Midstripe Rainbow Bush, also known as Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta’, is a variegated form of the Elephant bush houseplant. These are slow-growing succulent shrubs with attractive bright reddish-pink stems and small green leaves with broad white stripes down their middle. Sometimes, they have very little to no green. Pink, star-shaped flowers grow in compact clusters.
Although they may withstand drought, these succulents still require irrigation from spring to fall. When their dormant season begins in the winter, you must stop watering. Make sure they may get the necessary five hours of sunlight because these succulents need it to grow. In the winter, when light is insufficient, a grow light will always be beneficial for your plant. This variegated variety prefers full light; if you suddenly shift it to a less sunny location, the plant may shrink and drop its leaves in response. It can flourish in zones 9 to 11 (USDA).
Bloom Season
Flower Color
Growth Rate
Hardiness Zone
Mature Size
Plant Type
Resistance
Sun Exposure
Watering Needs
| Bloom Season | Late spring - early summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta' |
| Common Name | Midstripe Rainbow Bush, Variegated Elephant bush |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Didiereaceae |
| Flower Color | Pink |
| Genus | Portulacaria |
| Growth Habit | Trailing, hanging |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Hardiness Zone | 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | 6 ft. tall, 3 ft. wide |
| Native Area | South Africa |
| Plant Type | Perennial succulent |
| Propagation | By stem cuttings |
| Resistance | Extremely drought-tolerant, pests resistance, disease resistance, heat tolerant |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | succulent potting mix |
| Special Features | Unique, variegated leaves |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
| Toxicity | Safe for humans, safe for dogs, safe for cats |
| Watering Needs | Low |
Growers Quick Reference Guide - Key Features
| Bloom Season | Late spring - early summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta' |
| Common Name | Midstripe Rainbow Bush, Variegated Elephant bush |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Didiereaceae |
| Flower Color | Pink |
| Genus | Portulacaria |
| Growth Habit | Trailing, hanging |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Hardiness Zone | 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | 6 ft. tall, 3 ft. wide |
| Native Area | South Africa |
| Plant Type | Perennial succulent |
| Propagation | By stem cuttings |
| Resistance | Extremely drought-tolerant, pests resistance, disease resistance, heat tolerant |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | succulent potting mix |
| Special Features | Unique, variegated leaves |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
| Toxicity | Safe for humans, safe for dogs, safe for cats |
| Watering Needs | Low |
- Description
- Key Plant Features
Midstripe Rainbow Bush, also known as Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta’, is a variegated form of the Elephant bush houseplant. These are slow-growing succulent shrubs with attractive bright reddish-pink stems and small green leaves with broad white stripes down their middle. Sometimes, they have very little to no green. Pink, star-shaped flowers grow in compact clusters.
Although they may withstand drought, these succulents still require irrigation from spring to fall. When their dormant season begins in the winter, you must stop watering. Make sure they may get the necessary five hours of sunlight because these succulents need it to grow. In the winter, when light is insufficient, a grow light will always be beneficial for your plant. This variegated variety prefers full light; if you suddenly shift it to a less sunny location, the plant may shrink and drop its leaves in response. It can flourish in zones 9 to 11 (USDA).
Bloom Season
Flower Color
Growth Rate
Hardiness Zone
Mature Size
Plant Type
Resistance
Sun Exposure
Watering Needs
| Bloom Season | Late spring - early summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta' |
| Common Name | Midstripe Rainbow Bush, Variegated Elephant bush |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Didiereaceae |
| Flower Color | Pink |
| Genus | Portulacaria |
| Growth Habit | Trailing, hanging |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Hardiness Zone | 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | 6 ft. tall, 3 ft. wide |
| Native Area | South Africa |
| Plant Type | Perennial succulent |
| Propagation | By stem cuttings |
| Resistance | Extremely drought-tolerant, pests resistance, disease resistance, heat tolerant |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | succulent potting mix |
| Special Features | Unique, variegated leaves |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
| Toxicity | Safe for humans, safe for dogs, safe for cats |
| Watering Needs | Low |
Growers Quick Reference Guide - Key Features
| Bloom Season | Late spring - early summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta' |
| Common Name | Midstripe Rainbow Bush, Variegated Elephant bush |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Didiereaceae |
| Flower Color | Pink |
| Genus | Portulacaria |
| Growth Habit | Trailing, hanging |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Hardiness Zone | 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | 6 ft. tall, 3 ft. wide |
| Native Area | South Africa |
| Plant Type | Perennial succulent |
| Propagation | By stem cuttings |
| Resistance | Extremely drought-tolerant, pests resistance, disease resistance, heat tolerant |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | succulent potting mix |
| Special Features | Unique, variegated leaves |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
| Toxicity | Safe for humans, safe for dogs, safe for cats |
| Watering Needs | Low |
