Portulacaria afra variegata goes by the common name “Rainbow Bush”. With a heavily branched, shrubby growth habit, the species has extraordinarily thick stems with teardrop-shaped leaf edges. The plant has its origin in South Africa and belongs to the family of Didiereaceae. Rainbow Bush offers a dormancy of winters and can grow up to 10 feet in height.

Growth Rate

This interesting plant takes time to mature and hence, grows at a slower pace. Its growing conditions play a huge role in determining its pace of growth.

Flowering

Portulacaria afra is noted for its lavender pink-colored flowers that bloom between late spring till the onset of early summer.

Watering and Feeding

During the dormancy period in winter, practice less frequent watering.

Soil

Rainbow Bush succulent needs well-drained soil and a soil mix that ensures the excess moisture evaporates at the earliest. For feeding, use low nitrogen or a basic houseplant fertilizer every 6-8 weeks between fall and spring.

Hardiness

This houseplant grows best in winters, keeping in mind its frost tolerance of -1.7° C (28.94° F). Portulacaria afra variegata belongs to the hardiness zone of 10a to 11b.

Light

Rainbow Bush plants need full to partial sun exposure. If planted outdoors, place this variety in a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight. If indoors, plant next to a sunny window.

Propagation

The plant can be propagated through stem cuttings during the summer and the spring season. Cut out the stems, let them dry for a few days, then dip them in moist soil. The stems will root between 1 to 3 weeks.

 

Portulacaria afra variegata 'Rainbow Bush' is a tall-growing and sprawling succulent that is flexible in adapting to your whims and wishes about how you would like to grow and nurture your succulent. These plants feature multi colors, making them irresistible.

Bloom Season	Late spring
Bloom Season	Late springearly summer
Bloom Season	Late summer, early fall
Botanical Name	Portulacaria afra
Common Name	Elephant bush
Common Name	Variegated Elephant Bush
Dormancy	Winter
Family	Didiereaceae
Flower Color	Lavender pink
Flower Color	Pink, white
Genus	Portulacaria
Growth Habit	Clustered terminal spikes
Growth Habit	Shrub bush
Growth Habit	Trailing/hanging
Growth Rate	Slow
Hardiness Zone	9, 10, 11
Hardiness Zone	10 11 (USDA)
Mature Size	10 feet
Mature Size	12 ft. tall, 6 in. wide
Mature Size	815 ft tall
Native Area	South africa
Plant Type	Perennial succulent
Propagation	By stem cuttings
Propagation	By stem cuttings, divisions
Resistance	1.7° c
Resistance	Drought tolerant
Resistance	Drought tolerant, heat resistant, pest resistance, deer resistant
Soil PH	6.5
Soil PH	6.5, Acidic, Neutral
Soil Type	specialized succulent potting mix
Soil Type	Succulent potting mix soil
Special Features	Star shaped flowers
Special Features	Star shaped showy flowers
Sun Exposure	Full sun
Sun Exposure	Full sun, partial shade
Toxicity	Safe for humans, friendly to dogs, friendly to cats
Toxicity	Safe for humans
Watering Needs	Low