Portulacaria afra 'Variegata'
Also known as: Rainbow bush
The variegated elephant bush ('rainbow bush'): cream-edged leaves with pink tints. It belongs to the Portulacaria genus, comes from Garden cultivar, stays around 0.3–1 m, 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: Garden cultivar
- Mature size: 0.3–1 m
- Hardiness: USDA 10–11; protect below 4 °C
- Toxicity: Non-toxic
Succulent at a glance
- Genus
- Portulacaria
- Origin
- Garden cultivar
- Mature size
- 0.3–1 m
- Growth habit
- Same fine branching, slightly slower
- Leaf colour
- Cream-and-green leaves with pink edges, red stems
- Flower colour
- Pink flowers (rare)
- Hardiness
- USDA 10–11; protect below 4 °C
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Other names
- Rainbow bush
About the Portulacaria afra 'Variegata'
The variegated elephant bush ('rainbow bush'): cream-edged leaves with pink tints. Slower and slightly more delicate than the plain form; show it off in bright light.
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 'Variegata' is a Portulacaria succulent from Garden cultivar. The variegated elephant bush ('rainbow bush'): cream-edged leaves with pink tints. Slower and slightly more delicate than the plain form; show it off in bright light.
Identification
Look for: Cream-and-green leaves with pink edges, red stems leaves in a 0.3–1 m form. Also answers to Rainbow bush. The genus is Portulacaria, which already narrows down the care requirements considerably. Nickname: 'Rainbow bush'.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water my Portulacaria afra 'Variegata'?
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 'Variegata' 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 'Variegata', supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.