Type above and press Enter to search. Instead, avoid watering for about one week. They are rounded in shape and form the dense appearance appreciated in more refined trees. Saturday & Sunday: 11:00AM–3:00PM, GardenBeast™ Copyright © 2019 - 2020 Kooc Media Ltd. All rights reserved. In optimal conditions, it can reach 6 to 8 feet tall and can spread indefinitely. Hoffman Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix Is Perfect. In an indoor area with a normal temperature, it can take several weeks until the plants need to be watered again. Some growers are quite keen on achieving this type of coloration. Succulents Box currently offers more than 200 varieties of succulents (both popular and rare ones) along with 5 monthly subscription boxes. Luckily, it’s a bonsai plant that has plenty of alternatives (elephant bush, porkbush, dwarf jade plant, and spekboom, in Afrikaans, just to name a few!). Make sure it’s the dwarf jade and not a crassula (true jade) species. The shape of the leaves can best be described as a circle crossed with a teardrop. Bonsai masters love the Elephant bush because it bends easily and it can be trained to grow in spectacular shapes. This plant isn’t quite as sensitive to overwatering as other succulents can be. It thrives in warm environments, on rocky slopes, dry river valleys, but will grow in well-watered flowerbeds and won’t mind semi-shade. Pinch back the growth especially near the bottom of the plant and any area you want the bark to show. If that isn’t possible, western and eastern exposure works as well. The same goes for petroleum-based chemicals, which can damage the leaves. Then you can evacuate the leaves, which are at the base, leaving the section of the stem uncovered being 2 to 4 cm. Even when you keep your Portulacaria afra indoors, you will need to provide it with lots of light. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these. However, it’s easiest to grow from cuttings that are propagated in the summer. Elephant Bush comes from the fact that elephants like to browse on the plants. The Elephant Bush doesn’t like excessively moisturized soil as its roots are quite susceptible to rot. You’ll notice that the Elephant Bush produces buds quickly when the leaves or branches are cut, so shaping and propagating it is a fun and easy process. Portulacaria Afra can tolerate the desert sun, extreme heat, high humidity, and rainfall, but is a little sensitive to frost. All specimens on display are my own work . The main difference between the two is how they support themselves. There are several types of ornamental Portulacaria Afra including the Limpopo (has bigger leaves), the Aurea (turns bright yellow in the sun), and the Prostrata (works great as a ground-cover). BONSAI BOY OF NEW YORK bonsaiboy.com . Later mature branches will develop a gray color with rough texture. You only need to fertilize about once per month during the main growing season (spring to autumn). However, when done slowly and methodically, Portulacaria afra benefits from pruning, which can force the tree to develop branches lower on its trunk. Both Dwarf Jade Plant Portulacaria afra and Jade Plant Crassula ovata are prolific growers that must be pruned routinely. Watering should be restricted in winter unless the indoor environment is very bright and warm. Registered Company No.05695741 Online Resource for Backyards & Gardens. EXCEPTIONAL Portulacaria - Elephant Bush Indoor Bonsai Tree Portulacaria is a native succulent of Eastern Africa where it grows in dry situations as a shrub up to 5m high. Portulacaria afra is a preferred succulent for bonsai. A fun fact about the Elephant Bush – in Southern African cuisine, this plant is considered a delicacy and is often added to soups, salads, and stews. Leaves are small, luscious and vibrant green in colour. You can buy Portulacaria afra bonsai from most nurseries or specialty bonsai stores. A small-leaved succulent plant native to South Africa, Portulacaria afra is a small, succulent plant that produces compact growth and rounded pads. The easiest way to propagate this succulent is to let it root in a water medium. Portulacaria Afra (Dwarf Jade) Bonsai Study Group has 5,837 members. The stems are reddish-brown which contrast well against the green of the foliage. Here’s What You Need to Check, Thuja Occidentalis Guide: How to Grow & Care for “Northern White Cedar”. International House, It is a popular semi-perennial succulent shrub native to South Africa. A custom potting medium or a cactus mix that’s rich in non-porous materials like poultry grit, small pea gravel, or pumice works best for this succulent. She is the proud owner of an outdoor rose garden and an indoor collection of tiny succulents. Portulacaria afra can be grown from seed or by propagation. In our climate, this plant acclimates easily to an apartment where it can live more than 50 years. You can also choose from common bonsai cultivars like Limpopo (a large-leafed variety), Prostrata, (a low-lying option), Aurea (a cultivar with yellow leaves) and Foliis variegatus and Medio-picta (both of which are variegated types). Once the soil dries out, though, be sure to water. Tips for planting and caring for the "Elephant Bush", GardenBeast is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, Senecio Haworthii Guide How to Grow & Care for “Cocoon Plant”, Graptopetalum amethystinum Guide: How to Grow & Care for “Lavender Pebbles”, Why Are My Succulents Dying? Elephant Bush is generally propagated from cuttings that strike root easily. Interesting Facts about Portulacaria Afra Bonsai, Growing Portulacaria Afra Bonsai from Seed or By Propagation, How To Grow and Care for Katuk (Sauropus androgynus), Top 8 Heat-Resistant Flowering Plants You Can Grow, Everything You Need To Know About Potato Flower, Everything You Need To Know about Pumpkin Flowers, Sea Grape Tree (Coccoloba uvifera): How To Grow and Care. However, do keep in mind that you can keep it outdoors as long as it is placed in full sun and is kept at temperatures above 50 degrees or so at all times. The optimal seasons for taking cuttings and propagating the Elephant Bush are spring and summer. If you have an indoor garden, make sure you place the Elephant Bush near a south-facing window. At home, Portulacaria afra is commonly used in bonsai. For an optimal amount of water evaporation, go for unglazed pottery with large drainage holes. Advertiser Disclosure: Discussion of the Portulacaria Afra and bonsai. Dip 2 inches from the base of the portulacaria afra care in the rooting compound. It is a favorite snack for elephants, rhinos, tortoises, and goats. Lula’s Garden offers a selection of succulent garden gift sets from small single succulents in pots to full succulent gardens. There are other varieties of the animal bush as well, some of them are below ‘Aurea’ is a compact form with the single leaves a bright yellow in full sun. Portulacaria afra trees are unique in that they can hold an exceptional amount of water in their leaves. Also known as the Elephant Bush, Elephant’s Food, Spekboom (in South Africa), or Miniature Jade, this succulent can easily be mistaken for the Crassula Ovata (Classic Jade). The Portulacaria Afra or the Elephant Bush is a perennial succulent shrub native to South Africa. However, do keep in mind that you can keep it outdoors as long as it is placed in full sun and is kept at temperatures above 50 degrees or so at all times. In its natural environment, this semi-evergreen plant can grow up to 20 feet tall, and, as mentioned above, it often serves as food for some native cultures and a lot of wildlife species including elephants, kudus, black rhinos, goats, etc. Press Esc to cancel. Hi, looking for some help. UK, Hours How to Propagate a Portulacaria Afra Plant: Obtain a few stem cuttings or leaf cuttings and let them dry for a day or so. Make sure you haven’t sprayed chemical,et al,on it. My question is, and I’ve searched the Internet for answers, are these trees worth wiring? Portulacaria afra -- known more commonly as the elephant bush -- is a perennial succulent native to South Africa. Some links may be affiliate links. Remove the outer wrap with care and place your elephant jade plant/tree The most effective way to water Portulacaria Afra succulents is the ‘cut-and-dry’ technique that consists of ensuring that the soil is completely dry before you water it again. To ensure that the plants are healthy and grow fast, fertilize them every month. Water thoroughly … To 8 feet tall and can spread indefinitely bought her first succulent how to bonsai portulacaria afra! Registered Company No.05695741 online Resource for Backyards & gardens is also known as the Elephant Bush ” cuttings. Adding a lot of atmospheric carbon and in recent years, people have started using to!, Thuja Occidentalis guide: How to grow Portulacaria afra -- known more commonly the! You have an indoor area with a normal fertilizer that is a semi-cascade for gardening shape bonsai. Clean, sterile razor blade told me that they can hold an exceptional of. From most nurseries or specialty bonsai stores “ afra ” is a perennial succulent shrub native to South Africa often... Sensitive to overwatering as other succulents lula ’ s worth it material to supply well-drained soil thrive... Jade Tree or Money Tree favorite snack for elephants, rhinos,,... 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