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. The diameter of the trunk can grow to 9" or more. I have also given a lot away to friends. Isolating plants prevents the bugs from spreading to other plants. A succulent, the elephant jade plant holds water within its fleshy leaves to sustain it in the event of a drought. 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. Enjoy! 3490 Portulacaria afra - Baby Jade. It has dark red toned trunks with green, jade colored leaves. The foliage has a bitter taste. These tend to grow laterally as opposed to upright like Portulacaria Afra. Light requirements. Portulacaria Afras are one of the easiest succulents to propagate from stem cuttings. Obtain a few stem cuttings or leaf cuttings and let them dry for a day or so. The most common reason for yellow leaves is cultural problems. How to Propagate a Portulacaria Afra Plant: (Optional) Dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Make sure the pot drains well. Once the cut has healed and dried, stick the cuttings in a well draining potting mix. this plant grows fast and is a bushing type succulent with woody stems. I do not use exact measurements but eyeball it to about 2:1 solution of cactus mix and perlite. The elephant jade plant grows well in full sunlight. 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. They produce clusters of tiny white, pink or purple flowers. Visit my post. One good way to tell whether it’s time to water is to check the moisture of the soil. This guide shows how to take elephant bush cuttings from an existing plant creating more of this striking succulent. You may need to acclimate the plant to full sun initially. But the other answer claims this is Portulacaria Afra a.k.a. 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. There you have it. The leaves can also take on a lighter, more translucent color. This interesting plant can be used as an indoor bonsai where sunlight or strong artificial light is sufficiently available. The most common reason for dropped leaves in Portulacaria Afra is watering issues. The bright green leaves are offset nicely with the reddish stems of the plant. The seeds have a difficult time establishing themselves in the arid, dry dirt of the plants native habitat. Portulacaria Afra ‘Elephant Bush’ foliage are edible and non-toxic to pets and humans. If caring for the plant indoors, provide the brightest light possible in the house. The foliage of Portulacaria Afra is used as food in some native cultures. In all honesty, I have yet to see my Portulacaria Afra bloom. It really is such a rewarding experience to be able to multiply your collection and have them literally growing everywhere. She has traveled extensively to such places as India and Sri Lanka to widen and enhance her writing and knowledge base. During a drought or when. 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). If you suspect poisoning, contact your local veterinarian immediately or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. 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". The elephant jade plant is a favorite food source for elephants in southern Africa. Its low watering needs makes the plant ideal for landscaping in a xeriscape (low-water use landscaping). As a garden shrub, it rarely surpasses 6 feet high. It also has the ability to pull excess carbon out of the atmosphere. 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. I find leaf propagation a bit trickier and takes a lot longer. If you suspect this to be the case, remove the plant from its current soil and repot in a more suitable potting mix that drains well. To encourage blooms, make sure they are getting adequate lighting. You can either choose to repot at this point or feed with a fertilizer. For more information on this topic, do visit my post on “Optimal Temperatures for Succulents to Thrive”. the plant you'll receive will be same size and shape The plant will shipping bare root, It is a survival mechanism. It is very easy to propagate these plants from stem cuttings. 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. Portulacaria Afra a.k.a Elephant Bush a.k.a Miniature Jade. You may also need to move the plant to a brighter location to help it dry out faster. 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. Each leaf measures approximately 3/4 inch long. I get most of my materials from a local hardware store. 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. Along with proper lighting and the right environmental conditions, they also need to go through a wintering period. Ideally, the plant needs at least 5-6 hours of light. 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 may have heard this plant called by other names such as Elephant Bush, Elephant Food, Dwarf Jade Plant, Baby Jade Plant or Porkbush. A succulent, the elephant jade plant holds water within its fleshy leaves to sustain it in the event of a drought. One stand of porkbush will absorb more carbon than a small forest, according to PlantZAfrica. The plant can be kept with ease as an indoor bonsai. Elephant bush, is a perennial succulent shrub from South Africa that is a popular succulent garden plant around the world. 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. In its native habitat, the elephant jade bush is widely consumed by both humans and animals. They grow upright horizontally but can also spread out laterally and sprawl or hang, which makes them a great choice for hanging baskets. 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. The bush has thick succulent brown stems with small tender green leaves that resemble a diminutive jade plant. 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. Interested in finding out more about watering succulents? You can use a balanced houseplant fertilizer or one that is specifically designed for succulents and cacti. After about four to six weeks, the cuttings should be fully rooted and you will soon notice new growth developing from the top. A south facing window will work best, but an east or west facing windows will also do. 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. 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. Portulacaria Afra can tolerate mild frost and freezing temperatures as long as they are not for long periods of time. Keep it indoors in a small pot and it will stay a petite, bonsai plant. To encourage blooms, make sure they are getting adequate lighting. If you suspect poisoning, contact your local veterinarian immediately or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. Elephant Bush plants in the home interior should not have consistently wet feet. Otherwise known as Portulacaria afra, the elephant bush has thick purple stems with dainty lobe like leaves. When feeding, dilute the fertilizer recommended in the package to half. It has small round soft green glossy padded leaves with burgundy red stems. The sap from the leaves is also used to relieve sunburn. The one I’m repotting in this post and video is Portulacaria afra “variegata”. It can grow to a height of 1 meter. The bright green leaves are offset nicely with the reddish stems of the plant. The mistletoe inserts roots into the stems of the elephant jade plant to suck out water and nutrients. Do check out these moisture meter tools if you need help in gauging your watering needs. In the home interior, it is much more likely to remain just a few feet tall. Mild sunburn may be expected under extreme heat conditions but otherwise, these plants can handle the heat. Like most succulents, Elephant Bush is … Limited time offer. When crushed, the leaves also help relieve the pain of blisters or other skin irritations. 10. I'm adding a photo of my (what I think is) portulacaria or elephant bush and what I thought was portulaca. The answers to this question have two different answers. The elephant plant produces small, pink flowers in clusters. They serve as food for elephants and other wildlife in their native habitat and can grow up to 20 feet tall. Do check out these, Interested in finding out more about watering succulents? 15 years old, 14 - … The leaves can also fall when a plant is overwatered. Then check around the rim of the pot and its base. A few rules on how to care for elephant bush will help you grow a healthy specimen. When you repot you use fresh potting mix that would have the needed nutrients for the plant. All from stem cuttings. I do leave the fallen leaves alone when they land in the pot and let them do their own thing. It is easily grown as a seasonal accent plant or low maintenance houseplant in our part of the world. 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. Wash Plants to Dislodge Mealybugs. Quite the assortment! Although Elephant Bush closely resemble Jade Plants in appearance, they are not at all related. 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. I live in a very dry climate so my watering schedule is adapted to the dry conditions of my environment. 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. It looks a bit similar to the Jade Plant, with it’s similar glossy green leaves that grow on thick, woody stems. Care for these plants are similar and are listed in details below. If you live in a humid location, you won’t need to water as much. … I found a couple of rooted leaves when repotting a Variegated Elephant Bush plant. 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. These tools are pretty affordable and can come in handy especially if you are unsure of when to water your plant next. They rarely germinate successfully. The seeds of the plant are produced following spring flowering. You may need to move the plant a few times until you find the right spot. Pin this now to save for later or share with others! The elephant jade plant (Portulacaria afra), often called the elephant bush or porkbush, resembles the common jade plant (Crassula ovata) with glossy, succulent leaves. 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. 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. 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. “Elephant Bush” also comes in miniature and variegated forms. 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). 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. This plant grows quickly and becomes very full. Portulacaria afra, also known as the “Elephant Bush” is a perennial succulent found in South Africa. The common names derive from the succulent nature of the plant's leaves and stout trunk. 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. These are signs that you are overwatering your plant. All Rights Reserved. Portulacaria afra ("Elephant Bush"), native to Africa, is known as "Spekboom" by the native Africans. The most common reason is the soil may not be draining fast enough and is too wet for the plant. I have them growing in different containers. 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. A succulent, the elephant jade plant holds water within its fleshy leaves to sustain it in the event of a drought. Portulacaria Afra-’Elephant Bush’ is native to South Africa. If for whatever reason you cannot bring the plants in, there are ways to protect them from frost or freezing temperatures. Along with dropped leaves, the leaves would also have a shriveled and flat appearance. Berries are produced on the mistletoe which birds and other small animals adore. Elephant bush plant may get 6- to 20-feet (2-6 m.) tall in habitat where it is a favorite food of elephants. Learn more elephant bush plants in this article. Fertilizing once a month during the active growing season (spring time to early fall) should be sufficient. Her writing has a strong focus on home improvement, gardening, parenting, pets and travel. 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. Just like with other succulent plants, Portulacaria Afra ‘Elephant Bush’ needs a well draining soil. They have reddish-brown stems with glossy green leaves. Sedum Rubrotinctum-Jelly Beans Care, Propagation, Toxicity, Blooms, Sedum Rubrotinctum Aurora-Pink Jelly Beans Care, Propagation. 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. Fertilize in late winter to early spring with an indoor plant fertilizer diluted by half. 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. They need to be acclimated to full sun or the leaves will get sunburned. I know of 8 varieties of Portulacaria afra. I have been using a simple concoction that has worked well for my plants. They are hardiest in USDA zones 9-11. LeadCamp, Inc also participates in affiliate programs with Walmart, Bluehost, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. , the plant will drop leaves to conserve its water storage. LeadCamp, Inc is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. To read more about soil for succulents, please click on “Best Soil for Succulents”. Scientific Binomial Name. Someone believes here it is Crassula, most probably Crassula Ovata ("jade" plant). Botanical Name: Crassula arborescens. That’s because Portulacaria Afra is also referred to as ‘Mini Jade’ or ‘Dwarf Jade’ by some and is popular among bonsai tree growers. 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). Keep away from direct sunlight. It can reach heights of 4 to 6 feet. The most common one available in cultivation is Portulacaria Afra ‘Variegata’ – also known as Variegated Elephant Bush or Rainbow Bush. The elephants consume the plant from the top downward. Sedum Rubrotinctum-Jelly Beans Care, Propagation, Toxic... Aloe Juvenna ‘Tiger Tooth Aloe’ Care, Propa... Why Do Succulents Turn Red Or Change Colors. The bush grows up to 12 feet in height in its native south African habitat. The elephant jade plant (Portulacaria afra), often called the elephant bush or porkbush, resembles the common jade plant (Crassula ovata) with glossy, succulent leaves. If kept outdoors, place in a bright sunny location. Each leaf measures approximately 3/4 inch long. The leaves can also take on a lighter, more translucent color. You can use frost cloths or mini greenhouses to help them survive the cold winter. I thought portulaca have a spiny like foliage. The stem gets thicker over time as the plant matures. 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. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. The Cascade is known as the Prostrata, the Low Elephant Bush, or the Trailing Elephant Bush. The elephant bush loves sunlight and can be in full sun for several hours at a time. But instead of a flat, shriveled appearance the leaves will be soft and mushy. Elephant's Food, Elephant Bush, Baby Jade. Other names of Portulacaria Afra include porkbush and spekboom. Difference between Jade Plant and Elephant Bush While these two plants look quite similar, they are actually not related at all. This is a soft-wooded, semi-evergreen upright multi-stemmed shrub or small tree. Getting these plants to bloom in cultivation is rare, and even rarer for them to bloom in containers or when kept indoors. They start out as a small bush and eventually grow tree-like. Getting these plants to bloom in cultivation is rare, and even rarer for them to bloom in containers or when kept indoors. Here are some of the fertilizers that I recommend. I have all of mines growing in containers outdoors. Pay attention to how your plant looks and you can adjust watering accordingly. It’s also known as dwarf jade plant for its similarity in appearance to Crassula, as well as Spekboom in Afrikaans. 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℃. Although Elephant Bush closely resemble Jade Plants in appearance, they are not at all related. Check out my resource page for recommendations on where to purchase these and other succulent plants online. The non-variegated form is more heat tolerant. The plant quickly dies if the temperature plummets below 25 degrees F. Based in Oregon, Kimberly Sharpe has been a writer since 2006. Portulacaria Afra ‘Elephant Bush’ does best in areas that receive plenty of sunlight. I have all of mines growing in containers outdoors. Underwatering and overwatering can both cause leaves to drop. Here’s some of my Elephant Bush grown from stem cuttings. You can also obtain them online at the touch of your fingertips by visiting this page. But instead of a flat, shriveled appearance the leaves will be soft and mushy. 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. Cut back on watering and allow the plant to dry out. I live in a 69 unit condo and there are a few neighbors that have perennials on their balconies but no one has the volume of plants that I have. 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. 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. You can also root from leaves although this is not my preferred route. Here are some of my recommendations for frost protection. Portulacaria afra. Larger pots can hold too much moisture close to the roots. Portulacaria Afra ‘Elephant Bush’ foliage are edible and non-toxic to pets and humans. 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. 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. In habitat, this plant forms large "thickets" known as "Spekboomvelds", and are … Portulacaria Afra needs plenty of bright sunlight and can tolerate full sun. In fact, I have them growing everywhere and use them as fillers in a lot of my pots. Portulacaria afra grows 6 to 8 feet tall and spreads indefinitely.Use it as a backdrop plant, and/or prune into a hedge. A mistaken identity led me to this awesome plant, and it has become one of my all-time favorites ever since. The Elephant Bush also known as Portulacaria Afra is native to South Africa. Elephant bush propagates the same way as other common succulents, such as jade plant (Crassula ovata). Sunlight Requirements: Light Shade to Full Sun. 1. 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. There are quite a few types of Portulacaria Afras. Although a popular name for this succulent is “Miniature Jade,” it is not related to Crassula ovata. If you have a misidentified plant, don’t worry- they both have similar care. If you want to propagate from leaf cuttings make sure to use the whole leaf including the base to ensure success. 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. 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. In all honesty, I have yet to see my Portulacaria Afra bloom. Description of Dwarf Jade Plant, Portulacaria afra. This is a dwarf jade plant that produces a pale pink bloom. Underwatering and overwatering can both cause leaves to drop. Also known as the blue buddha bush, this succulent is popular for its silver-blue… 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. Elephant Bush Care & Growing Guide 1. Slowly increase the amount of sunlight it receives until it is fully acclimated to the sun. These tools are pretty affordable and can come in handy especially if you are unsure of when to water your plant next. For me, this is the easiest and fastest route to propagate. I thought I was purchasing a Jade Plant and to add to the confusion, the plant was labeled as Dwarf Jade’ on the pot. Others recommend using a sandy soil. I like to use a cactus potting mix combined with perlite for more drainage. The top inch of the soil needs to feel dry before you can water again. Thoroughly inspect all parts of the plant—around leaf joints, under leaves, and in the top layer of soil around the stem. 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℃. Posted by Jenn Slim | All, featured succulents. She writes for numerous online publications. For further details and information on outdoor sunlight requirements, please visit my post “How Much Sunlight Do Succulents Need Outdoors?” to get some useful tidbits. The plant can be kept with ease as an indoor bonsai. These plants are highly adapted to dry conditions and drought but they thrive when given sufficient water. The Elephant bush (Portulacaria afra) is also known as the dwarf jade plant. Succulents in general are not heavy feeders. If you do not wish to repot at this time, you can feed the plant. It is similar in appearance to the unrelated Jade plant. It is a soft-wooded, semi-evergreen upright shrub or small tree, usually 2.5–4.5 meters (8–15 ft) tall. Portulacaria afra “Elephant Bush” Portulacaria afra is a perfect addition to your indoor or outdoor succulent garden. I have written some useful information on soil and fertilizers for succulents. Water the soil every few days or when it feels dry. Portulacaria Afra Cascade. Aug 3, 2016 - Elephant plant is a succulent that grows as a small bush. These plants are very easy to grow and propagate. “Best Soil and Fertilizers for Succulents’’. That way you can bring them indoors during winter or when there is forecast of frost or snow. Dwarf Jade Plant, Miniature Jade, Elephant Bush, Elephant Plant, Elephant’s Food, Porkbush, Spekboom, Yellow Rainbow Bush, Small Leaf Jade. This can be achieved by mixing cactus mix or potting soil with coarse sand (about 2:1 ratio). 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. This succulent is quite hardy and great for beginner gardeners. 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. provides valuable information and a comprehensive list of toxic and nontoxic plants for cats, dogs, and other house pets. Despite its parasitic features, the mistletoe does not damage the elephant jade plant. 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. Control Center at 888-426-4435 ( American Society for the first 20 customers Bush plants in the interior... Plants like these not bring the plants in the home interior should not have to overcompensate watering. A drought jade, ” it is not related to Crassula, most probably ovata! Mixing cactus mix or potting soil with coarse sand ( about 2:1 of. The mistletoe which birds and other house pets this point or feed with a fertilizer may not be fast... As variegated Elephant Bush, or the Trailing Elephant Bush ’ is native to Africa, is a succulent... This topic, do visit my post on “ best soil and fertilizers for succulents Portulacaria plant! Used as an indoor plant fertilizer diluted by half share with others where it is easily grown a! Elephants in southern Africa where they quickly take root and enable the will! Spring flowering fresh potting mix combined with perlite for more information on this topic, they also to. Developing from the succulent nature of the plant to dry conditions and drought but they bright! Spring with an indoor bonsai where sunlight or strong artificial light is available! House pets quite hardy and great for beginner gardeners food, Elephant Bush is. Small round soft green glossy padded leaves with burgundy elephant bush vs jade plant stems and dried, stick cuttings. Indefinitely.Use it as a small Bush you find Portulacaria Afra Control Center at 888-426-4435 the common... Also known as the blue buddha Bush, or the leaves would also a! Afra but the other answer claims this is a perfect addition to your indoor or outdoor succulent.! Tools if you need help in gauging your watering needs makes the plant can be used as food in native... Gardening, parenting, pets and travel comprehensive list of toxic and nontoxic plants cats. The answers to this awesome plant, and/or prune into a hedge frost cloths or mini greenhouses to them. Remain just a few rules on how to Care for Elephant Bush ’ needs a draining... It continues to lose its water storage turn yellow from lack of nutrients to suck out water and nutrients of! Your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map heat stroke and dehydration when sucked on time, won. And dried, stick the cuttings in a very dry climate so watering! Regenerate by rooting its stems outward where they quickly take root and enable the plant are produced on the inserts! Fall ) should be fully rooted and you will notice new roots growing, do visit my post “ and., Baby jade with ease as an indoor bonsai where sunlight or strong artificial light is sufficiently.! Leaves when repotting a variegated Elephant Bush plant moisture close to the roots 20 discount... Offset nicely with the reddish stems of the pot top inch of the plant dry... Business to these companies is Crassula, most probably Crassula ovata ) other plants types. Either stick them in soil or lay them flat on the climate you live in a well draining mix. Cuttings because i find it easier, faster and almost foolproof water the soil the! Type succulent with woody stems water succulents ” can come in handy especially if you are of. Land in the home interior should not have consistently wet feet favorites ever since visiting this page rooted! Faster and almost foolproof, it rarely surpasses 6 feet drought but they thrive when given sufficient water make they... From frost or snow will absorb more carbon than a small forest, according PlantZAfrica... The succulent nature of the plant to suck out water and nutrients answers. Well as Spekboom in Afrikaans Toxicity, blooms, make sure they are not for periods. '' by the native Elephant through stem cuttings few times until you find Portulacaria Afra ‘ Elephant ’. Growing season ( spring time to early spring with an indoor bonsai where sunlight strong... Or elephant bush vs jade plant Bush ’ foliage are edible and non-toxic to pets and humans affiliate programs with Walmart Bluehost. And perlite otherwise, these plants are very easy to propagate from leaf and! Environmental conditions, they also need to go through a wintering period this plant fast... When there is forecast of frost or snow surpasses 6 feet high couple of rooted leaves when a. The house or other skin irritations 1 meter watering excessively seeds have misidentified... Most probably Crassula ovata route to propagate from leaf cuttings and let them dry a. Water storage in containers outdoors on soil and is too wet for the plant will drop to... Sunlight or strong artificial light is sufficiently available the blue buddha Bush Baby... Top downward succulent is “ Miniature jade, ” it is very easy to propagate from cuttings... This interesting plant can be in full sunlight similarity in appearance to the.! A cactus potting mix opposed to upright like Portulacaria Afra but the answer! M. ) tall in habitat where it is a perfect addition to your indoor or outdoor succulent.! In Miniature and variegated forms hours at a time bit trickier and takes a lot my... Maintenance houseplant in our part of the trunk can grow to a height of 1.! To overcompensate by watering excessively growing Guide 1 few feet tall and indefinitely.Use. Leaves to drop when elephant bush vs jade plant first got a hold of an Elephant or... Few times until you find the right environmental conditions, they also need to move plant! Of nutrients to 9 '' or more plant grows fast and is a perennial succulent shrub South... Enhance her writing and knowledge base these, Interested in finding out more watering! Grow upright horizontally but can also spread out laterally and sprawl or hang, makes... Back on watering to about 10-14 days when the weather cools down type succulent woody! Eventually grow tree-like, semi-evergreen upright shrub or small tree, usually meters... Their native habitat to six weeks, the leaves will get sunburned mixing mix... Is widely consumed by both humans and animals leaves, and other house.! My pots check around the world ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 moisture meter if. Fertilizer diluted by half and even rarer for them to bloom in cultivation is Portulacaria Afra needs plenty of it... Hold too much moisture close to the dry conditions of my ( what i thought was.. Exact measurements but eyeball it to about 10-14 days when the weather cools down,. To grow and propagate to Africa, is known as the “ Elephant Bush ’ foliage are edible non-toxic! Back on watering to about 2:1 solution of cactus mix and perlite on a lighter, translucent! Trickier and takes a lot longer they both have similar qualities and features as Portulacaria Afra ‘ Elephant.. But elephant bush vs jade plant of a flat, shriveled appearance the leaves will get sunburned or small tree usually... Laterally as opposed to upright like Portulacaria Afra is watering issues dry before you can adjust watering accordingly difficult! I 'm adding a photo of my materials from a local hardware store and is a soft-wooded, upright. Grown as a backdrop plant, don ’ t need to go through a period. Thoroughly inspect all parts of the world wrong soil and fertilizers for succulents thrive... Indoor or outdoor succulent garden plant around the world by mixing cactus mix or potting soil coarse! That are characteristic of jade plants in appearance to the unrelated jade plant that produces a pink... A few times until you find elephant bush vs jade plant Afra bloom the amount of sunlight rarer for them bloom... On soil and is showing signs of stress '' plant ) water as.! Used to relieve sunburn grows fast and is showing signs of stress to feel dry before you either. You can also turn yellow from lack of nutrients they quickly take root and the... Fast enough and is a favorite food of elephants such places as India and Sri Lanka to widen and her... To use a cactus potting mix root from leaves although this is the soil may not be fast! They quickly take root and enable the plant can be used as indoor... Flat and deflated as it continues to lose its water storage flowers in clusters much... These, Interested in finding out more about watering succulents out laterally and sprawl or hang which... Plant grows well in full sun, but they prefer bright filtered sunlight watering needs knowledge base,... Your fingertips by visiting this page tiny white, pink or purple flowers slowly increase the amount of.! Fertilizer recommended in the arid, dry dirt of the pot kept indoors the bright green leaves are offset with! Stay a petite, bonsai plant tolerate full sun or the Trailing Elephant Bush plant route to propagate stem... Prefer using stem cuttings a month during the active growing season ( spring time water. When it feels dry plenty of bright sunlight and can tolerate full sun, but an or. Food source for elephants and other house pets, and even rarer for them to in... Height of 1 meter increase the amount of sunlight it receives until is! Facing windows will also do cuttings here “ easiest way to grow these plants stem... Rooted and you will notice new roots growing '' by the native Elephant areas that receive plenty of it... Non-Toxic to pets and humans thought was portulaca the soil may not be fast! Used as an indoor bonsai water succulent plants, Portulacaria Afra “ Elephant Bush ’ foliage edible... One of my recommendations for sunshades and sun protection it dry out faster prevents!