Portulacaria afra decumbent is an adorable houseplant originating from South Africa. This species goes by the common name “Elephant Bush”. These fast-growing plants are winter-dormant and can grow from 6 to 8 inches in height. Belonging to the Didiereaceae family, the plant is noted for having small apple-green leaves.
Growth rate
Also known as Miniature jade or Elephant food, this beautiful species grows at a relatively fast pace.
Flowering
This popular plant variety bears stunning purple flowers during summers.
Watering
Although Elephant Bush plants are well adapted to arid environments & drought, they also do well when provided enough water. However, remember to water deeply only when the soil feels dry to the touch and then allow all of the water to drain away.
Soil
Porous soil with sufficient drainage is considered ideal for these plants. Besides, using drainage-holed pots works the best.
Hardiness
The Elephant food plant is hardy in zones 10 to 11. It cannot survive in temperatures less than 28.4° F (-2° C). So, in such cold conditions, it is advised to plant this species indoors.
Light
The optimal location for your Portulacaria afra decumbent within the home is near the brightest light. Avoid its exposure to intense light.
Propagation
You can propagate these plants with ease either by stem cuttings or seeds.
When well taken care of, the Portulacaria afra decumbent plant thrives wonderfully, enhancing the beauty of your homes, offices, or gardens.
Some of the information in this description has been found at desert-tropicals.com, llifle.com and cactus-art.biz
Bloom Season
Flower Color
Growth Rate
Hardiness Zone
Mature Size
Resistance
Sun Exposure
| Bloom Season | summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Portulacaria afra |
| Common Name | Miniature Jade, Elephant Bush |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Didiereaceae |
| Flower Color | purple |
| Genus | Portulacaria |
| Growth Rate | Fast growth |
| Hardiness Zone | 44480 |
| Mature Size | 2.5 and 4.5 meters |
| Native Area | South Africa. |
| Resistance | 2ºC |
| Sun Exposure | Partial shade (3–6 hrs. sun) |
Growers Quick Reference Guide - Key Features
| Bloom Season | summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Portulacaria afra |
| Common Name | Miniature Jade, Elephant Bush |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Didiereaceae |
| Flower Color | purple |
| Genus | Portulacaria |
| Growth Rate | Fast growth |
| Hardiness Zone | 44480 |
| Mature Size | 2.5 and 4.5 meters |
| Native Area | South Africa. |
| Resistance | 2ºC |
| Sun Exposure | Partial shade (3–6 hrs. sun) |
- Description
- Key Plant Features
Portulacaria afra decumbent is an adorable houseplant originating from South Africa. This species goes by the common name “Elephant Bush”. These fast-growing plants are winter-dormant and can grow from 6 to 8 inches in height. Belonging to the Didiereaceae family, the plant is noted for having small apple-green leaves.
Growth rate
Also known as Miniature jade or Elephant food, this beautiful species grows at a relatively fast pace.
Flowering
This popular plant variety bears stunning purple flowers during summers.
Watering
Although Elephant Bush plants are well adapted to arid environments & drought, they also do well when provided enough water. However, remember to water deeply only when the soil feels dry to the touch and then allow all of the water to drain away.
Soil
Porous soil with sufficient drainage is considered ideal for these plants. Besides, using drainage-holed pots works the best.
Hardiness
The Elephant food plant is hardy in zones 10 to 11. It cannot survive in temperatures less than 28.4° F (-2° C). So, in such cold conditions, it is advised to plant this species indoors.
Light
The optimal location for your Portulacaria afra decumbent within the home is near the brightest light. Avoid its exposure to intense light.
Propagation
You can propagate these plants with ease either by stem cuttings or seeds.
When well taken care of, the Portulacaria afra decumbent plant thrives wonderfully, enhancing the beauty of your homes, offices, or gardens.
Some of the information in this description has been found at desert-tropicals.com, llifle.com and cactus-art.biz
Bloom Season
Flower Color
Growth Rate
Hardiness Zone
Mature Size
Resistance
Sun Exposure
| Bloom Season | summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Portulacaria afra |
| Common Name | Miniature Jade, Elephant Bush |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Didiereaceae |
| Flower Color | purple |
| Genus | Portulacaria |
| Growth Rate | Fast growth |
| Hardiness Zone | 44480 |
| Mature Size | 2.5 and 4.5 meters |
| Native Area | South Africa. |
| Resistance | 2ºC |
| Sun Exposure | Partial shade (3–6 hrs. sun) |
Growers Quick Reference Guide - Key Features
| Bloom Season | summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Portulacaria afra |
| Common Name | Miniature Jade, Elephant Bush |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Didiereaceae |
| Flower Color | purple |
| Genus | Portulacaria |
| Growth Rate | Fast growth |
| Hardiness Zone | 44480 |
| Mature Size | 2.5 and 4.5 meters |
| Native Area | South Africa. |
| Resistance | 2ºC |
| Sun Exposure | Partial shade (3–6 hrs. sun) |
