Picture by Gardening Know How
Basic Info
Portulacaria Afra is also known as ‘Elephant Bush’. As the plant matures you can expect it to reach up to 3.6 m (12ft) tall. The plant most notable feature are the green leaves with red stem that stretches all around the plant.
Scientific Classification
Family: Portulacaceae
Subfamily: Portulacarioideae
Genus: Portulacaria
Care and Propagation Information
Watering
Portulacaria Afra ‘Elephant Bush’ can be quite beautiful when it is well-taken care off. This succulent type needs less watering than other succulents. The watering method is very important to keep your Elephant Bush healthy. It should not sit on the water, and an excess amount of water should be avoided. The best way of watering is soak and dry method this succulent. Yet, the succulent should be controlled to avoid overwatering.
General Care for Portulacaria Afra ‘Elephant Bush’
This succulent type is a rare one which blooms in the spring. When it blooms, you will enjoy pink-orange flowers. It is a nice addition to your outside garden!
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Quick Facts:
- Prefers full suns
- Can be grown both indoor and outdoor
- Grows 3.6m (12 ft) tall
- Grows up to 60 cm (24″) wide
- Can die easily if overwatered see: How to Water Succulent Plants
- Does not handle cold well
- Plant zone 10 1.7°C (or 30°F)
- Best propagated by cuttings
- Generally not known to be toxic to people or animals
- Grows best during Spring and Fall
Where to Plant
Porulacaria Afra is a succulent that needs strong light. When planting the Elephant Bush in a garden, make sure it gets sunlight. Full to partial sun is the best for its growth. It is better to grow outdoor rather than indoor.
This type of succulent prefers a warm climate. It can survive at zone 10a which is around 1.7 °C (30°F). If you live in a cold area, it is better to plant Portulacaria Afra ‘Elephant Bush’ in an indoor environment. As long as it gets enough sunlight, the plant will grow happily.
How to Propagate Portulacaria Afra ‘Elephant Bush’
Portulacaria Afra ‘Elephant Bush’ can be propagated by offsets or seeds. Propagating by seeds would be difficult since this succulent is a difficult type to grow. This slow-growing succulent type does not require repotting often. Of course, the first-time repotting is essential when it is bought from the store.
Like all the other succulent types, a well-drained soil mixture is essential. If you want to know about well-drained soil mixtures, check How to Prepare Well-drained Soil for Succulent Plants.
Offsets
Portulacaria Afra ‘Elephant Bush’ propagates from the offsets. To be able to propagate from the mother plant, you should wait several years for the main plant to produce an offset. To start this process, use a sharp knife and remove an offset from the main plant. When you remove the offset, clean the extra soil from it. Before replanting, wait for a few days to allow it to callous. Use well-draining soil for your new succulent plant. Don’t forget to water when the soil dries out.
Seeds
This succulent type is a slow grower so even if it can be propagated by its seeds, this method is not recommended. To propagate from the seeds, plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mixture. This method can be used outdoors. In cooler areas, indoor propagating is recommended.
Origin and Habitat
Porulacaria Afra is known to be native to South Africa. More specifically Cape Province, Transvaal and KwaZulu as well as Swaziland
