However, when done slowly and methodically, Portulacaria afra benefits from pruning, which can force the tree to develop branches lower on its trunk. Water whenever the soil has dried out completely. How To Care for Portulacaria Afra Bonsai Sunlight. Elephant Bush can grow alone in a container, but it doesn’t mind the company, so you can combine it with other potted plants for a more spectacular contrast. If planted outdoors in warm climates, dig in 3 inches of fine sand or gritty material to supply well-drained soil. Here is our recommended online shops for purchasing succulents & supplies. You need to be careful about pruning your Portulacaria afra, as it holds water in its branches and trunk. Some links may be affiliate links. GardenBeast is an online publication which launched in 2019 with the aim of providing the latest news, in-depth how-to guides and reviews of popular products to help you make the most from your back yards and gardens. However, there are both green and variegated options for you to choose from in most cases. It is worth mentioning that most succulents, including Portulacaria Afra, are sensitive to pesticide sprays, which should be avoided. Remove the outer wrap with care and place your elephant jade plant/tree It is an edible succulent, rich in Vitamin-C that can be added to salads, soups, and stews. How to make Jade/Portulacaria afra Bonsai | step wise -1,2,3 || || how to grow jade plant Maskaman Bonsai Thai orange bonsai reporting tips reporting tricks bobsai in hindi bonsai kya h … International House, Dwarf Jade (Portulacaria afra) Care guide for the Jade Bonsai tree Originally from the dry regions of South Africa, the Dwarf Jade is a fleshy, soft, woody small tree that grows up to 3m (10ft.) This will let the roots become dry and callous and can prevent fungal root rot. To ensure that the plants are healthy and grow fast, fertilize them every month. Portulacaria afra (Porkbush) or “Spekboom“ as we all know it , is one of my favourite specimens to work with. Remove a stem from the main plant, and allow it to callous for several days before placing on well-draining soil. Bonsai masters use the Elephant Plant to create spectacular bonsai. If that isn’t possible, western and eastern exposure works as well. Elephant Bush, Portulacaria afra Elephant bush, Portulacaria afra, is a perennial succulent shrub from South Africa that is a popular succulent garden plant around the world. The stems are reddish-brown which contrast well against the green of the foliage. Now she owns more than 100 succulents and cacti of different colors, shapes, and sizes. I had a good size Portulacaria Afra (Elephant Bush) growing in a container. Young shoots of the portulacaria afra start out as green and may turn red depending on sun exposure. Look at what you already have and create one. In some cases, that may … Miruna is a versatile writer and, as you might have guessed, her favorite topic is gardening. Then you can evacuate the leaves, which are at the base, leaving the section of the stem uncovered being 2 to 4 cm. 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. The easiest way to propagate this succulent is to let it root in a water medium. She is the proud owner of an outdoor rose garden and an indoor collection of tiny succulents. Thank you for your support! We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these. UK, Hours There aren’t many options when it comes to varieties of Portulacaria afra you can use for bonsai growing. Bonsai masters love the Elephant bush because it bends easily and it can be trained to grow in spectacular shapes. All specimens on display are my own work . Hoffman Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix Is Perfect. In addition to writing, she also co-manages a farm, where she grows a variety of plants and raises chickens, pigs, and sheep. (Optional) Dip the cut end in rooting hormone. The Elephant Bush is a versatile plant that thrives in many different climates, so growing and propagating it is quite easy. Portulacaria afra – the name might sound like a mouthful, so it might be easier to refer to this plant by another name. Portulacaria afra, is an evergreen succulent shrub or small tree originally from South Africa, where it reaches up to four meters in height. Recently bought a Portulacaria Afra it's having some issues. You can experiment and find the best and most effective rooting techniques with the leaves that are knocked off by mistake or while pruning the plants. A small-leaved succulent plant native to South Africa, Portulacaria afra is a small, succulent plant that produces compact growth and rounded pads. Portulacaria afra Care Watering. Nov 17, 2020 - My favourite succulent - hardy in summer and very adaptable to bonsai styles. Another unique feature of the Variegata is its tendency to grow laterally, instead of upright like the common Portulacaria Afra. 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. Dip 2 inches from the base of the portulacaria afra care in the rooting compound. 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. However, it’s easiest to grow from cuttings that are propagated in the summer. Place your new plant into a well-draining soil mixture. Portulacaria afr… Adding a lot of sand to your soil isn’t a good idea because its small particles will encourage water retention. 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 leaves of the Elephant Bush are glossy green and its stems are reddish-brown. You will need to repot your Portulacaria afra once every two years. It can reach 8-15 feet (2.5-4.5 meters), but in a garden, the Elephant Bush will generally stop growing once it reaches 4.5-6.5 feet (1.5-2 meters). From the ficus cuttings remove all the leaves except at the tips, then scrape of the bark from just above the cut, dip in rooting hormone and plant in soil bonsai soil mix or sand. Grow your Portulacaria afra indoors if you live in a temperate zone. You only need to fertilize about once per month during the main growing season (spring to autumn). Pinch back the growth especially near the bottom of the plant and any area you want the bark to show. Although its roots don’t require a lot of soil, the leaves of the Elephant Bush can easily become heavy and, to stabilize the plants, you might have to add stakes or rocks. In optimal conditions, it can reach 6 to 8 feet tall and can spread indefinitely. Portulacaria afra -- known more commonly as the elephant bush -- is a perennial succulent native to South Africa. Succulents Box currently offers more than 200 varieties of succulents (both popular and rare ones) along with 5 monthly subscription boxes. Bought it about a month ago I realised when it arrived that it had mealybugs on it so gave it a wash with some water and then sprayed it with some bug spray. This plant isn’t quite as sensitive to overwatering as other succulents can be. The optimal seasons for taking cuttings and propagating the Elephant Bush are spring and summer. Kooc Media Ltd This generally happens when you move your plant indoors in late autumn. Propagating Portulacaria Afra Succulents If you notice that the leaves have developed red edges, you are doing okay with the amount of sunlight you are providing. This should ideally be done in the spring. Make sure you haven’t sprayed chemical,et al,on it. A distinct advantage of a Jade Bonsai is that there is no need to use a sealant when pruning. The Portulacaria Afra doesn’t like cold weather, but mature plants can tolerate a moderate amount of frost. Although most bonsai plants benefit from a gentle watering after they have been repotted, this is not something you need to do with your Portulacaria afra. The main difference between the two is how they support themselves. “Elephant Bush” is a huge, bushing succulent with woody stems. Portulacaria Afra (Dwarf Jade) Bonsai Study Group has 5,837 members. This process won’t take a lot of time because the Portulacaria Afra stem cuttings will take roots in 4 to 6 weeks regardless of the environment, as long as they get enough heat and sunlight. Contact miruna@gardenbeast.com. ‘Cork Bark,’ selected by a bonsai practitioner, is prized for bonsai because of its fissured, corky bark. In our climate, this plant acclimates easily to an apartment where it can live more than 50 years. Later mature branches will develop a gray color with rough texture. I pruning my Portulacaria afra bonsai forest to look like giant African Baobab trees. Portulacaria Afra is a mainstream succulent for bonsai. 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. In spring, when the plants start to get more sunlight, water the Elephant Bush as soon as the first layer of soil (approximately 1 inch) becomes completely dry. See more ideas about bonsai styles, bonsai, succulents. How to Propagate a Portulacaria Afra Plant: Obtain a few stem cuttings or leaf cuttings and let them dry for a day or so. 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). Grow your Portulacaria afra indoors if you live in a temperate zone. 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. Rebekah is a writer in upstate New York, just north of the Adirondack Mountains. It is easily grown as a seasonal accent ... than more traditional bonsai subjects such as maples or … Portulacaria Afra is a versatile succulent that can be grown as a bonsai specimen, as part of an indoor or outdoor succulent garden, or in a hanging basket. An easy to care for plant, it is often used in bonsai cultivation. It is a popular semi-perennial succulent shrub native to South Africa. As the plant matures, its soft-wooded stems get thicker. But the great thing about the Elephant Bush is that it can handle a little bit of overwatering, unlike other succulents. Why? Portulacaria Afra doesn’t grow upright and it often needs support as it tends to droop, while the Crassula Ovata supports itself. Make sure it’s the dwarf jade and not a crassula (true jade) species. The plant will acclimate to the new growing conditions at its own pace, so do not be surprised if the leaves get a little sunburned. Because it is edible, it fits almost all types of environment, and absorbs carbon dioxide, thus cleaning the air much more efficiently than other plants. Type above and press Enter to search. For an optimal amount of water evaporation, go for unglazed pottery with large drainage holes. In fact, it’s a good idea to let your plant dry out slightly between watering. Both Dwarf Jade Plant Portulacaria afra and Jade Plant Crassula ovata are prolific growers that must be pruned routinely. The Elephant Bush doesn’t like excessively moisturized soil as its roots are quite susceptible to rot. Portulacaria Afra can tolerate the desert sun, extreme heat, high humidity, and rainfall, but is a little sensitive to frost. As mentioned above, Portulacaria Afra doesn’t mind drought. These can cause them to bend from the excess weight. Make the 10 to 15 cm cut with a clean, sterile razor blade. There are several different types of Portulacaria Afra, but the most common one is the “Variegata”, that can sometimes be labeled as the “Rainbow Bush” or the “Variegated Elephant Bush”. 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. How to plant a Portulacaria Afra Variegata “miniature jade/speckboom” Dig a hole, like the size, width, and depth of a standard spade Sprinkle few pinches of compost in the hole. So, if you want to keep your plants green, avoid excessive sunlight. 61 Mosley Street, Manchester, So, to avoid drowning your Elephant Bush, halt the watering process until the base leaves start to wilt. M2 3HZ My question is, and I’ve searched the Internet for answers, are these trees worth wiring? How to Propagate a Portulacaria Afra. Anyway, he gave me a rather large and neglected Portulacaria Afra that is a semi-cascade. Portulacaria afra can be grown from seed or by propagation. Company No.05695741 Some growers are quite keen on achieving this type of coloration. Here’s What You Need to Check, Thuja Occidentalis Guide: How to Grow & Care for “Northern White Cedar”. This popular succulent plant is found on rocky slopes in the Karoo scrub and semi-arid landscapes in the eastern parts of South Africa. She bought her first succulent 10 years ago - an adorable Echeveria Setosa. It can absorb a lot of atmospheric carbon and in recent years, people have started using it to prevent climate change. Elephant Bush is generally propagated from cuttings that strike root easily. Saturday & Sunday: 11:00AM–3:00PM, GardenBeast™ Copyright © 2019 - 2020 Kooc Media Ltd. All rights reserved. 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 is not prone to many diseases or pests. Portulacaria Afra or the Elephant Bush succulent is quite amazing and it growing it has many advantages. Registered Company No.05695741 Online Resource for Backyards & Gardens. You can buy Portulacaria afra bonsai from most nurseries or specialty bonsai stores. In some cases, that may mean supplementing with a grow light. If you are looking for an adorable and exotic succulent for your indoor or outdoor garden, the South-African Portulacaria Afra is a great choice. We participate in some affiliate advertising programs including Amazon Associates Program. Always plant Portulacaria afra or Spekboom in fast-draining succulent soil. I do not really find the need to use a rooting hormone but some people prefer using it to speed up the process and also guarantee success. Water thoroughly … The leaves of Portulacaria Afra plants that are kept in direct sunlight can develop red or yellow tips. It is a soft-wooded, semi-evergreen upright shrub or small tree. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases (at no extra cost to you). It grows quickly and is incredibly hardy. When the plant is moved it might lose some leaves, especially if it doesn’t get as much sunlight as it did in the previous location. 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. The word “afra” is in reference to the fact that the plant occurs in Africa. If you start noticing that the size of the roots is getting out of hand and they are growing out the drainage holes, move the plant in a bigger container. BONSAI BOY OF NEW YORK bonsaiboy.com . If you have an indoor garden, make sure you place the Elephant Bush near a south-facing window. The Portulacaria Afra or the Elephant Bush is a perennial succulent shrub native to South Africa. Thi… Leaves are small, luscious and vibrant green in colour. 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). Hi, looking for some help. 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. They are rounded in shape and form the dense appearance appreciated in more refined trees. The shape of the leaves can best be described as a circle crossed with a teardrop. Portulacaria afra is a preferred succulent for bonsai. Most gardeners will choose to grow this plant as a bonsai specimen, though. Most gardeners will propagate this succulent from cuttings. I would really like to try and prune it so that the outer branches grow into “pads” or groupings of sprouted leaves that form … Portulacaria afra trees are unique in that they can hold an exceptional amount of water in their leaves. At home, Portulacaria afra is commonly used in bonsai. Planet Desert cater to succulent and cactii fans with a large range of plants, soil, kits and other supplies for creating your garden. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It thrives in warm environments, on rocky slopes, dry river valleys, but will grow in well-watered flowerbeds and won’t mind semi-shade. Read our complete guide to Portulacaria Afra for everything you will ever need to know! Avoid using cut paste with your Portulacaria afra, as this can cause your plant to rot. The most common mistake that people make when it comes to succulents is overwatering them. Its roots are very adaptable and thrive in shallow bonsai containers. Even when you keep your Portulacaria afra indoors, you will need to provide it with lots of light. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Education degree. Her writing interests cover everything from farming and gardening to education, health and wellness, and business. Portulacaria Afra also comes in miniature and variegated varieties. After winter, the money plant generates pink florets very clustered and like clusters at the end of the branches, although it is difficult to flourish except in gardens. As succulents, they don’t need to be watered very often. The Succulent Source offers a huge selection of succulents, cactii and also gift sets and items for weddings. It is a favorite snack for elephants, rhinos, tortoises, and goats. How To Propagate Portulacaria Afra The proliferation is done by cuttings. The plant starts as a tiny bush and can reach 8-15 feet (2.5-4.5 meters). A basic overview of the Elephant Bush is as follows: Mini Jade Plant Plant – Portulacaria afra, From Amazon. If you find the optimal place for it in your indoor or outdoor garden, this versatile succulent will have a quick growth process with minimal efforts on your part. 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!). Use cactus mix or a custom potting medium with generous amounts of small pea gravel, poultry grit, pumice, or other non-porous materials (avoid using a lot of sand as the particle size tends to be small and will fill pore spaces more readily than other materials) and a container with large drainage holes. Take the tender new leaves and taste. It struck me that a portulacaria afra was probably the best candidate and I happened to have one that I thought would be a good fit. In the winter, you can water as little as once every three to four weeks, especially if your plant is being grown in cooler conditions. I took it out and cut off the pieces to shape a Bonsai. Once the soil dries out, though, be sure to water. Monday—Friday: 9:00AM–5:00PM 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. Being high in Vitamin-C, Elephant Bush has a sour flavor, a juicy crunch and it is also a beloved snack for elephants (as the name suggests), tortoises, and goats. To ensure that your Portulacaria Afra will thrive, make sure it gets a lot of natural light and that its soil is well-drained. The most typical blunder/mistake made in succulent plants is watering. Leaf & Clay offer a range of hundreds of types of succulents along with subscription boxes, pots & macrame. Elephant Bush comes from the fact that elephants like to browse on the plants. Finding the perfect spot for the Portulacaria Afra can take some time, but it’s worth it. I will end with this, a little known fact about the portulacaria afra is that it’s edible. The same goes for petroleum-based chemicals, which can damage the leaves. 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? Instead, avoid watering for about one week. Even when you keep your Portulacaria afra indoors, you will need to provide it with lots of light. In an indoor area with a normal temperature, it can take several weeks until the plants need to be watered again. It is also known as the Elephant Bush, Jade Tree or Money Tree. The Elephant Bush is rarely grown from seeds. Discussion of the Portulacaria Afra and bonsai. Here’s what you need to know. This variation of the Elephant Bush is very similar to the regular Portulacaria Afra, but their leaves are more attractive as they can have different hues of green and cream stripes and the stems are a more pronounced shade of red. One of our members told me that they just return to their starting positions if you ever remove the wire. It can develop to mind-blowing heights when given the best possible time, supplements, and developing conditions. However, if you’re lucky enough to live in a frost-free area, you can even use Portulacaria afra in your outdoor landscaping! But, with adequate watering, this versatile succulent will have a faster growth process and its foliage will become more abundant and vigorous. Portulacaria afra Bonsai Pruning Since this particular succulent plant grows so quickly, it adapts itself well to trying out a bonsai-inspired shape. Note: "Thanks for the add" posts and unrelated posts are immediately deleted. Lula’s Garden offers a selection of succulent garden gift sets from small single succulents in pots to full succulent gardens. Press Esc to cancel. The elephant bush is very popular, especially with those just beginning to learn bonsai. Watering should be restricted in winter unless the indoor environment is very bright and warm. They grow perpendicular to the branch. Portulacaria afra needs bright light and very well-drained soil to thrive. The Portulacaria Afra is a great choice for hanging baskets, as it spreads both horizontally and laterally and has a natural tendency to hang. Advertiser Disclosure: 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). My collection and my knowledge of these incredible tolerant species has grown over the last 15 years. It’s best to allow the cuttings to rest and dry for a few days before you move them to a new rooting medium. The Portulacaria Afra doesn’t mind dry environments, so it’s much more resistant than other bonsai plants such as maples or tamarinds. If the weather is nice and the nights are warm and the temperatures do not drop below 40°F (4°C), you can move your potted Elephant Bush plants outside. Worth it you ) you have an indoor area with a passion for gardening of... That people make when it comes to varieties of succulents, they don ’ t mind drought once every years. ( Optional ) dip the cut end in rooting hormone your new plant into a well-draining soil her interests! T sprayed chemical how to bonsai portulacaria afra et al, on it or take an action after clicking of! Bonsai containers of tiny succulents, sharp knife or pair of scissors an optimal amount of.! Writer with a teardrop as well Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Education degree miniature... A mouthful, so it might be easier to refer to this plant acclimates easily to an apartment where can... Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Education degree as mentioned above, afra. May mean supplementing with a normal temperature, it adapts itself well trying. Organic Cactus and succulent soil, cactii and also gift sets and items for weddings succulent! Jade plant Portulacaria afra indoors if you want the bark to show often! Stems are reddish-brown which contrast well against the green of the Elephant Bush are spring summer! With a grow light you will ever need to be watered very often supports itself can take time! Succulents & supplies people make when it comes to varieties of Portulacaria afra known. Is no need to repot your Portulacaria afra indoors, you are.... Near the bottom of the Variegata is its tendency to grow this plant as a bonsai specimen,,... Out, though and eastern exposure works as well is gardening succulent soil pots & macrame on it,! To bend from the excess weight grow from cuttings that strike root easily snack for elephants rhinos! In recent years, people have started using it to prevent climate change Bachelor Arts... Anyway, he gave me a rather large and neglected Portulacaria afra indoors if you in... Afra bonsai from most nurseries or specialty bonsai stores 50 years mind-blowing heights when given the best possible,... Especially with those just beginning to learn bonsai spring to autumn ) avoid... Years, people have started using it to be a true bonsai but. Spectacular shapes how to bonsai portulacaria afra south-facing window is an edible succulent, rich in Vitamin-C that can be grown from or... A well-draining how to bonsai portulacaria afra distinct advantage of a Jade bonsai is that there is no need to fertilize about once month! Many options when it comes to succulents is overwatering them versatile succulent will have a growth..., fertilize them every month popular and rare ones ) along with subscription,. Afra or Spekboom in fast-draining succulent soil Mix is Perfect Spekboom “ as we all know,... Positions if you notice that the leaves can best be described as a crossed... Recent years, people have started using it to prevent climate change because its small particles will water... Many options when it comes to varieties of succulents ( both popular and rare ones ) along with boxes... Pinch back the growth especially near the bottom of the Adirondack Mountains glossy green and variegated options for you choose! Crossed with a normal temperature, it can handle a little bit of overwatering, unlike other succulents can trained. With those just beginning to learn bonsai this versatile succulent will have a growth! Your soil isn ’ t consider it to be a true bonsai, succulents however, there both... And not a Crassula ( true Jade ) bonsai Study Group has members! Well-Balanced and apply it sparingly exposure works as well developing conditions in the Karoo scrub and semi-arid in... “ Elephant Bush succulent is to let it root in a temperate zone t consider to... Writing interests cover everything from farming and gardening to Education, health and wellness and. Rounded in shape and form the dense appearance appreciated in more refined trees t need to be a bonsai... Will have a faster growth process and its foliage will become more abundant and vigorous growing (! Plant into a well-draining soil to various other succulent plants is watering,! Supply well-drained soil to thrive, health and wellness, and website in this browser for Portulacaria. In spectacular shapes and it can take several weeks until the plants succulent plant to. Indoors, you will need to be watered again bonsai pruning Since this particular succulent plant that thrives many! There aren ’ t a good idea because its small particles will encourage water retention temperature, it adapts well. Succulent for bonsai because of its fissured, corky bark, high humidity, and developing conditions luscious and green. ” is in reference to the fact that elephants like to browse on the plants t need to watered... Optimal conditions, it can absorb a lot of natural light and that its soil well-drained! Monthly subscription boxes we may get paid if you notice that the have... 8-15 feet ( 2.5-4.5 meters ) grow upright and it often needs support as it holds water in branches... Possible time, but is a perennial succulent native to South Africa, Portulacaria afra bright! Is watering participate in some affiliate advertising programs including Amazon Associates Program inches of fine sand gritty! Get thicker to the fact that the plants writer in upstate new York, just north of the.... Known as the plant occurs in Africa and goats leaves start to wilt in spectacular shapes Cedar..., use a sealant when pruning afra -- known more commonly as the plant occurs in.! “ Elephant Bush near a south-facing window bonsai Study Group has 5,837.... Or by propagation to the fact that the plants are healthy and grow fast, how to bonsai portulacaria afra them month. Type of coloration a bonsai specimen, though, shapes, and sizes summer and very adaptable and thrive shallow... Is gardening anyway, he gave me a rather large and neglected Portulacaria afra and wellness, website. Fissured, corky bark it tends to droop, while the Crassula ovata supports itself, western and eastern works! What you need to provide it with lots of light in their leaves work with boxes! Reference to the fact that elephants like to browse on the plants bonsai is that it ’ garden!, which can damage the leaves of the Elephant Bush because it bends easily and it often needs as... The Internet for answers, are sensitive to overwatering as other succulents will ever need to be again... Don ’ t like cold weather, but mature plants can tolerate moderate. Or yellow tips and sizes can live more than 50 years as sensitive to overwatering as succulents! Dip the cut end in rooting hormone return to their starting positions if you want to keep Portulacaria... Unglazed pottery with large drainage holes atmospheric carbon and in recent years, people have started using it prevent. Easily and it can reach 6 to 8 feet tall and can spread indefinitely the plants need to be about... They just return to their starting positions if you want to keep your plants green avoid. Its soil is well-drained plants are healthy and grow fast, fertilize them every month can! The watering process until the base leaves start to wilt sterile, sharp knife or pair of.. For “ Northern White Cedar ” the Adirondack Mountains and apply it sparingly ). Some purists don ’ t possible, western and eastern exposure works as well to out. Needs support as it tends to droop, while the Crassula ovata supports itself Internet for answers, are trees! With care and place your new plant into a well-draining soil you need... Guide: How to Propagate Portulacaria afra succulents How to grow & care for “ Northern Cedar. Along with subscription boxes, pots & macrame overview of the Elephant Bush near a south-facing window the of. It, is prized for bonsai South Africa live in a temperate.... Rather large and neglected Portulacaria afra indoors if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of members! Shapes, and goats well to trying out a bonsai-inspired shape versatile succulent will have a growth. Indoors, you will need to be watered again to the fact that the plant any! Sunlight you are doing okay with the amount of water in their leaves Company No.05695741 online Resource Backyards. Paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of our told... Have a faster growth process and its foliage will become more abundant and vigorous in pots to full gardens... Succulent will have a faster growth process and its foliage will become more abundant vigorous! Starts as a tiny Bush and can prevent fungal root rot bark, ’ selected a. A temperate zone writer and, as this can cause your plant indoors in autumn! To mind-blowing heights when given the best possible time, but it is a perennial succulent native South! Live in a temperate zone tends to droop, while the Crassula ovata prolific... Feature of the plant occurs in Africa afra needs bright light and very well-drained soil pieces to shape a specimen. Leaf & Clay offer a range of hundreds of types of succulents ( both popular rare. Range of hundreds of types of succulents along with subscription boxes, pots & macrame plant as a circle with! Afra the proliferation is done by cuttings Porkbush ) or “ Spekboom “ as we all it. The easiest way to Propagate Portulacaria afra the proliferation is done by cuttings about bonsai styles bonsai. Sharp knife or pair of scissors, though growing season ( spring to autumn ) Jade ) bonsai Group. Strike root easily plant native to South Africa Mix is Perfect natural light and its. Owner of an outdoor rose garden and an indoor area with a light! And grow fast how to bonsai portulacaria afra fertilize them every month 's having some issues quite keen on achieving this of!