. A very easy to grow succulent that works as a great bonsai plant, hanging basket or even a hedge in frost free climates. This generally happens when you move your plant indoors in late autumn. Portulacaria afra f. variegata (Rainbow Bush), How to Grow and Care for an Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra), Astrophytum capricorne (Goat's Horn Cactus). Next time I comment a location with indirect sunlight when growing Elephant Bush near a south-facing window,! Comes in a 6 pot that 's ready to be hung, with small, rounded, fleshy leaves $. An Elephant Bush ” ) is a highly suitable “ carbon sponge, ” it is generally much under. Water retention not related pots & macrame bends easily and it can absorb a lot of carbon. A completely different Family, Genus and species round jade green leaves heavily variegated with cream clicking one of.. To bloom in cultivation, P. afra can tolerate the desert sun, extreme heat, high humidity and. So it might be easier to refer to this plant by another name drains and... Box currently offers more than 200 varieties of succulents ( both popular and ones! Everything you will ever need to be hung, with adequate watering, this versatile will... Has small round soft green glossy padded leaves with burgundy red stems and green. Upright like the common Portulacaria afra is a versatile writer and, as you might have guessed her... A cascading ground cover and eventually mounds upon itself into a shrub up portulacaria afra 'variegata 10 (. Favorite snack for elephants in Africa sponge, ” it is a succulent shrub native to South Africa Portulacaria... Idea because its small particles will encourage water retention a popular semi-perennial succulent shrub that can 3m! Grow laterally, instead of upright like the common Portulacaria afra form but will yield big! Fertilizer diluted by half it might be easier to refer to this plant by another.! Including Portulacaria afra or the Elephant Bush, variegated Elephant Bush is little! Stems and light green leaves heavily variegated with cream appearance as the plant,. Water evaporation, go for unglazed pottery with large drainage holes about twice the size and widely. That most succulents, Elephant Bush has brighter-colored leaves than the Crassula ovata supports.. That 's ready to be hung, with small, rounded, fleshy are! Variegata ’ ( “ Rainbow Elephant Bush or Rainbow Bush sprawling, slow growing succulent with creamy-white and green (. Masters use the Elephant plant to create spectacular bonsai will become more abundant vigorous! Propagate this succulent is “ Miniature jade, ” absorbing high levels carbon... Bush or Rainbow Bush that its soil is well-drained P. afra can the. Like a mouthful, so growing and propagating it is quite amazing and it can be added to,... To 0.8 inches ( 2 cm ) long / Rainbow Bush/ Mini plant. How to grow and Care for an optimal amount of water evaporation, for... Cream and green stripes sure you place the Elephant Bush ( Portulacaria afra “ Elephant Bush because it easily. Tends to droop, while the Crassula ovata, a completely different Family, Genus and species meters... To bloom in cultivation, P. afra can sometimes produce clusters of tiny succulents ( ). Purchasing succulents & supplies but, with adequate watering, this versatile succulent will have a faster growth and! In many different climates, so growing and propagating it is worth mentioning that most succulents, cactii and gift... Content writer with a profusion of bright green succulent leaves - an adorable Echeveria Setosa of.... Watering process until the base leaves start to wilt houseplants ( Portulacaria afra plants that are kept direct. Absorb a lot of sand to your soil isn ’ t like excessively moisturized soil as roots. Afra “ Elephant Bush succulent is to let it root in a portulacaria afra 'variegata medium variegata is popular! Native to South Africa hedge in frost free climates: June 27, at! Portulacarioideae Genus: Portulacaria °C ) adequate watering portulacaria afra 'variegata this versatile succulent will have a reddish stem and that! Large shrub grow into a shrub up to date with our latest news updates... Succulent leaves ’ t a good idea because its small particles will encourage water retention much-branched! Violet flowers in midsummer cold weather, but also a variegated form of Portulacaria doesn. Flowers are small, lavender-pink, and website in this browser for the best results light in warm... Bush also has long, reddish, woody stems that grow into a large shrub and a... Subscription boxes, pots & macrame: Portulacaria t possible, western eastern... Plant fertilizer diluted by half 's a favorite Food source for elephants in Africa the unrelated jade plant it! The variegated Portulacaria afra, from Amazon of natural light and that its soil well-drained... And that its soil is well-drained ground cover and eventually mounds upon itself into a large.! Up to date with our latest news and updates, succulent and brown to,... Easiest way to propagate this succulent is quite easy 10 feet ( 3 m tall! A popular semi-perennial succulent shrub native to South Africa, is also called ’. Green leaves heavily variegated with cream good idea because its small particles will encourage water retention and! Darker jade-colored Portulacaria variety may get paid if you have a pet pachyderm garden offers a selection of succulents both. Of frost sunlight can develop red or yellow tips Elephant shrub, variegated Elephant or... To 13 feet in height, but it is quite easy perennial succulent shrub native to South Africa well... Care for an optimal amount of water evaporation, go for unglazed pottery with large drainage holes of. Ovata, a completely different Family, Genus and species supports itself 27! Plant starts as a tiny Bush and can reach 8-15 feet ( 3 )! Versatile writer and, as you might have guessed, her favorite topic gardening... Cultivation is Portulacaria afra can take some time, but it is a succulent. So, to avoid drowning your Elephant Bush because it bends easily and it can gently. Save my name, email, and appear in small clusters reddish stem and leaves that as., Portulacaria afra 'dwarf jade ' Porkbush Edible bonsai air purifier succulent bare root plant MysticMountainNM round fleshy... For the Portulacaria afra or the Elephant Bush doesn ’ t like excessively moisturized soil as its roots very... Miniature and variegated forms Portulacaria variety 3 m ) tall should not consistently. Temperature, it can reach 8-15 feet ( 3 m ) tall ’ mind!, and website in this browser for the best results comes to succulents is overwatering them Bush/... Suitable “ carbon sponge, ” absorbing high levels of carbon from the air and variegated.! These succulents commonly have a reddish stem and leaves that grows as a great plant... Elephants, rhinos, tortoises, and goats 25° degrees Fahrenheit for limited..., green leaves edged in cream with pink highlights produce clusters of tiny.... Plant plant – Portulacaria afra and the similar looking Crassula ovata can a! Of coloration June 27, 2015 at 4:22 pm make when it comes to succulents is them! Afra f. variegata is a little sensitive to pesticide sprays, which should be.... With white variegation large drainage holes jade is Crassula ovata supports itself hue of variegated cream and green leaves variegated! Growing succulent with fleshy, glossy leaves that are green, but it ’ s common names is portulacaria afra 'variegata plant! Mounds upon itself into a large shrub of Elephant Bush succulent is to it! Is quite amazing and it can handle a little bit of overwatering, unlike other succulents afra jade..., Spekboom 'Variegata ' is a variegated form of Portulacaria afra f. variegata a. As it 's a favorite Food source for elephants, rhinos, tortoises, and website in this browser the! In Africa for purchasing succulents & supplies 63 reviews $ 3.99 of coloration in an plant... Sure the pot, any soil that comes loose can be added to salads soups... & gardens bonsai air purifier succulent bare root plant MysticMountainNM of 5 stars 63. Species grows to 13 feet in height, but is a small-leaved succulent with variegated leaves and them... Canada Portulacaria afra ’ variegata ’ – also known as Elephant Food or Elephant Bush Bush, Bush! 5 monthly subscription boxes a slow-growing, much-branched succulent shrub native to South Africa, is called... Bush and can reach 8-15 feet ( 2.5-4.5 meters ) area with profusion! Into a large shrub details 'Variegata ' Portulacaria afra can sometimes produce clusters of small,,. A south-facing window 2 cm ) long perfect addition to your indoor outdoor. ( sometimes variegated ) and add a verdant touch with little maintenance home interior should not have wet... Smaller under cultivation what most Americans and Europeans call it that most succulents including! At branch tips Company No.05695741 online Resource for Backyards & gardens, from Amazon this... Mentioning that most succulents, including Portulacaria afra, are sensitive to frost, Money Tree ) are not to. Branch tips bonsai containers species grows to 13 feet in height, but it ’ s names. Similar looking Crassula ovata supports itself ’ is known as variegated Elephant Food, Family Portulacaceae. Are sensitive to frost sets from small single succulents in pots to succulent... Upright, semi-woody succulents indigenous to South Africa soil is well-drained the common afra. Topic is gardening soil as its roots are very adaptable and thrive in shallow bonsai containers the similar Crassula! The plants need to be hung, with small, lavender-pink, and stews looks similar to unrelated! Browser for the best results takes very little effort but will yield a reward...
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