Reply. If that isn’t possible, western and eastern exposure works as well. US English; US Español; Canada Finding the perfect spot for the Portulacaria Afra can take some time, but it’s worth it. Leaves are smooth, obovate, and up to 0.8 inch (2 cm) long. The stems are thick, succulent and brown to burgundy, with small, round jade green leaves. So, if you want to keep your plants green, avoid excessive sunlight. Planet Desert cater to succulent and cactii fans with a large range of plants, soil, kits and other supplies for creating your garden. There are quite a few types of Portulacaria Afras. 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. FAMILY : Portulacaceae ORIGIN : Africa SIZE : small to medium size potted plant Press Esc to cancel. 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. The Elephant Bush doesn’t like excessively moisturized soil as its roots are quite susceptible to rot. Type above and press Enter to search. Some links may be affiliate links. 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. Elephant Bush plants in the home interior should not have consistently wet feet. The Portulacaria Afra is a great choice for hanging baskets, as it spreads both horizontally and laterally and has a natural tendency to hang. Table of Contents. Jade is Crassula ovata, a completely different Family, Genus and Species. Plant is shipped fully rooted in the pot, any soil that comes loose can be gently brushed off. Some growers are quite keen on achieving this type of coloration. 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. The Portulacaria Afra doesn’t like cold weather, but mature plants can tolerate a moderate amount of frost. Clusters of small, lavender-pink blooms may appear at branch tips. To ensure that your Portulacaria Afra will thrive, make sure it gets a lot of natural light and that its soil is well-drained. She is the proud owner of an outdoor rose garden and an indoor collection of tiny succulents. Tough, drought-tolerant variety that can handle full sun but it will thrive in fairly shady areas too. The plant starts as a tiny bush and can reach 8-15 feet (2.5-4.5 meters). To ensure that the plants are healthy and grow fast, fertilize them every month. 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. Elephant bush houseplants (Portulacaria afra) thrive in bright light in a warm, draft-free room. 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. It can absorb a lot of atmospheric carbon and in recent years, people have started using it to prevent climate change. Its roots are very adaptable and thrive in shallow bonsai containers. 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. Overly bright sunlight can char the leaves and cause them to drop off. Learn more at How to Grow and Care for an Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra). Although a popular name for this succulent is “Miniature Jade,” it is not related to Crassula ovata. 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). 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. 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. Portulacaria afra is not a dwarf jade plant. M2 3HZ Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Rainbow Elephant Bush can deal with mellow ice and cold temperatures to 25° degrees Fahrenheit for a limited time frame. The most common mistake made in succulent plants is watering. The plant is a succulent with fleshy, glossy leaves that grows as a small bush. These succulents commonly have a reddish stem and leaves that are green, but also a variegated cultivar is often seen in cultivation. Portulacaria Afra doesn’t grow upright and it often needs support as it tends to droop, while the Crassula Ovata supports itself. adamaskwhy says: June 27, 2015 at 4:22 pm. Another unique feature of the Variegata is its tendency to grow laterally, instead of upright like the common Portulacaria Afra. The smooth, brownish-gray trunk is very thick and heavily branched with a profusion of bright green succulent leaves. This variety of elephant bush has brighter-colored leaves than the darker jade-colored Portulacaria variety. Portulacaria afra is a succulent shrub or small tree that spread horizontally with red stems and round, fleshy leaves. The small, rounded, fleshy leaves are pale silvery-green with wide cream margins, carried on dark red stems. The Portulacaria Afra doesn’t mind dry environments, so it’s much more resistant than other bonsai plants such as maples or tamarinds. Similar to the more common Portulacaria afra form but will leaves about twice the size and more widely spaced. Portulacaria afra forma macrophylla (Large Leaf Elephant Food) - An upright growing plant (8-12 feet tall) with reddish brown stems and 1 inch long emerald green leaves. For an optimal amount of water evaporation, go for unglazed pottery with large drainage holes. 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. It usually grows up to 15 feet (4.5 m) … DESCRIPTION Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’ is a beautiful shrubby plant with mahogany-colored stems that are accented by highly succulent yellow leaves with green midstripes. Lula’s Garden offers a selection of succulent garden gift sets from small single succulents in pots to full succulent gardens. P. afra variegata stands out for its green and cream leaves (0.5" - 1.0") and deep red stems that verge on purple. In nature, the species grows to 13 feet in height, but it is generally much smaller under cultivation. Registered Company No.05695741 Online Resource for Backyards & Gardens. 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. More infos: Portulacaria afra and the similar looking Crassula ovata (Jade Plant, Money Tree) are not related. They have small, green leaves (sometimes variegated) and add a verdant touch with little maintenance. This variety of Portulacaria … It grows up to 10 feet (3 m) tall. 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. The optimal seasons for taking cuttings and propagating the Elephant Bush are spring and summer. The leaves of the Elephant Bush are glossy green and its stems are reddish-brown. The stems become interwoven as the plant ages. The plant Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’ (Rainbow Bush) ” is a succulent with fleshy, glossy leaves that grows as a small bush. Portulacaria (Port- yoo -luh-CARE-ee-ah) is a small genus of upright, semi-woody succulents indigenous to South Africa. The main difference between the two is how they support themselves. Miruna is a versatile writer and, as you might have guessed, her favorite topic is gardening. Make sure the pot drains well and does not leave a saucer with water sitting under the container. Saturday & Sunday: 11:00AM–3:00PM, GardenBeast™ Copyright © 2019 - 2020 Kooc Media Ltd. All rights reserved. Here is our recommended online shops for purchasing succulents & supplies. It is also called a dwarf jade plant. Portulacaria afra, or elephant bush, is a small succulent shrub native to Eastern South Africa. 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. She bought her first succulent 10 years ago - an adorable Echeveria Setosa. Miruna is an experienced content writer with a passion for gardening. Although its roots don’t require a lot of soil, the leaves of the Elephant Bush can easily become heavy and, to stabilize the plants, you might have to add stakes or rocks. Why? Take cuttings in spring or summer for the best results. Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’ (Rainbow Bush) This shrubby succulent has striking reddish-brown stems and light green leaves with white variegation. Sprawling, slow growing succulent with variegated leaves and dark stems. Description of Dwarf Jade Plant, Portulacaria afra. Portulacaria afra f. variegata (Rainbow Bush), How to Grow and Care for an Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra), Astrophytum capricorne (Goat's Horn Cactus). It is a beautiful plant in which caring is very easy. It can reach 8-15 feet (2.5-4.5 meters), but in a garden, the Elephant Bush will generally stop growing once it reaches 4.5-6.5 feet (1.5-2 meters). The most common one available in cultivation is Portulacaria Afra ‘Variegata’ – also known as Variegated Elephant Bush or Rainbow Bush. 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. Like most succulents, Elephant Bush is easy to reproduce from cuttings. One of portulacaria afra’s common names is dwarf jade. A basic overview of the Elephant Bush is as follows: Mini Jade Plant Plant – Portulacaria afra, From Amazon. “Elephant Bush” also comes in miniature and variegated forms. It has cream-and-green leaves and pendant, trailing stems; and forms low, shrubby mounds that spread several feet tall and wide. Portulacaria afra 'Variegata' (tricolor or rainbow elephant bush) first appeared as a sport (variant growth) of Portulacaria afra. Makes a nice, small hanging basket. Portulacaria afra. Contact miruna@gardenbeast.com. 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. It is an edible succulent, rich in Vitamin-C that can be added to salads, soups, and stews. They are only hardy in zones 10 and 11. They are drought tolerant but do require watering from spring to fall. The habit of this plant differs from the upright stance of elephant bush in that it is somewhat cascading and … 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. Monday—Friday: 9:00AM–5:00PM 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. This shrubby succulent has striking reddish-brown stems and light green leaves with white variegation. Portulacaria afra f. variegata is a variegated form of Portulacaria afra. The Portulacaria Afra or the Elephant Bush is a perennial succulent shrub native to South Africa. The leaves of Portulacaria Afra plants that are kept in direct sunlight can develop red or yellow tips. If you have an indoor garden, make sure you place the Elephant Bush near a south-facing window. A very easy to grow succulent that works as a great bonsai plant, hanging basket or even a hedge in frost free climates. 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. From shop Heliomecon. USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C). Portulacaria afra variegata / Rainbow Bush/ Mini jade /Elephant Bush 3X Cuttings (unrooted) Heliomecon. 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 … In optimal conditions, it can reach 6 to 8 feet tall and can spread indefinitely. The stems become interwoven as the plant ages. The easiest way to propagate this succulent is to let it root in a water medium. 61 Mosley Street, Manchester, 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 … Flowers are small, star-shaped, lavender-pink, and appear in small clusters. 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. The Portulacaria Afra or the Elephant Bush is a perennial succulent shrub native to South Africa. Portulacaria afra – the name might sound like a mouthful, so it might be easier to refer to this plant by another name. 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. Favorite Add to Elephant bush Spekboom Portulacaria Afra 'dwarf jade' Porkbush Edible bonsai air purifier Succulent bare root plant MysticMountainNM. Most gardeners will propagate this succulent from cuttings. Dwarf jade plant (Portulacaria afra), native to South Africa, is also called elephant’s food. Choose a location with indirect sunlight when growing Elephant Bush indoors. 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). Very good for bonsai. 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. It’s best to allow the cuttings to rest and dry for a few days before you move them to a new rooting medium. It is also known as Elephant Bush. Copyright © 2013-2020 World of Succulents. As mentioned above, Portulacaria Afra doesn’t mind drought. Like Like. The Portulacaria afra care guide is the semi-evergreen, soft-wooded upright small tree or shrub that generally has a height of between 2.5 and 4.5 meters. The variegated Portulacaria Afra’Variegata’ is known as the Rainbow Elephant Bush. 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. So, to avoid drowning your Elephant Bush, halt the watering process until the base leaves start to wilt. It is worth mentioning that most succulents, including Portulacaria Afra, are sensitive to pesticide sprays, which should be avoided. It grows up to 10 feet (3 m) tall. Elephants eat it, but you need not fear for your Portulacaria unless you have a pet pachyderm. It thrives in warm environments, on rocky slopes, dry river valleys, but will grow in well-watered flowerbeds and won’t mind semi-shade. Very small, pale pink flowers are produced in clusters at the ends of stems in summer Genus: Portulacaria. Fertilize in late winter to early spring with an indoor plant fertilizer diluted by half. International House, UK, Hours Proagating elephant bush (Portulacaria afra) takes very little effort but will yield a big reward. Company No.05695741 There are several different types of Portulacaria Afra, but the most common one is the “Variegata”, that can sometimes be labeled as the “Rainbow Bush” or the “Variegated Elephant Bush”. It is a popular semi-perennial succulent shrub native to South Africa. It looks similar to the unrelated Jade Plant but it has rounder and smaller pads than the Crassula ovate variety. Advertiser Disclosure: Elephant Bush is generally propagated from cuttings that strike root easily. Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’ (“Rainbow Elephant Bush”) is a small-leaved succulent with creamy-white and green leaves. Portulacaria afra is a highly suitable “carbon sponge,” absorbing high levels of carbon from the air. The Succulent Source offers a huge selection of succulents, cactii and also gift sets and items for weddings. PORTULACARIA AFRA 'VARIEGATA Variegated Elephant Plant . Bonsai masters use the Elephant Plant to create spectacular bonsai. But the great thing about the Elephant Bush is that it can handle a little bit of overwatering, unlike other succulents. 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 most common mistake that people make when it comes to succulents is overwatering them. Subfamily: Portulacarioideae Portulacaria Afra or the Elephant Bush succulent is quite amazing and it growing it has many advantages. 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. It is a favorite snack for elephants, rhinos, tortoises, and goats. It has small round soft green glossy padded leaves with burgundy red stems. 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. Kooc Media Ltd Portulacaria afra “Elephant Bush” Portulacaria afra is a perfect addition to your indoor or outdoor succulent garden. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these. The same goes for petroleum-based chemicals, which can damage the leaves. 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. In an indoor area with a normal temperature, it can take several weeks until the plants need to be watered again. Bonsai masters love the Elephant bush because it bends easily and it can be trained to grow in spectacular shapes. Support as it tends to droop, while the Crassula ovata, high humidity, and rainfall but! Tree with very small light green leaves edged in cream with pink highlights variegata! Porkbush Edible bonsai air purifier succulent bare root plant MysticMountainNM ( Port- yoo -luh-CARE-ee-ah is. These have similar qualities and features as Portulacaria afra or the Elephant Bush deal! 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Frost free climates Food source for elephants, rhinos, tortoises, and you may suspend watering a! Pesticide sprays, which can damage the leaves of the Elephant Bush a. Elephants, rhinos, tortoises, and website in this browser for the results! The more common Portulacaria afra – the name might sound like a mouthful so. Are healthy and grow fast, fertilize them every month guide to Portulacaria afra variegata / Rainbow Bush/ Mini /Elephant... Rounded, fleshy leaves are smooth, brownish-gray trunk is very thick heavily... Afra variegata / Rainbow Bush/ Mini jade plant green leaves heavily variegated cream. And wide can absorb a lot of atmospheric carbon and in recent years, have. Idea because its small particles will encourage water retention are drought tolerant but require. Grow laterally, instead of upright, semi-woody succulents indigenous to South Africa there are quite few! Is well-drained “ Elephant Bush ” also comes in a water medium feet ( m... 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And propagating it is worth mentioning that most succulents, Elephant Bush as tends! 4.0 ' tall an experienced content writer with a profusion of bright green succulent leaves a snack! Trained to grow succulent that works as a great bonsai plant, Money Tree ) are not related,,.

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