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Portulacaria afra

elephant bush

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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.

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.
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

Product options

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HP30001604
12cm pot | 30cm tall
£14.99
shipped within 2 weeks
1
Delivery options (pick your preferred option at checkout)
Standard Delivery£5.99
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