Portulacaria afra
TAXONOMY
FamilyDidiereaceae
GenusPortulacaria
Zone10
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Portulacaria afra, commonly known as Elephant Bush or Dwarf Jade Plant, is a succulent shrub native to South Africa. It belongs to the family Didiereaceae and the genus Portulacaria. This plant is well-suited to subtropical climates and is known for its small, round, fleshy leaves and reddish stems. It is often used in bonsai and as a drought-tolerant landscape plant.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Agave Parviflora Torr
Elephant Bush
Money Tree
Pourpier D'afrique
Pourpier En Arbre
Spekboom
Portulacaria afra
Portulacaria afra f. macrophylla
Portulacaria afra f. microphylla
Portulacaria afra f. variegata
Portulacaria portulacaria
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterDry
SoilSandy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature25° C
Humidity40%
pH6
Pressure1,013 mbar
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DETAILS
Care Instructions
Portulacaria afra thrives in bright, direct sunlight and prefers moderate temperatures. It can tolerate low humidity and should be watered sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings. This plant is relatively easy to care for and can adapt to indoor and outdoor environments.Soil
Portulacaria afra prefers well-draining, sandy soil. A cactus or succulent mix is ideal. Ensure the soil has good drainage to prevent root rot, as the plant does not tolerate waterlogged conditions.Fertilizer
Fertilize Portulacaria afra with a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer (2-4-4) during the growing season. Apply the fertilizer sparingly, as the plant does not require heavy feeding.Repotting
Repot Portulacaria afra every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot. Choose a slightly larger pot with good drainage. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, shake off excess soil, and place it in the new pot with fresh, well-draining soil.Propagation
Portulacaria afra can be easily propagated from stem cuttings. Take cuttings during the growing season, allow them to dry and callous for a few days, then plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil lightly moist until roots develop.Pruning
Prune Portulacaria afra to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Pruning can be done throughout the year, but it is best to do so during the growing season. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to remove leggy or unwanted growth.Toxicity
Portulacaria afra is non-toxic to pets and humans. It is a safe plant to have around children and animals.Additional
Portulacaria afra is known for its ability to sequester carbon and is used in some regions for ecological restoration projects. It is also a popular choice for bonsai enthusiasts due to its small leaves and attractive growth habit.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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