How to Care for Portulacaria Afra (Elephant Bush)

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How to Care for Portulacaria Afra (Elephant Bush)

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This beautiful succulent is called *Portulacaria afra*, commonly known as Elephant Bush or Dwarf Jade. It's a low-maintenance and attractive plant, perfect for indoor settings and succulent collections. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to keep it healthy and thriving!

Plant Description

- **Scientific Name:** Portulacaria afra

- **Common Names:** Elephant Bush, Dwarf Jade, Mini Jade

- **Type:** Succulent

- **Native to:** South Africa

- **Leaves:** Small, round, fleshy, and green

- **Stems:** Woody and reddish when mature

- **Toxicity:** Non-toxic to pets and children

- **Growth Habit:** Can grow upright or trailing depending on how it's pruned

Care Instructions

**Light:** Bright, indirect sunlight is ideal. Can tolerate some direct sun but avoid harsh afternoon rays indoors.

**Watering:** Let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is a common mistake — only water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry.

**Soil:** Use a well-draining succulent or cactus mix. You can also mix perlite or pumice to improve drainage.

**Temperature:** Thrives in temperatures between 18–27°C (65–80°F). Keep away from cold drafts or frost.

**Fertilizer:** Feed with diluted succulent fertilizer once a month during spring and summer.

**Humidity:** Normal indoor humidity is fine; avoid overly humid environments.

**Propagation:** Very easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Let the cuttings dry for a day or two before planting in dry soil.

**Repotting:** Repot every 2–3 years or when it outgrows its container.

Bonus Tips

- You can shape the plant into a bonsai form with regular pruning.

- Perfect for office desks, windowsills, or minimalist indoor gardens.

- Elephant Bush is known to store water in its leaves, so don’t worry if it skips a watering or two!