Portulacaria afra
Also known as: Elephant bush, spekboom
The elephant bush (spekboom): fine red stems, small lime leaves, and a bonsai-ready habit. It belongs to the Portulacaria genus, comes from South Africa (Eastern Cape), stays around 0.3–2 m; fine branching, and tolerates USDA 10–11; protect below 4 °C. Individual plants vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Key facts
- Genus: Portulacaria
- Origin: South Africa (Eastern Cape)
- Mature size: 0.3–2 m; fine branching
- Hardiness: USDA 10–11; protect below 4 °C
- Toxicity: Non-toxic (edible, sour)
Succulent at a glance
- Genus
- Portulacaria
- Origin
- South Africa (Eastern Cape)
- Mature size
- 0.3–2 m; fine branching
- Growth habit
- Fine-stemmed shrub, excellent for bonsai
- Leaf colour
- Small rounded lime-green leaves on red stems
- Flower colour
- Pink-purple nectar-rich clusters (rare indoors)
- Hardiness
- USDA 10–11; protect below 4 °C
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic (edible, sour)
- Other names
- Elephant bush, spekboom
About the Portulacaria afra
The elephant bush (spekboom): fine red stems, small lime leaves, and a bonsai-ready habit. Faster and finer-textured than jade, slightly thirstier, and famously good at carbon storage in habitat. Prune hard to build structure.
Care and cultivation
Elephant bush is one of the easiest succulent shrubs and takes to bonsai training willingly. Bright light, a normal succulent mix, and moderate watering keep it full. It handles more frequent watering than most succulents but still wants to dry between drinks. Prune hard to build a gnarled bonsai silhouette. Light: Bright light; afternoon shade in very hot climates. Water: Every 10–14 days; slightly more often than jade. Use a Standard succulent mix.
Description
Portulacaria afra is a Portulacaria succulent from South Africa (Eastern Cape). The elephant bush (spekboom): fine red stems, small lime leaves, and a bonsai-ready habit. Faster and finer-textured than jade, slightly thirstier, and famously good at carbon storage in habitat. Prune hard to build structure.
Identification
Look for: Small rounded lime-green leaves on red stems leaves in a 0.3–2 m; fine branching form. Also answers to Elephant bush, spekboom. The genus is Portulacaria, which already narrows down the care requirements considerably. Nickname: 'Elephant bush'.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water my Portulacaria afra?
Every 10–14 days; slightly more often than jade. Always let the soil dry completely between waterings, and water less in winter when growth slows.
How much light does Portulacaria afra need?
Bright light; afternoon shade in very hot climates. If the plant stretches or loses colour, it needs more light.
Related succulents
Succulent information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Portulacaria afra, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.