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. Portulacaria afra is a popular succulent for bonsai. The reddish-brown stems grow upward reaching up to be 8’ to 15’ feet tall. When you discover there is dryness of the soil, that is the time you need to water. 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. You can use potting soil specially formulated for succulents, or you can make for your own. The small succulent round leaves are highly ornamental but do not develop any appreciable fall color. After the dominant of the winter period, the bush forms small pink flowers which are grouped together at the end of every branch. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. If the plant becomes too fleshy and begins to lean over, you need to water it less. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. Flowers: Pale pink or lavender star-shaped clustered flowers that rarely bloom but form at the tip of the branches. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition which can make it a great accent feature on this basis alone. Portulacaria afra 'Variegata' (tricolor or rainbow elephant bush) first appeared as a sport (variant growth) of Portulacaria afra. Caring for this plant requires intense light and warm temperatures. Bloom spring to early summer. It can be propagated by cuttings; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation. Rinse using plain water. 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. Recent research has shown P. afra is an excellent carbon sponge, with the ability to efficiently use more carbon from the air than most other plants (since it can use both normal and CAM pathways to grow despite adverse climatic cond… Bloom spring to early summer. It is a beautiful plant in which caring is very easy. Overwatering becomes the main cause of its failure, as it robs oxygen and invites the fungal rot diseases. In their natural habitat they bear soft pink … Variegated Elephant Food is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Typically, the small flowers can vary from purple to pale pink and bloom only in winter when this plant notices changes in the level of the sunlight. It has short internodes, and the leaves are much smaller than the crassula varieties. The stem of Portulacaria afra is green for the young plants and becomes soft reddish-brown with the aging of the plant. It features dainty lavender flowers at the ends of the branches in early summer. Although a popular name for this succulent is “Miniature Jade,” it is not related to Crassula ovata. Houston's favorite garden center devoted to Texas native plants and organic gardening. ty and get exclusive succulent tips, giveaways and more! You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Portulacaria care requires warm temperatures and bright light. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Opuntia Engelmannii ‘Engelmann Prickly Pear’, Cereus Peruvianus ‘Peruvian Apple Cactus’, Crassula Arborescens Subsp. Excessively exposure of the daylight can sometimes char the leaves, and this can cause them to fall. If the insecticide is needed, choose the non-petroleum-based, as the oil will cause the jade to drain. You need to execute the low-nitrogen fertilizer every 6 to 8 weeks between early fall and spring. It is an excellent house plant for a sunny window. Portulacaria afra or Porkbush is a popular succulent garden plant in use around the world and is often used for bonsai. When you talk about scale, it can be destructive for the Portulacaria afra. To be on the safe side, I use cactus mix combined with perlite or a very porous mix like cactus jack. Caring for this plant requires intense light and warm temperatures. Use the mixture of the garden soil with some sand, a portulacaria afra, and succulents normally prefer good drainage. Portulacaria afra “Elephant Bush” Portulacaria afra is a perfect addition to your indoor or outdoor succulent garden. In winter, you need to give enough water that will prevent the leaves from wilting. Portulacaria Afra-’Elephant Bush’ is native to South Africa. After a dormant period in winter, the bush produces small pink flowers grouped in clusters at the ends of the branches. They serve as food for elephants and other wildlife in their native habitat and can grow up to 20 feet tall. It doesn’t require daily rain, particularly if it is potted. Description. This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. You can also use an all-purpose potting soil (which is a cheaper alternative) and combine it with perlite, or a combination of these three materials I mentioned. It has dark green leaves which are round and small, opposite, and thick due to high moisture retention. Portulacaria afra is a highly suitable “carbon sponge,” absorbing high levels of carbon from the air. Portulacaria afra grows 6 to 8 feet tall and spreads indefinitely.Use it as a backdrop plant, and/or prune into a hedge. In cultivation it often remains a decorative small shrub with small round fleshy leaves carried on red stems. 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. Receive our weekly newsletter containing the latest specials, up-coming events and seminars. All Rights Reserved. Let it heal in the well-ventilated area and then form the callous for some days to one week. Each tiny pink blossom is star-shaped and made up of 5 pointed petals. The proliferation is done by cuttings. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. You can use potting soil specially formulated for succulents, or you can make for your own. Rainbow Bush is a bright and beautiful evergreen succulent with variegated green and gold leaves and red stems. Use the balanced fertilizer at most twice in summer. The flowers are pink, star-shaped and in small clusters. Avoid placing the plant close to heat or ventilation of the air conditioning to prevent it from drying out. The non-variegated form is more heat tolerant. In the summer, it’s not common to prune, for you can do it once in a week to just maintain its shape. After the dominant of the winter period, the bush forms small pink flowers which are grouped together at the end of every branch. Small clusters of tiny, pale pink flowers rarely bloom in cultivation. This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and can be pruned at anytime. Proper water drainage should be the priority for all succulent soils. Description: Portulacaria afra (Elephant's food or Dwarf jade plant) is a handsome little succulent tree, in dry regions, where it is also a valuable fodder plant. A cultivar with solid-colored leaves is also available and known simply as elephant bush. Borne at the end of the stem in clusters, they are rich in nectar and wildly attractive to bees and other insects. If you do not have time or maybe you have forgotten, use the scheduled release fertilizer. It is sometimes confused with Crassula ovata (Jade plant) because the plants look alike, but portulacaria leaves are smaller and the stems are wiry. Typically, you can mix some organic fertilizer, though it is not such important. Dainty lavender flowers at the ends of the branches Food or Elephant bush ( portulacaria afra often. Suitable for planting under power lines a small-leaved succulent plant the safe side, I cactus. Name for this succulent is “Miniature jade, ” it is an excellent place to grow portulacaria afra is for... 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