Portulacaria afra
elephant bush
Compact and easy to grow, this drought-tolerant evergreen succulent is a popular choice for bright indoor spaces. Its thick, glossy green leaves grow along reddish stems, giving it a tidy, structured appearance that works well as a houseplant or bonsai-style specimen. Clusters of tiny saucer-shaped pale pink flowers grace the tips in summer.
Elephant bush is naturally slow-growing, making it low-maintenance and ideal for small spaces. Older stems develop a woody, greyish bark over time, adding to its ornamental appeal.
Portulacaria afra is native to South Africa and valued for both its resilience and ability to purify the air. It prefers a spot with bright, indirect light but can also handle a few hours of direct sun.
This succulent is perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a fuss-free plant with year-round interest.
Please note that the plant comes in a 12cm nursery pot as standard, unless a decorative pot cover is included as an option.
Elephant bush is naturally slow-growing, making it low-maintenance and ideal for small spaces. Older stems develop a woody, greyish bark over time, adding to its ornamental appeal.
Portulacaria afra is native to South Africa and valued for both its resilience and ability to purify the air. It prefers a spot with bright, indirect light but can also handle a few hours of direct sun.
This succulent is perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a fuss-free plant with year-round interest.
Please note that the plant comes in a 12cm nursery pot as standard, unless a decorative pot cover is included as an option.
How to care for Portulacaria afra:
Plant using a cactus or succulent compost ensuring the pot remains able to drain (if a decorative pot cover is used). Place it in bright, indirect light, though it can tolerate a few hours of direct sun.
From mid-spring to mid-autumn, water thoroughly (preferably with rainwater) and let excess water drain away fully. Wait until the compost is completely dry before watering again. In winter, reduce watering to a minimum—just enough to stop the leaves from shrivelling.
Avoid letting the plant sit in water at any time, as this will quickly lead to root rot. Keep it in a warm room away from cold draughts and avoid high humidity environments such as bathromms or kitchens.
From mid-spring to mid-autumn, water thoroughly (preferably with rainwater) and let excess water drain away fully. Wait until the compost is completely dry before watering again. In winter, reduce watering to a minimum—just enough to stop the leaves from shrivelling.
Avoid letting the plant sit in water at any time, as this will quickly lead to root rot. Keep it in a warm room away from cold draughts and avoid high humidity environments such as bathromms or kitchens.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
1m
Eventual spread:
1m
Position:
Bright, indirect light
Rate of growth:
Slow growing
Soil:
Specialist compost
Hardiness:
Frost tender
12cm pot | 30cm tall
£14.99
shipped within 2 weeks
1
