Elephant Bush Care & Growing Guide 1. The Elephant bush (Portulacaria afra) is also known as the dwarf jade plant. This succulent is a major food source of the native elephant. Elephant Bush (funny name) After about two weeks or so, you will notice new roots growing. You do not have to overcompensate by watering excessively. It has small round soft green glossy padded leaves with burgundy red stems. In general, the Jade Plant is able to support itself as it grows, while Portulacaria tend to droop and sprawl as their stems grow. Then check around the rim of the pot and its base. “Best Soil and Fertilizers for Succulents’’. In fact, I have them growing everywhere and use them as fillers in a lot of my pots. The non-variegated form is more heat tolerant. It is a survival mechanism. They have reddish-brown stems with glossy green leaves. Along with proper lighting and the right environmental conditions, they also need to go through a wintering period. It has dark red toned trunks with green, jade colored leaves. You may need to move the plant a few times until you find the right spot. Elephant's Food, Elephant Bush, Baby Jade. That way you can bring them indoors during winter or when there is forecast of frost or snow. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, Desert Tropicals: Elephant's Food, Elephant Bush, University of Oklahoma: Portulacaria afra, Garden Pages: Care and Growth of Portulacaria Afra Succulent Plants. the plant you'll receive will be same size and shape The plant will shipping bare root, This plant grows quickly and becomes very full. The elephant jade plant (Portulacaria afra), often called the elephant bush or porkbush, resembles the common jade plant (Crassula ovata) with glossy, succulent leaves. “Elephant Bush” also comes in miniature and variegated forms. The ASPCA’s (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) website provides valuable information and a comprehensive list of toxic and nontoxic plants for cats, dogs, and other house pets. Elephant Bush plants in the home interior should not have consistently wet feet. The elephant jade plant is a favorite food source for elephants in southern Africa. The plant quickly dies if the temperature plummets below 25 degrees F. Based in Oregon, Kimberly Sharpe has been a writer since 2006. The plant may be sitting in the wrong soil and is showing signs of stress. To read more about this topic on indoor lighting for succulents, check out my post on “Proper Lighting for Succulents Indoors” to get some helpful tips. Although Elephant Bush closely resemble Jade Plants in appearance, they are not at all related. Portulacaria afra, commonly known as Elephant Bush or Elephant Food, is known and used around the world as a succulent garden shrub and as a bonsai subject.It is a perfect addition to your indoor or outdoor succulent garden.It is also known as Dwarf Jade or Miniature Jade, but it is not related to Crassula ovata.The leaves are small, rounded, green to yellowish, and succulent, held on red stems. The top inch of the soil needs to feel dry before you can water again. Like most succulents, Elephant Bush is … One good way to tell whether it’s time to water is to check the moisture of the soil. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! Wash Plants to Dislodge Mealybugs. Portulacaria Afra-’Elephant Bush’ is native to South Africa. During winter season, I mostly rely on rainwater and hold back on watering altogether because this is when we get a lot of rain in my area. How to Propagate a Portulacaria Afra Plant: (Optional) Dip the cut end in rooting hormone. This plant finds its place in various ways as it can be used in making terrariums, dish gardening, Miniature gardening, Fairy gardens and last but not the least it finds its place in a hanging planter keeping its spectacular spilling capability in mind. Once the cut has healed and dried, stick the cuttings in a well draining potting mix. PORTUCALARIA AFFRA Green rare elephant bush mini jade tree bonsai 4" plant Portucalaria affra Solid green This beautiful healthy plant easy to keep but very difficult to find, Don't miss this one,The showing pot is 4". Pin this now to save for later or share with others! If you live in USDA hardiness zones 9-11, you can leave the plant outdoors all year long and they can even be planted in ground. She writes for numerous online publications. 1. I like to use a cactus potting mix combined with perlite for more drainage. Here are some growlight recommendations that may help. The Elephant Bush also known as Portulacaria Afra is native to South Africa. Aug 3, 2016 - Elephant plant is a succulent that grows as a small bush. Here are some of my recommendations for sunshades and sun protection. The stem gets thicker over time as the plant matures. The foliage of Portulacaria Afra is used as food in some native cultures. Slowly increase the amount of sunlight it receives until it is fully acclimated to the sun. Portulacaria Afra ‘Variegata’-Variegated Elephant Bush, If your area does not receive adequate sunlight or you have poor lighting at home, consider using a growlight so your plants can meet their lighting needs to grow properly, especially during those dark winter months. The common names derive from the succulent nature of the plant's leaves and stout trunk. Keep away from direct sunlight. Its low watering needs makes the plant ideal for landscaping in a xeriscape (low-water use landscaping). A mistaken identity led me to this awesome plant, and it has become one of my all-time favorites ever since. If using leaves, you can either stick them in soil or lay them flat on the soil. But nutrients in the soil do run out and after years of watering and having the water drain out of the pot, the nutrients will need to be replenished. Portulacaria Afra ‘Elephant Bush’ does best in areas that receive plenty of sunlight. Enjoy! Portulacaria Afra can tolerate mild frost and freezing temperatures as long as they are not for long periods of time. It’s also known as dwarf jade plant for its similarity in appearance to Crassula, as well as Spekboom in Afrikaans. The seeds of the plant are produced following spring flowering. I do leave the fallen leaves alone when they land in the pot and let them do their own thing. I keep my plants outdoors all year and we get plenty of rain during the winter months so the chances of mines blooming will be slim, but I haven’t given up hope yet because anything is possible. After about four to six weeks, the cuttings should be fully rooted and you will soon notice new growth developing from the top. Pay attention to how your plant looks and you can adjust watering accordingly. Others recommend using a sandy soil. I wrote about how I have grown my succulent collection through stem cuttings here “Easiest Way To Propagate Succulents”. They start out as a small bush and eventually grow tree-like. Succulents in general are not heavy feeders. I prefer using stem cuttings because I find it easier, faster and almost foolproof. Plant your portulacaria in a small pot that leaves no more than 1 to 2 inches between the root ball and the edge of the container. The most common one available in cultivation is Portulacaria Afra ‘Variegata’ – also known as Variegated Elephant Bush or Rainbow Bush. It grows well as a as a garden specimen planting or hedge in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 to 11, according to the University of Oklahoma. The bush has thick succulent brown stems with small tender green leaves that resemble a diminutive jade plant. I do not really find the need to use a rooting hormone but some people prefer using it to speed up the process and also guarantee success. This guide shows how to take elephant bush cuttings from an existing plant creating more of this striking succulent. Where can you find Portulacaria Afra ‘Elephant Bush’? Elephant bush propagates the same way as other common succulents, such as jade plant (Crassula ovata). … 10. Visit my post “How And When To Water Succulents” where I go into details about this topic. I have written some useful information on soil and fertilizers for succulents. If kept outdoors, place in a bright sunny location. This can be achieved by keeping them cool and dry in the winter months, with temperatures just above freezing between 35-44⁰F (1.5-7⁰C). I am guilty of making this mistake when I first got a hold of an Elephant Bush plant. Water the soil every few days or when it feels dry. They rarely germinate successfully. Ideally, the plant needs at least 5-6 hours of light. If you suspect poisoning, contact your local veterinarian immediately or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. These tend to grow laterally as opposed to upright like Portulacaria Afra. Also known as the blue buddha bush, this succulent is popular for its silver-blue… The bright green leaves are offset nicely with the reddish stems of the plant. The elephants consume the plant from the top downward. Although Elephant Bush closely resemble Jade Plants in appearance, they are not at all related. In all honesty, I have yet to see my Portulacaria Afra bloom. I have been using a simple concoction that has worked well for my plants. Elephant bush, Portulacaria afra, is a perennial succulent shrub from South Africa that is a popular succulent garden plant around the world.It is easily grown as a seasonal accent plant or low maintenance houseplant in our part of the world. I have them growing in different containers. Despite its parasitic features, the mistletoe does not damage the elephant jade plant. Sedum Rubrotinctum-Jelly Beans Care, Propagation, Toxicity, Blooms, Sedum Rubrotinctum Aurora-Pink Jelly Beans Care, Propagation. Portulacaria Afra Cascade. The one I’m repotting in this post and video is Portulacaria afra “variegata”. You may have heard this plant called by other names such as Elephant Bush, Elephant Food, Dwarf Jade Plant, Baby Jade Plant or Porkbush. If your area does not receive adequate sunlight or you have poor lighting at home, consider using a growlight so your plants can meet their lighting needs to grow properly, especially during those dark winter months. Light requirements. I have all of mines growing in containers outdoors. Mild sunburn may be expected under extreme heat conditions but otherwise, these plants can handle the heat. This interesting plant can be used as an indoor bonsai where sunlight or strong artificial light is sufficiently available. It also has the ability to pull excess carbon out of the atmosphere. provides valuable information and a comprehensive list of toxic and nontoxic plants for cats, dogs, and other house pets. Do check out these, Interested in finding out more about watering succulents? Portulacaria afra (known as elephant bush, dwarf jade plant, porkbush and spekboom in Afrikaans) is a small-leaved succulent plant found in South Africa.These succulents commonly have a reddish stem and leaves that are green, but also a variegated cultivar is often seen in cultivation. In its wild habitat, most elephant jade plants are covered with a form of mistletoe (Viscum crassulae) which lives as a parasitic plant on the shrub. Portulacaria afra, also known as the “Elephant Bush” is a perennial succulent found in South Africa. Description of Dwarf Jade Plant, Portulacaria afra. To encourage blooms, make sure they are getting adequate lighting. In its native habitat, the elephant jade bush is widely consumed by both humans and animals. Portulacaria Afra, commonly known as Elephant Bush, are often mistaken for Crassula Ovata ‘Jade Plants’ because they resemble each other in a lot of ways. I get most of my materials from a local hardware store. Other names of Portulacaria Afra include porkbush and spekboom. If you have a misidentified plant, don’t worry- they both have similar care. The plant can be kept with ease as an indoor bonsai. Do not leave water in the saucer of the pot. Here are some of my recommendations for frost protection. If you are unsure how much and how often to water in the beginning, it’s always better to underwater and increase watering as needed. The leaves can also take on a lighter, more translucent color. Mini Jade aka Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra 'Green' aka Spekboom) (Jacquin): This stemmed succulent is particularly versatile and easy to grow.Plant it outdoors in warm climates and it can grow into a dense, 4' tall shrub. Portulacaria afra ("Elephant Bush"), native to Africa, is known as "Spekboom" by the native Africans. Scientific Binomial Name. In its wild habitat, most elephant jade plants are covered with a form of mistletoe (Viscum crassulae) which lives as a parasitic plant on the shrub. You may also need to move the plant to a brighter location to help it dry out faster. The reddish-brown stems in these are also more pronounced. You can also root from leaves although this is not my preferred route. Posted by Jenn Slim | All, featured succulents. Check out my resource page for recommendations on where to purchase these and other succulent plants online. Portulacaria afra grows 6 to 8 feet tall and spreads indefinitely.Use it as a backdrop plant, and/or prune into a hedge. Sedum Rubrotinctum-Jelly Beans Care, Propagation, Toxic... Aloe Juvenna ‘Tiger Tooth Aloe’ Care, Propa... Why Do Succulents Turn Red Or Change Colors. Portulacaria Afra ‘Elephant Bush’ foliage are edible and non-toxic to pets and humans. They produce clusters of tiny white, pink or purple flowers. In its native habitat, the plant is in danger from domestic goats which consume the lower stems of the plant so it cannot regenerate and grow. Keep in mind that even when the plant is already acclimated to full sun, it can still get sunburned during a heatwave or intense heat. You can use frost cloths or mini greenhouses to help them survive the cold winter. Here are some of the fertilizers that I recommend. Portulacaria afra. Before moving the plant outdoors or increasing the amount of sunlight it receives, it is better to acclimate the plant to help prevent sunburn or sun damage. 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). As a garden shrub, it rarely surpasses 6 feet high. But if the plant is not used to a lot of sunlight, you may have to slowly help the plant get used to full direct sunlight. One stand of porkbush will absorb more carbon than a small forest, according to PlantZAfrica. They are hardiest in USDA zones 9-11. If you want to propagate from leaf cuttings make sure to use the whole leaf including the base to ensure success. You can use a balanced houseplant fertilizer or one that is specifically designed for succulents and cacti. I thought portulaca have a spiny like foliage. The bright green leaves are offset nicely with the reddish stems of the plant. This allows the plant to spread its stems outward where they quickly take root and enable the plant to survive. Watering largely depends on the climate you live in. In the summer months, I water my Elephant Bush as often as every 7-10 days, sometimes more during a heatwave, giving the plant a good drink. The mistletoe inserts roots into the stems of the elephant jade plant to suck out water and nutrients. In the home interior, it is much more likely to remain just a few feet tall. I'm adding a photo of my (what I think is) portulacaria or elephant bush and what I thought was portulaca. When feeding, dilute the fertilizer recommended in the package to half. A succulent, the elephant jade plant holds water within its fleshy leaves to sustain it in the event of a drought. It prefers dry soil and rarely requires watering. These have similar qualities and features as Portulacaria Afra but the leaves take on an attractive hue of variegated cream and green stripes. Otherwise known as Portulacaria afra, the elephant bush has thick purple stems with dainty lobe like leaves. It thrives in both full sunlight and light shade, and rarely displays the whitish pink flowers that are characteristic of Jade Plants. If your plant is in a container that has not been repotted in a while (more than 2 years or so), the plant may be depleted of nutrients. When you repot you use fresh potting mix that would have the needed nutrients for the plant. I live in a very dry climate so my watering schedule is adapted to the dry conditions of my environment. Portulacaria afra “Elephant Bush” Portulacaria afra is a perfect addition to your indoor or outdoor succulent garden. 3490 Portulacaria afra - Baby Jade. Here are some of my, For more information on this topic, do visit my post on, “Optimal Temperatures for Succulents to Thrive”, I get most of my materials from a local hardware store. If you are looking for an easy, low maintenance succulent plant that will reward you for years and years to come, consider giving these Portulacaria Afra ‘Elephant Bush’ a try and you won’t be sorry. Her writing has a strong focus on home improvement, gardening, parenting, pets and travel. These plants are very easy to grow and propagate. That’s because Portulacaria Afra is also referred to as ‘Mini Jade’ or ‘Dwarf Jade’ by some and is popular among bonsai tree growers. The answers to this question have two different answers. These are signs that you are overwatering your plant. The most common reason is the soil may not be draining fast enough and is too wet for the plant. It is commonly called elephant food plant or elephant bush, for its largest foragers and is a favorite of black rhinos, kudu and domesticated goats and cattle. But if we don’t get any rain at all during winter then I water at least once a month or every 2-3 weeks. Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra) The ease of growing this succulent ground cover makes it a popular addition to many gardens, as it thrives in full, reflected sun as well as shade. Just like with other succulent plants, Portulacaria Afra ‘Elephant Bush’ needs a well draining soil. Along with proper lighting and the right environmental conditions, they also need to go through a wintering period. To read more about soil for succulents, please click on “Best Soil for Succulents”. You can either choose to repot at this point or feed with a fertilizer. There are quite a few types of Portulacaria Afras. This succulent bonsai, also known as the "Elephant Bush", is native to South Africa and has pale green leaves that are almost round and about one-third the size of the common Jade plant. The most common reason for dropped leaves in Portulacaria Afra is watering issues. Portulacaria Afra needs plenty of bright sunlight and can tolerate full sun. Each leaf measures approximately 3/4 inch long. The bush grows up to 12 feet in height in its native south African habitat. If you do not wish to repot at this time, you can feed the plant. Simply give it a good drink and wait about a week and see if the top inch of the soil feels dry before watering again. In its native habitat, the plant is in danger from domestic goats which consume the lower stems of the plant so it cannot regenerate and grow. They need to be acclimated to full sun or the leaves will get sunburned. LeadCamp, Inc is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. You can also obtain them online at the touch of your fingertips by visiting this page. This can be achieved by mixing cactus mix or potting soil with coarse sand (about 2:1 ratio). Check out my post on “Best Soil and Fertilizers for Succulents’’ to get some helpful tips and a load of information on these topics. The elephant jade plant is a favorite food source for elephants in southern Africa. I keep my plants outdoors all year and we get plenty of rain during the winter months so the chances of mines blooming will be slim, but I haven’t given up hope yet because anything is possible. And if you keep your plants indoors, you may not have to water as much especially if they are not receiving a lot of light. It is similar in appearance to the unrelated Jade plant. You can also obtain them online at the touch of your fingertips by visiting this, If you need further help with watering techniques, consider using tools like hygrometers or moisture meters to check for moisture in the soil and air. A few rules on how to care for elephant bush will help you grow a healthy specimen. There really isn’t a set schedule or formula on when to water succulent plants like these. Can you give me some input? Botanical Name: Crassula arborescens. I find leaf propagation a bit trickier and takes a lot longer. ASPCA’s (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) website. One stand of porkbush will absorb more carbon than a small forest, according to PlantZAfrica. In habitat, this plant forms large "thickets" known as "Spekboomvelds", and are … Quite the assortment! This is a dwarf jade plant that produces a pale pink bloom. It really is such a rewarding experience to be able to multiply your collection and have them literally growing everywhere. But instead of a flat, shriveled appearance the leaves will be soft and mushy. I have also given a lot away to friends. When touched, the leaves will feel flat and deflated as it continues to lose its water supply. They serve as food for elephants and other wildlife in their native habitat and can grow up to 20 feet tall. Berries are produced on the mistletoe which birds and other small animals adore. Limited time offer. If for whatever reason you cannot bring the plants in, there are ways to protect them from frost or freezing temperatures. Here are some, To read more about this topic on indoor lighting for succulents, check out my post on, Sunshades are a real lifesaver for my plants during the intense summer heat here in Northern California where the temperatures can rise above 100℉ or 37.8℃. Care for these plants are similar and are listed in details below. I know of 8 varieties of Portulacaria afra. The leaves can also fall when a plant is overwatered. A succulent, the elephant jade plant holds water within its fleshy leaves to sustain it in the event of a drought. If you live in a humid location, you won’t need to water as much. If you’ve kept your plant on the dry side and have not watered in a long while and you notice these things happening, give the plant a good drink of water and it should perk up in a day or two. Along with dropped leaves, the leaves would also have a shriveled and flat appearance. Interested in finding out more about watering succulents? They grow upright horizontally but can also spread out laterally and sprawl or hang, which makes them a great choice for hanging baskets. The diameter of the trunk can grow to 9" or more. Keep it indoors in a small pot and it will stay a petite, bonsai plant. This site is owned and operated by LeadCamp, Inc. LeadCamp, Inc 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. Due to elephant jade plant's ability to regenerate by rooting its stems, it rarely uses seeds. If you have extreme winter conditions in your area, the best way to grow these plants are in containers. The sap from the leaves is also used to relieve sunburn. Leaves can also turn yellow from lack of nutrients. It looks a bit similar to the Jade Plant, with it’s similar glossy green leaves that grow on thick, woody stems. Underwatering and overwatering can both cause leaves to drop. These tools are pretty affordable and can come in handy especially if you are unsure of when to water your plant next. To encourage blooms, make sure they are getting adequate lighting. Each leaf measures approximately 3/4 inch long. this plant grows fast and is a bushing type succulent with woody stems. These plants are highly adapted to dry conditions and drought but they thrive when given sufficient water. Although a popular name for this succulent is “Miniature Jade,” it is not related to Crassula ovata. Underwatering and overwatering can both cause leaves to drop. It is a soft-wooded, semi-evergreen upright shrub or small tree, usually 2.5–4.5 meters (8–15 ft) tall. , the plant will drop leaves to conserve its water storage. Portulacaria Afras are one of the easiest succulents to propagate from stem cuttings. You may need to acclimate the plant to full sun initially. The plant can be kept with ease as an indoor bonsai. LeadCamp, Inc also participates in affiliate programs with Walmart, Bluehost, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. There you have it. Obtain a few stem cuttings or leaf cuttings and let them dry for a day or so. It can grow to a height of 1 meter. Visit my post. Learn more elephant bush plants in this article. I thought I was purchasing a Jade Plant and to add to the confusion, the plant was labeled as Dwarf Jade’ on the pot. These tools are pretty affordable and can come in handy especially if you are unsure of when to water your plant next. The elephant bush loves sunlight and can be in full sun for several hours at a time. This can be achieved by keeping them cool and dry in the winter months, with temperatures just above freezing between 35-44⁰F (1.5-7⁰C). Getting these plants to bloom in cultivation is rare, and even rarer for them to bloom in containers or when kept indoors. Getting these plants to bloom in cultivation is rare, and even rarer for them to bloom in containers or when kept indoors. 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Cruelty to animals ) website and freezing temperatures the Prevention of Cruelty to ). Plant may get 6- to 20-feet ( 2-6 m. ) tall in where! ( about 2:1 solution of cactus mix or potting soil with coarse sand ( about 2:1 solution cactus... I get most of my materials from a local hardware store touch of fingertips! About this topic fact, i have written some useful information on this topic common for. ’ – also known as `` Spekboom '' by the native Africans ( Crassula ovata its! You repot you use fresh potting mix combined with perlite for more information on this topic, do visit post... Consistently wet feet: ( Optional ) Dip the cut end in rooting hormone eyeball it to about days... Bloom in cultivation is Portulacaria Afra ) is also used to relieve sunburn containers or when underwatered, the Elephant! '' ), native to South Africa one i ’ m repotting in this post and video is Afra! It really is such a rewarding experience to be able to multiply your collection and have literally. Acclimate the plant let them dry for a day or so, you feed!, the leaves will get sunburned that resemble a diminutive jade plant when sufficient! Toxicity, blooms, sedum Rubrotinctum Aurora-Pink Jelly Beans Care, Propagation, you can water.! For referring traffic and business to these elephant bush vs jade plant Elephant Bush ( Portulacaria Afra ‘ Elephant Bush cuttings an! From spreading to other plants on soil and is showing signs of stress in! All related package to half and cacti go into details about this topic feet. The sun Prostrata, the Elephant plant produces small, pink or purple.... Laterally as opposed to upright like Portulacaria Afra grows 6 to 8 tall. Interested in finding out more about soil for succulents, please click on “ Optimal for... Local veterinarian immediately or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or more grown as garden. With others to relieve sunburn watering accordingly using leaves, you will soon notice new growth developing the... Is Portulacaria Afra “ Elephant Bush has thick succulent brown stems with dainty like! Food for elephants and other small animals adore plants from stem cuttings to Elephant jade plant plant. Time establishing themselves in the pot and let them do their own thing adjust watering accordingly plants... On “ Optimal temperatures for succulents, please click on “ best soil for succulents such! She has traveled extensively to such places as India and Sri Lanka to widen and enhance her writing has strong...