elephant succulent Shop 'Elephant bush - Portulacaria afra' Care and Info
SKU: 57074462424
elephant succulent

elephant succulent Shop 'Elephant bush - Portulacaria afra' Care and Info

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Description

elephant succulent Shop 'Elephant bush - Portulacaria afra' Care and InfoIntroducing the Elephant Bush, also known as Portulacaria afra, which is a fascinating and popular succulent garden plant native to South Africa. It belongs to the Portulacaceae family and is known for its unique appearance and easy care requirements. The elephant bush succulent gets its name from its resemblance to the foliage of an elephant's trunk. It is also commonly referred to as the dwarf jade plant, small leaf jade, miniature jade, elephant

Introducing the Elephant Bush, also known as Portulacaria afra, which is a fascinating and popular succulent garden plant native to South Africa. It belongs to the Portulacaceae family and is known for its unique appearance and easy-care requirements.

The elephant bush succulent gets its name from its resemblance to the foliage of an elephant's trunk. It is also commonly referred to as the dwarf jade plant, small leaf jade, miniature jade, elephant food, or the Spekboom. The name "Dwarf Jade Plant" comes from its small, jade-like leaves, while "Spekboom" is an Afrikaans term meaning "bacon tree" due to the plant's edible leaves that reportedly taste like bacon.


The elephant bush plant features small, round, and fleshy pale green leaves that store water, allowing your elephant bush plant to withstand drought conditions. 

The trailing stems of the elephant bush plants are thick and red-hued, which gives them a unique and appealing appearance in hanging baskets.

When grown as a houseplant, the elephant bush typically reaches a height of 1 to 3 feet.

However, if planted outdoors in its native habitat, your Portulacaria afra can grow much larger, reaching heights of up to 20 feet. The elephant bush makes for an excellent bonsai due to its unique growth pattern and ability to withstand pruning. Its thick, fleshy leaves and sturdy branches give it a robust appearance, making it an ideal succulent for shaping into intricate bonsai designs. 

The elephant bush flowers are small, star-shaped, and usually a light pink or lavender color. While the flowers are not the main attraction of this elephant bush succulent, they can add a touch of beauty when they bloom during the spring to late summer.

The elephant bush Portulacaria afra comes in various varieties, including a slow-growing variegated form Portulacaria afra variegata; a trailing growth bush Portulacaria afra prostrata; and a midstripe rainbow bush Portulacaria afra medio-picta, offers a diverse range of beauty in green spaces.

When and How to Water Your Elephant Bush

Like other drought-tolerant jade plants, your elephant bush succulent prefers a watering routine that allows the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can harm the elephant bush plant and cause root rot.

In the summer, during the growing season, you should water elephant bush succulents once or twice a month when the soil is dry. A good rule of thumb is to water this elephant plant when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. In the winter, during the dormant period,  you probably do not need to water them at all. 

Remember, it's always better to underwater than to overwater the elephant bush plant. This resilient Portulacaria afra plant can tolerate drought conditions better than excessive moisture. So, keep an eye on the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

Light Requirements - Where to Place Your Elephant Bush Plant

When growing the elephant bush indoors, it thrives in bright, indirect light. Place your elephant bush plant near a window where it can receive plenty of natural bright light, but make sure to avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day.

If you notice the leaves turning yellow or getting scorched, it's a sign that the Portulacaria afra elephant bush is receiving too much direct sunlight. So, finding that sweet spot of bright, indirect light is key to keeping your elephant bush succulent plant happy indoors.

If you decide to grow your elephant bush outdoors, it loves basking in the full sun. Although partial shade in the afternoon is frequently preferred, these plants need at least six hours of strong light each day to survive.

This is true, especially in hotter climates where the plant may become stressed by the afternoon sun's intense heat.

Your succulents should not be placed in any areas that receive continuous, direct sunlight, as this could lead to burned foliage.

Remember, the elephant bush is a versatile succulent plant and can adapt to different light conditions. Just keep in mind that it prefers bright, indirect light indoors and full sun to partial shade outdoors.

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

Elephant succulents are very airy, porous, nutrient-rich well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5- 6.5; succulents require fast-draining soil that dries completely between waterings. Your soil must have a sandy texture and a low water-holding capacity, just like desert soil.  Ideally, you want to use our specialized succulent potting mix that contains 5 natural substrates to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your African elephant bush plant to thrive.   

When it comes to fertilizing your elephant bush plant, it only needs a small amount of fertilizer applied once a year in spring. These succulents prefer a fertilizer with lower doses of NPK, with a maximum ratio of 5-10-5 that is higher in phosphorus than nitrogen.

Hardiness Zones & More 

When it comes to growing the Elephant Bush plant indoors, the Elephant Bush prefers a cozy environment with temperatures between 65°F and 75°F. It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but it's best to avoid extreme cold or frost. If you notice the leaves starting to shrivel or the tips turning brown, it may be a sign that the air is too dry. You can increase humidity by placing a tray of water near the plant or using a humidifier.

If you are living in USDA zones 9-11, you can grow your Elephant Bush plant outdoors year-round. These zones have mild temperatures and are less prone to frost.  

In cooler zones, it can be kept outdoors during the summer and brought in as the temperature drops. 

Elephant Bush can handle average to slightly higher humidity levels outdoors. Just make sure to provide well-draining soil to prevent waterlogged conditions, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot.

Don't worry if your succulents become too hot; they can tolerate triple-digit temperatures in the summer and prefer constant temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Wildlife - Portulacaria afra Attracts the Following Friendly Pollinators

Portulacaria afra have tiny, star-shaped flowers, which bloom in clusters, and are a magnet for friendly pollinators. Bees are particularly drawn to its nectar-rich blooms, while butterflies and other beneficial insects are also frequent visitors. In areas where it thrives outdoors, hummingbirds may be attracted to the vibrant blossoms as well. 

Butterflies
Bees
Hummingbirds
Lady Bugs
Multi Pollinators
Other Birds

According to ASPCA, the Portulacaria afra Elephant Bush is friendly to both humans and pets such as dogs and cats. This makes it a great choice for households with curious pets or small children.

How to Propagate Your Portulacaria afra

This African elephant bush is relatively easy to propagate. It can be grown from stem cuttings, which should be allowed to dry for a day or two before being planted in well-draining soil. The cuttings usually root quickly and can be grown into new, young plants.

Key Takeaways

  1. Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra) is a fantastic succulent with small, jade-like leaves.
  2. Visually appealing and easy to care for, adaptable for both indoor and outdoor growth.
  3. Tolerates a wide range of warm temperatures, between 65°F and 75°F, and handles higher humidity levels.
  4. It can thrives in bright, indirect light. It is suitable for beginner and experienced plant enthusiasts alike.
  5. Often grown as a seasonal accent plant or houseplant.
  6. Order your Elephant Bush today and add something truly exceptional to your garden.

The Bottom Line

Overall, Portulacaria afra, or Elephant Bush, is a remarkable plant that combines beauty, resilience, and ecological value. Its succulent, jade-like leaves and sprawling growth make it a striking addition to both indoor and outdoor settings, while its ability to tolerate drought and thrive in poor soils underscores its low-maintenance appeal. This plant’s capacity to attract friendly pollinators such as bees and butterflies further enhances its value in promoting biodiversity. With minimal care—bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, occasional watering, and protection from frost—Portulacaria afra can flourish for years, serving as both a stunning decorative element and an eco-friendly choice for any garden or home.

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Like using the card for everything. 5 to 7% cashback credit is awesome. No interest is even better. I put almost all my purchases and bills on my credit accounts or credit cards and pay them off monthly. Now that I'm a senior citizen I don't like to go to 20 different stores to find the best prices. The card made my life less busy and I don't have to worry about paying for the many, many things I need right away. Even though I pay off all my accounts every month. If I need a big ticket item, like a new flat-screen television I can get it and not worry about the cost by paying over time if I need to. Having another credit account has also improved my credit score by the hundreds. I was in the 500s for decades until I started the secured card on Amazon. Now I am nearly at an excellent score in the high 700s and don't need secured credit cards. I can use my account at Whole Foods and have my phone scanned for payment. It's just so easy to use
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Credit limit drop without cause, Synchrony?
Hey Synchrony, I've about had it with your services, I have 2 cards I use through you through Walgreens and Amazon. You lowered My credit limit on both cards causing me to go over on one because of stupid interest when I had 500 left and I had quit using the damn thing, and my Amazon store card I just Made a 200 Payment on! Lowering my limit and leaving me blind, You should call your customers leave a voicemail or text for heck sake ill read them, I don't read my emails usually for 2 or three weeks, well you did it again, but this time to card I just paid 200$ on too!, Your company sucks, I hate your practices, and I want you to know that. I also want Amazon to know that!! I spend a Boatload of money through amazon, as does my entire family, all ya gotta do is look!! Well I have never felt more unappreciated, insulted, like I stole something or like dirt ever ever in my adult life like you made me feel. Like i'm doing something wrong. Well guess what Synchrony Bank? I'm not doing anything wrong, at all!! I've never been late or missed a payment with my Amazon card or any card I have with you, Synchrony. Your Faceless Corp in its infinite wisdom, decided it would be a great idea to screw over an actual good customer just because some stupid algorithm reported my credit limit was too high and I was a risk, and lowered my limit from where it had been for the last 3 years and then sent a Quiet email about a letter that you put on my online account, please read it, just like that, no Urgent header nothing not that. I don't even read my email that often. I DO read texts or my regular mail, or listen to my phone messages!! I meant what I said NEVER LATE not even once, and NEVER MISSED a payment NOT once!!! The ONLY time I ever had to deal with any kind of problem was the one that lowering my limit on my Mastercard were the cause of, Synchrony!!! when you dropped my credit limit without me knowing and I went over my new dang limit because interest charges were coming in!!! I new where I was and had it handled and would have been able to ride the storm but no you had to mess with my account. Oh and I dont give a Crap if you quote me "we have the right to raise or lower you limit whenever we want", It's a BS excuse to screw over your customers, I know about the terms, however in all of my 54 years, you are the only credit card company that has ever lowered a limit one a CC I had EVER! and I've dealt with some Super sketchy Dirtbag Why did I ever agree to this card, charge me for everything Companies. 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Well, not even the Sleaziest Dirtyiest Gutter Scum CC company with fees for just looking at your card has ever lowered my credit limit not in 34 years Especially when I wasn't late or missing payments ever, always been on time and never missed a payment not 1 time, Except SYNCHRONY, and I think you suck for that!! The only reason I gave 3 stars is Amazon doesn't deserve a 1 star review because of your company! I love amazon, I love their products, their deals their delivery Amazon Prime, im ride or die with Amazon, my kids do all their shopping on amazon they even use it for groceries and stuff occasionally, but I really, really don't like how you treat customers Synchrony, especially customers, that pay on time and even early, oh and on auto pay for Christ sake!!! Now I know why some young dumb kids and people say screw it and stop paying CC bills, cuz the Corporations that pass em out like candy to kids, I might add, are SCUM bags, thats why!! It's all about the GREEN, more, and more and more money its never enough!! Well, when you dropped my credit limit without me knowing and I went over the limit of a different card I had with you, it was because of interest fees coming in. I expected and knew about these fees, however, I also thought I had 500 more than I had available on my card!! What a great day that was, let me tell ya!! I didn't even miss a payment I just didn't make a big enough one to cover the interest that came in, and I also never just pay the minimum payment with these cards either!! Your practices are shady, and the crap you pull against loyal customers that pay on time and even on Autopay are so Scummy!! You know when you dropped my credit limit without me knowing and I went over my limit because of interest, I even reached out to my current lawyer about Bankruptcy choices and stuff and if I should deal with you that way, but I got over bein mad! You know if I was late all the time and a crappy customer missing payments I wouldn't blame you for anything and at least Id know my cards were lowered and probably locked ...but I didn't want to do that, I wanted to try and slide right back into auto pay and get back on track and to deal with a recent Identity theft issue im having and not stop paying my bills OH..yeah, you smellin what i'm sellin? Well because of some terrible thing I must have done in a Past life, I guess. Several months ago now when I was dealing with the death of my mom very suddenly. I also noticed my credit score started dropping and I had no idea why, well turns out i'm MR popular. I had all sorts of crap in my name most of it local where I live and surrounding locally. 100 points in like 5 months!! I digress, Whatever! I don't care anymore, cancel my cards if you want, I'm done! This world is goin to hell in a hand basket, Civil War is almost immanent, a Faceless mob can destroy peoples lives just by canceling them on the internet at a whim. When its true I agree with the mob but when there isn't any proof and someone's life is upturned and then it turns out to be a total lie or they said something 12 years ago and its dug up? Good God, I probably said some haynous stuff when I was 25, but I can assure you when I was 37 I was not that person anymore, my views had changed on many things,,,,that stuff is crazy, and so am I for thinking I can do a damn thing,,,, my mom died 5 months ago, I was just recently laid off from my job I had for 17 years last month, and now you drop my limit again when i've been on time and auto paying and almost screw up my Amazon account!!so screw it!! Eat It Synchrony Bank,Eat It! Sorry about 3 Stars Amazon.
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This is a great micellar water! I have very sensitive, acne-prone skin, and it hasn’t caused any redness or irritation at all. It removes makeup very easily and leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed afterward. I also like to follow up with a mild face wash as part of a double cleanse routine; overall, it feels gentle, effective, and perfect for sensitive skin.
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I wanted to try this product for a very specific purpose, I have been looking at facial cleansing wipes to use occasionally at bedtime instead of stripping my face by doing a full wash with cleanser and water. I rarely wear makeup, I spend my energy on finding the best skincare products for my skin and sunscreen. So at bedtime usually, I’m just taking off sunscreen and the day’s grime, or if I didn’t go out, the day’s moisturizing products. I tried several brands of moist facial cleansing wipes, and they left behind a greasy film and my face still feels like it needs a full wash. I would never want to skip properly cleansing my skin, and I usually do a full routine while I shower, but it would be nice to be able to occasionally do something quicker and more convenient without sacrificing on quality. I was hoping this product might cleanse well without needing to be rinsed or breaking me out on occasions where I want something quick and convenient, or maybe am travelling and need a basic routine. Wow, this product is not only perfect for that, it actually makes my skin soft and clean, you’d never know I skipped my regular cleansing and just used this Bioderma product with a cotton pad before my nighttime moisturizers/serum. It completely takes off the day’s water resistant facial sunscreen and any sweat or grime and leaves my skin very clean, soft, not dry, and it feels like there is no residue whatsoever. I also don’t break out or get clogged pores, it is just a clean, soft texture. One cotton pad with product is all takes for my entire face to look and feel just as clean as if I had used my regular products (a cleansing balm followed by a foaming cleanser and lots of rinsing with water). I have used this micellar water quite a bit since receiving it, and have not broken out or had clogged pores from “cutting corners” so to speak. And it cleanses very well. I can’t believe how well it cleanses without needing to be rinsed, without irritating my skin, without clogging pores or causing breakouts, and is suitable to use and then put on my serum and nighttime moisturizer. I’ve even used it the next morning to remove the nighttime moisturizers and then put on my SPF. I worried that I was going to cause my skin not to look as good if I didn’t properly wash and rinse with water but this product is so amazing. I have not yet used it to see how well it removes makeup since I rarely wear any, but just for skincare and cleansing without a full wash with regular water, it is so amazing. Not going to sugarcoat it, this is me wanting a convenient routine when I travel but this is also me being lazy on nights when I’m very tired or mornings when I am in a hurry. I consider this one of my few holy grail skincare products. I have picked up a smaller size for travel. I will keep this on hand always. I’m not even looking at moist wipes anymore. (This product is more gentle and leaves no residue as compared to a dermatologist recommended brand of face wipes). I’m most surprised that it cleans my face so thoroughly and that not rinsing does not cause any irritation or breakouts. Just wow. Totally worth the price. I was going to try other brands but this product has been so good there is no need to.
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I love this micellar water. It removes my makeup on the first pass with no harsh rubbing or irritation. Even around the eyes, it feels soothing rather than stinging, which isn’t always the case with makeup removers. It’s also fragrance free and lightweight, so it doesn’t leave behind any greasy or sticky residue. Another major plus is the no-rinse formula. You can use it quickly with a cotton pad and be done, which makes it perfect for busy nights or when you just don’t feel like doing a full routine! It leaves your skin feeling clean, calm, and moisturized. Seriously gentle yet effective.
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