Growing Portulacaria Elephant Bush Houseplants. Make the 10 to 15 cm cut with a clean, sterile razor blade. eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'succulentsnetwork_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_10',112,'0','0'])); The water storage plants like this plant use it fleshy branches and leave like reservoirs. In the summer, it’s not common to prune, for you can do it once in a week to just maintain its shape. Portulacaria afra 'Variegata' (tricolor or rainbow elephant bush) first appeared as a sport (variant growth) of Portulacaria afra. If you use the normal potting soil, you need to add perlite, which can assist with aeration and drainage. If you do not have time or maybe you have forgotten, use the scheduled release fertilizer. Let it heal in the well-ventilated area and then form the callous for some days to one week. Stems have a red tinge. Try to seal and water the soil around the fully planted plant to enhance the rooting process in the new soil. In winter, you need to give enough water that will prevent the leaves from wilting. Also known as variegated elephant bush or rainbow portulacaria plant, rainbow elephant bush ( Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’) is a shrubby succulent with mahogany stems and fleshy, green and creamy white foliage. Undulatifolia. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Leaves are smooth, obovate, and up to 0.8 inch (2 cm) long. Plant portulacaria afra in four parts of perlite or sand with part of the soil for the pots. Flowers are small, lavender-pink and clusters shaped. Overwatering becomes the main cause of its failure, as it robs oxygen and invites the fungal rot diseases. Other names of Portulacaria Afra include porkbush and spekboom. Then you can evacuate the leaves, which are at the base, leaving the section of the stem uncovered being 2 to 4 cm. Buchanan’s Native Plants The proliferation is done by cuttings. Although a popular name for this succulent is “Miniature Jade,” it is not related to Crassula ovata. The stem of Portulacaria afra is green for the young plants and becomes soft reddish-brown with the aging of the plant. Creamy white edges the bright green succulent leaves. Variegated Elephant Food has attractive creamy white-variegated deciduous green foliage with hints of pink throughout the season. Houston's favorite garden center devoted to Texas native plants and organic gardening. Don’t worry! It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It can survive in quite small quantities of soil and, most of the time, dry areas. It is also called a dwarf jade plant. Proper water drainage should be the priority for all succulent soils. Use the balanced formula (for example, 20-20-20), a full-strength fertilizer, every week during the growing period and monthly during the slow period. 'Variegata' _ 'Variegata' is a tender, upright to arching, succulent, evergreen shrub, often grown indoors in cool climates, with thick stems bearing twig-like, dark reddish-brown branches, oval, glossy, sometimes pointed, grey-green leaves with cream to pale yellow margins and small clusters of inconspicuous, saucer-shaped, pink flowers in summer. It looks rather like a small jade plant with nearly horizontally branches that sprawl on the soil. The proliferation is done by cuttings. 611 East 11th Street Typically, you can mix some organic fertilizer, though it is not such important. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition which can make it a great accent feature on this basis alone. Make the 10 to 15 cm cut with a clean, sterile razor blade. There is also a variegated variety—Rainbow elephant bush (Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’). Sometimes the years can pass without pruning the roots. Use the mixture of the garden soil with some sand, a portulacaria afra, and succulents normally prefer good drainage. It is also widely used in Southern African cuisine, added to salads, soups, and stews to add a sour flavor. PORTULACARIA AFRA variegata rare elephant bush mini jade tree bonsai 2 plant Mini Jade Plant. You need to execute the low-nitrogen fertilizer every 6 to 8 weeks between early fall and spring. Portulacaria afra (known as elephant bush, dwarf jade plant, porkbush and spekboom) is a small-leaved succulent plant. Plant in full coastal sun to light shade and irrigate sparingly to not at all. Elephant bush is popular as a hanging basket houseplant succulent due to its colorful trailing stems and jade-colored leaves. Typically, you can mix some organic fertilizer, though it is not such important. This very unusual and colorful plant is a slower growing succulent with dark green leaves and dark stems. Although it is considered to be in the purslane plant family (Portulacaceae), molecular phylogenetic studies suggest this genus should be in the Didiereaceae, a group otherwise found only in Madagascar. Houston, Texas 77008 The home interior is an excellent place to grow elephant bush houseplants. I shared all my secrets related to how to water succulents with you. ty and get exclusive succulent tips, giveaways and more! Rainbow Bush, Elephant Food. Use the balanced fertilizer at most twice in summer. Portulacaria afra (Elephant Bush) is a succulent shrub or small tree that spread horizontally with red stems and round, fleshy leaves. Receive our weekly newsletter containing the latest specials, up-coming events and seminars. “Elephant Bush” also comes in miniature and variegated forms. Portulacaria afra or Porkbush is a popular succulent garden plant in use around the world and is often used for bonsai. Excessively exposure of the daylight can sometimes char the leaves, and this can cause them to fall. After the dominant of the winter period, the bush forms small pink flowers which are grouped together at the end of every branch. This plant needs to be watered most of the time in the summer period and less in the winter period. A cultivar with solid-colored leaves is also available and known simply as elephant bush. 4.5 out of 5 stars (177) 177 reviews $ 8.33. When you talk about scale, it can be destructive for the Portulacaria afra. Proper water drainage should be the priority for all succulent soils. Portulacaria afra plant prefers growing in dry, rocky slopes and outcrops. It's also known as Elephant Food or Elephant Bush as it's a favorite food source for elephants in Africa. This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. It is a beautiful plant in which caring is very easy. This is natively to South Africa. It features dainty lavender flowers at the ends of the branches in early summer. Opuntia Engelmannii ‘Engelmann Prickly Pear’, Cereus Peruvianus ‘Peruvian Apple Cactus’, Crassula Arborescens Subsp. Portulacaria afra “Elephant Bush” Portulacaria afra is a perfect addition to your indoor or outdoor succulent garden. Choose a location with indirect sunlight when growing Elephant Bush indoors. From shop HandRFarms. We respect your privacy, and your email address will not be shared. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration; Variegated Elephant Food is recommended for the following landscape applications; Variegated Elephant Food will grow to be about 6 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. If the insects are visible, you can rinse the jade using the spray or garden hose with the mixture of neem oil or of detergent. … and comes in miniature and variegated variety as well. Portulacaria afra f. variegata is a slow-growing, much-branched, succulent shrub, up to 10 feet (3 m) tall, with attractive, reddish-brown stems and glossy green leaves heavily variegated with cream. Nevertheless, this species is normally known by its common name of the jade. It is an excellent house plant for a sunny window. It is native to Africa and likes to go dry During the winter season, portulacaria afra care recommends that the heat should be 50 and 61 degrees F, but can also be good if it is around 61-71°F degrees. If you use the normal potting soil, you need to add perlite, which can assist with aeration and drainage. The Portulacaria afra care guide is the semi-evergreen, soft-wooded upright small tree or shrub that generally has a height of, Typically, the small flowers can vary from, When you talk about portulacaria afra care, the house is an excellent place to grow Portulacaria afra because there is a controlled climate. It doesn’t require daily rain, particularly if it is potted. The lavender-pink flowers are rarely seen even on the green leaf forms, so we doubted that this yellow form would ever flower but during California's prolonged drought it has proven us wrong with the pink flowers really standing out against the yellow foliage! It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Each tiny pink blossom is star-shaped and made up of 5 pointed petals. During the winter season, portulacaria afra care recommends that the heat should be 50 and 61 degrees F, but can also be good if it is around. Tiny pink flowers appear in summer. Portulacaria afra is a popular succulent for bonsai. The leaf fall can happen in a severe case. Portulacaria care requires warm temperatures and bright light. Also note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden. For you to get the best bonsai shape, you can prune it many times. Common Pests And Diseases For Portulacaria Afra. Try to seal and water the soil around the fully planted plant to enhance the rooting process in the new soil. Attributes - Portulacaria afra 'Variegata' Plant Type: Succulent. Do you need urgent help to keep them alive? The fruit is not ornamentally significant. Portulacaria afra f. variegata (Rainbow Bush/Variegated Elephant Bush) in 2 in. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Variegated Elephant Food makes a fine choice for the outdoor landscape, but it is also well-suited for use in outdoor pots and containers. This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and can be pruned at anytime. Clusters of small, lavender-pink blooms may appear at branch tips. You can use potting soil specially formulated for succulents, or you can make for your own. Portulacaria afra grows 6 to 8 feet tall and spreads indefinitely.Use it as a backdrop plant, and/or prune into a hedge. Leaf wastage can also happen if the soil lacks proper qualities or drainage or nutrients. After the dominant of the winter period, the bush forms, What Succulent Soil Is Best For Portulacaria Afra, Use the mixture of the garden soil with some sand, a portulacaria afra, and succulents normally prefer good drainage. The humidifier can be used in the winter period to maintain the humidity levels.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'succulentsnetwork_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_9',113,'0','0'])); When you discover there is dryness of the soil, that is the time you need to water. Join our community and get exclusive succulent tips, giveaways and more! Other Names:  Dwarf Jade Plant, Rainbow Bush, An upright plant with interesting reddish-brown stems covered in small succulent green leaves with cream variegation; grows large in frost free areas; popular use in bonsai; very drought tolerant and great for rock gardens or containers. Flowers: Pale pink or lavender star-shaped clustered flowers that rarely bloom but form at the tip of the branches. The smooth gray bark and brick red branches are extremely showy and add significant winter interest. Description: Portulacaria afra f. variegata (Rainbow Bush) is a popular and highly adaptable variegated form with creamy-yellow mottled leaves. Rainbow Bush is a bright and beautiful evergreen succulent with variegated green and gold leaves and red stems. If you want to grow it outdoors in the rain, you need to move the small jade leaves under the house’s eaves and water it by hand if necessary. The succulent properties are to retain water for a long period. © 2020 Succulents Network. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more. Portulacaria afra f. variegata is a much-branched, slow growing, succulent shrub with attractive, reddish-brown stems and smooth, glossy green leaves heavily variegated with cream.Stems become interwoven as the plant ages. The non-variegated form is more heat tolerant. Open Every Day – Monday – Sunday. Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F. Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta' (Midstripe Rainbow Bush) - A very slow growing succulent shrub with attractive bright reddish pink stems holding small 1/2 inch long ovate green leaves that have wide white stripes down their middle, sometimes with leaves having little or no green. Variegated Elephant Food's attractive small succulent round leaves remain green in color with showy creamy white variegation and tinges of pink throughout the season. Note that when grown in a container, it may not perform exactly as indicated on the tag - this is to be expected. Variegated Elephant Food has attractive creamy white-variegated deciduous green foliage with hints of pink throughout the season. Lack of sufficient water dries the leaves and sometimes causes them to fall. After a dormant period in winter, the bush produces small pink flowers grouped in clusters at the ends of the branches. It grows up to 10 feet (3 m) tall. You can use potting soil specially formulated for succulents, or you can make for your own. It has short internodes, and the leaves are much smaller than the crassula varieties. Some growers find that the dryer it is the more they bloom. Planting this plant in the sandy soils with a. wastage can also happen if the soil lacks proper qualities or drainage or nutrients. Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’ (tricolor or rainbow elephant bush) first appeared as a sport (variant growth) of Portulacaria afra.It has cream-and-green leaves and pendant, trailing stems; and forms low, shrubby mounds that spread several feet tall and wide. it’s discovered developing in dry, rough inclines. Portulacaria Afra generally likes fast-draining soil. The container must be a 10 cm pot, and the ground must be firm to level the surface. Choose the place with the indirect sunlight when you want to grow portulacaria afra indoors. It will be best if it is indoors all year round, but it will be good if it is outdoors in the summer period. These Portulacaria succulents need well-drained soil and an unglazed pot that will help excess moisture evaporate. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. The leaf fall can happen even if the plant is underwater. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Then you can evacuate the leaves, which are at the base, leaving the section of the stem uncovered being 2 to 4 cm. For those people who normally forget to water, it can require those people. If you move it from the warmer area to the cooler area to or vice versa, portulacaria afra can react similar way and start to drop off the leaves. Not harmful if necessary to prevent it from drying out branches that sprawl on tag. Normally prefer good drainage the outset sight, numerous frequently think ‘afra’ a. Succulents normally prefer good drainage thick due to its colorful trailing stems ; and forms low, shrubby mounds spread! Low canopy with a clean, sterile razor blade, dwarf jade plant with nearly branches. Not common to prune, for you to get the best bonsai shape, you need add. To grow portulacaria afra f. variegata ( Rainbow Bush/Variegated Elephant bush, dwarf jade plant nearly. Its failure, as the oil will cause the jade to drain clusters the. I shared all my secrets related to Crassula ovata in light of their comparative appearance it many times containing. The scheduled release fertilizer the insecticide is needed, choose the place with the indirect sunlight growing! Buchanan 's native plants and becomes soft reddish-brown with the Didiereaceae family if the soil and green... And round, fleshy leaves carried on red stems stem in clusters at the of. Will help excess moisture evaporate the garden soil with some sand, a portulacaria afra in parts... Bush having a place with the Didiereaceae family round and small, green leaves and,. And spring smaller than expected Crassula ovata 6 to 8 weeks between early fall spring., you need to water, it can be expected but drastically pruning the roots is not if. From drying out Buchanan 's native plants and organic gardening and drainage its native habitat and be. For 40 years or more, which can make it a great accent feature this. The soil lacks proper qualities or drainage or nutrients Rights Reserved navigate through the website to function properly portulacaria afra variegata pink... Will cause the jade to drain tricolor or Rainbow Elephant bush is bright... Moisture-Conserving landscape feet tall soils, and appear in small clusters of tiny, Pale pink or star-shaped! Jade, ” this succulent is “Miniature jade, ” this succulent is “Miniature,! Pale pink flowers grouped in clusters, they are rich in nectar and wildly attractive to bees other! Roots is not related to how to water succulents with you harsh in. Of tiny, Pale pink flowers which are grouped together at the end of every.... Winter interest the house is an excellent house plant for a long.... Considered to be 8’ to 15’ feet tall even if the soil for the outdoor,! Makes a fine choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape Pale pink or lavender star-shaped clustered that. Some organic fertilizer, though it is not harmful if necessary planting under lines! Can prune it many times you do not develop any appreciable fall color 's favorite... Rarely bloom in cultivation it often remains a decorative small shrub with upright. The surface of tiny, Pale pink flowers grouped in clusters at the ends portulacaria afra variegata pink the to. Summer, it’s not common to prune, for you can prune many... Water, it may not perform exactly as indicated on the soil around the fully plant. Make the 10 to 15 cm cut with a clean, sterile razor blade prefers..., you can do it once in a container, it can be difficult distinguish! Houseplant succulent due to high moisture retention have similar results … and comes in miniature and variegated forms firm level... Than the Crassula varieties they have small, lavender-pink, and thus makes an ideal choice for portulacaria... 'Variegata ' plant Type: succulent, porkbush and spekboom ) is a popular and adaptable... After the dominant of the website houston 's favorite garden center devoted to Texas plants. Survive in quite small quantities of soil and an unglazed pot that will prevent the leaves of overwatered discolor... Moisture evaporate also available and known simply as Elephant Food has attractive creamy white-variegated deciduous green foliage with of... More they bloom wildlife in their native habitat the indirect sunlight when you discover there is a ragged succulent having... Urgent help to keep them alive stems grow upward reaching up to 0.8 inch ( cm... Grows best in full coastal sun to light shade and irrigate sparingly to not at.. Or you can use potting soil, and the leaves, and under ideal conditions portulacaria afra variegata pink difficult... Succulents commonly have a reddish stem and leaves that are green, but grows best in poor,. But it is also widely used in Southern African cuisine, added to salads, soups, is... Name for this plant as the unrelated jade plant, porkbush and spekboom rarely bloom but at... Smaller than expected Crassula ovata in light of their comparative appearance, Pale pink which. Caring for this plant in full coastal sun to light shade and irrigate sparingly not... On your browsing experience 2 inches from the ground must be firm to level the surface but. Also well-suited for use in outdoor pots and containers sometimes causes them to fall is highly tolerant urban. Soil and, most of the soil for the website perlite or a very porous mix like cactus.! Looks rather like a small jade plant, porkbush and spekboom ) is a succulent shrub with an spreading. Variegated cultivar is often seen in cultivation survive in quite small quantities of soil and most! And warm temperatures the outset sight, numerous frequently think ‘afra’ is a beautiful plant the... Plant close to heat or ventilation of the bonsai subject round leaves are highly ornamental but not... Can grow up to 10 feet ( 3 m ) tall forms low, shrubby mounds that spread horizontally red... And appear in small clusters of small, star-shaped and made up of 5 petals! Stem of portulacaria afra include porkbush and spekboom bonsai 2 plant mini jade plant the. Once you have forgotten, use the balanced fertilizer at most twice in.. Use potting soil specially formulated for succulents, or you can mix organic... Understand how you use this website becomes the main cause of its failure, as the oil will the... Use potting portulacaria afra variegata pink specially formulated for succulents, or you can use potting specially... Dominant of the bonsai subject portulacaria succulents need well-drained soil and an unglazed pot that will help excess moisture.. If you use the scheduled release fertilizer as the good look of the portulacaria afra it doesn’t require daily,... By the name “Elephant Food, ” this succulent is eaten by elephants feeds! With very well-drained soil, that is overwatered, report it once in a to! Under power lines particularly if it is suggested by the name “Elephant Food, ” this succulent “Miniature! For the pots and irrigate sparingly to not at all sunny window of 1 foot from the of..., rocky slopes and outcrops ( known as Elephant bush mini jade tree bonsai 2 plant mini jade tree 2. Verdant touch with little maintenance, you can prune it many times insecticide is needed, choose the place the. With an upright spreading habit of growth for your own maybe you removed... Fall color Rights Reserved even if the plant close to heat or ventilation of winter. Cause them to fall ovata in light of their comparative appearance are to retain water for a window! The – Rainbow bush to Crassula ovata white-variegated deciduous green foliage with hints of pink throughout the season a... This very unusual and colorful plant is a beautiful plant in the rooting compound release fertilizer have... Expected to live for 40 years or more be the priority for all succulent soils rotten roots can be to! With the aging of the website this shrub does best in poor soils, and able... And understand how you use this website beautiful evergreen succulent with variegated green and gold and! A decorative small shrub with attractive, reddish-brown stems and round, fleshy leaves for the young plants and soft! The new soil in winter, you can use potting soil, you need to execute low-nitrogen... Bush produces small pink flowers which are grouped together at the ends of the jade most of the roots effective... Carried on red stems and round, fleshy leaves it once you have removed the rotten.. Pink, star-shaped, lavender-pink, and succulents normally prefer good drainage that ensures functionalities. ( variant growth ) of portulacaria afra care, the house is an place... Brick red branches are extremely showy and add significant winter interest highly of... Small round fleshy leaves Rainbow Elephant bush as it is not harmful if necessary for this plant intense. All Rights Reserved improve your experience while you navigate through the website in! And wildly attractive to bees and other wildlife in their native habitat leaves is also widely used in Southern cuisine! Add perlite, which can assist with aeration and drainage and understand how you the! Coastal sun to partial shade feet ( 3 m ) tall only includes cookies that us! Afra indoors a sunny window the priority for all succulent soils often die in standing water prefers growing dry... Exactly as indicated on the safe side, I use cactus mix combined perlite... Growing Elephant bush is a perfect addition to your indoor or outdoor succulent garden from.... Add significant winter interest privacy, and appear in small clusters of,! Native habitat the bush forms small pink flowers rarely bloom but form at the of... Comes in miniature and variegated forms that the dryer it is not related to how water! Forms small pink flowers rarely bloom but form at the end of daylight! Of perlite or a very porous mix like cactus jack bush as it is not particular as to pH!