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succulents elephant

succulents elephant Shop 'Elephant bush - Portulacaria afra' Care and Info

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Description

succulents elephant Shop 'Elephant bush - Portulacaria afra' Care and InfoIntroducing the Elephant Bush, also known as Portulacaria afra, which is a fascinating and popular succulent garden plant native to South Africa. It belongs to the Portulacaceae family and is known for its unique appearance and easy care requirements. The elephant bush succulent gets its name from its resemblance to the foliage of an elephant's trunk. It is also commonly referred to as the dwarf jade plant, small leaf jade, miniature jade, elephant

Introducing the Elephant Bush, also known as Portulacaria afra, which is a fascinating and popular succulent garden plant native to South Africa. It belongs to the Portulacaceae family and is known for its unique appearance and easy-care requirements.

The elephant bush succulent gets its name from its resemblance to the foliage of an elephant's trunk. It is also commonly referred to as the dwarf jade plant, small leaf jade, miniature jade, elephant food, or the Spekboom. The name "Dwarf Jade Plant" comes from its small, jade-like leaves, while "Spekboom" is an Afrikaans term meaning "bacon tree" due to the plant's edible leaves that reportedly taste like bacon.


The elephant bush plant features small, round, and fleshy pale green leaves that store water, allowing your elephant bush plant to withstand drought conditions. 

The trailing stems of the elephant bush plants are thick and red-hued, which gives them a unique and appealing appearance in hanging baskets.

When grown as a houseplant, the elephant bush typically reaches a height of 1 to 3 feet.

However, if planted outdoors in its native habitat, your Portulacaria afra can grow much larger, reaching heights of up to 20 feet. The elephant bush makes for an excellent bonsai due to its unique growth pattern and ability to withstand pruning. Its thick, fleshy leaves and sturdy branches give it a robust appearance, making it an ideal succulent for shaping into intricate bonsai designs. 

The elephant bush flowers are small, star-shaped, and usually a light pink or lavender color. While the flowers are not the main attraction of this elephant bush succulent, they can add a touch of beauty when they bloom during the spring to late summer.

The elephant bush Portulacaria afra comes in various varieties, including a slow-growing variegated form Portulacaria afra variegata; a trailing growth bush Portulacaria afra prostrata; and a midstripe rainbow bush Portulacaria afra medio-picta, offers a diverse range of beauty in green spaces.

When and How to Water Your Elephant Bush

Like other drought-tolerant jade plants, your elephant bush succulent prefers a watering routine that allows the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can harm the elephant bush plant and cause root rot.

In the summer, during the growing season, you should water elephant bush succulents once or twice a month when the soil is dry. A good rule of thumb is to water this elephant plant when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. In the winter, during the dormant period,  you probably do not need to water them at all. 

Remember, it's always better to underwater than to overwater the elephant bush plant. This resilient Portulacaria afra plant can tolerate drought conditions better than excessive moisture. So, keep an eye on the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

Light Requirements - Where to Place Your Elephant Bush Plant

When growing the elephant bush indoors, it thrives in bright, indirect light. Place your elephant bush plant near a window where it can receive plenty of natural bright light, but make sure to avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day.

If you notice the leaves turning yellow or getting scorched, it's a sign that the Portulacaria afra elephant bush is receiving too much direct sunlight. So, finding that sweet spot of bright, indirect light is key to keeping your elephant bush succulent plant happy indoors.

If you decide to grow your elephant bush outdoors, it loves basking in the full sun. Although partial shade in the afternoon is frequently preferred, these plants need at least six hours of strong light each day to survive.

This is true, especially in hotter climates where the plant may become stressed by the afternoon sun's intense heat.

Your succulents should not be placed in any areas that receive continuous, direct sunlight, as this could lead to burned foliage.

Remember, the elephant bush is a versatile succulent plant and can adapt to different light conditions. Just keep in mind that it prefers bright, indirect light indoors and full sun to partial shade outdoors.

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

Elephant succulents are very airy, porous, nutrient-rich well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5- 6.5; succulents require fast-draining soil that dries completely between waterings. Your soil must have a sandy texture and a low water-holding capacity, just like desert soil.  Ideally, you want to use our specialized succulent potting mix that contains 5 natural substrates to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your African elephant bush plant to thrive.   

When it comes to fertilizing your elephant bush plant, it only needs a small amount of fertilizer applied once a year in spring. These succulents prefer a fertilizer with lower doses of NPK, with a maximum ratio of 5-10-5 that is higher in phosphorus than nitrogen.

Hardiness Zones & More 

When it comes to growing the Elephant Bush plant indoors, the Elephant Bush prefers a cozy environment with temperatures between 65°F and 75°F. It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but it's best to avoid extreme cold or frost. If you notice the leaves starting to shrivel or the tips turning brown, it may be a sign that the air is too dry. You can increase humidity by placing a tray of water near the plant or using a humidifier.

If you are living in USDA zones 9-11, you can grow your Elephant Bush plant outdoors year-round. These zones have mild temperatures and are less prone to frost.  

In cooler zones, it can be kept outdoors during the summer and brought in as the temperature drops. 

Elephant Bush can handle average to slightly higher humidity levels outdoors. Just make sure to provide well-draining soil to prevent waterlogged conditions, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot.

Don't worry if your succulents become too hot; they can tolerate triple-digit temperatures in the summer and prefer constant temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Wildlife - Portulacaria afra Attracts the Following Friendly Pollinators

Portulacaria afra have tiny, star-shaped flowers, which bloom in clusters, and are a magnet for friendly pollinators. Bees are particularly drawn to its nectar-rich blooms, while butterflies and other beneficial insects are also frequent visitors. In areas where it thrives outdoors, hummingbirds may be attracted to the vibrant blossoms as well. 

Butterflies
Bees
Hummingbirds
Lady Bugs
Multi Pollinators
Other Birds

According to ASPCA, the Portulacaria afra Elephant Bush is friendly to both humans and pets such as dogs and cats. This makes it a great choice for households with curious pets or small children.

How to Propagate Your Portulacaria afra

This African elephant bush is relatively easy to propagate. It can be grown from stem cuttings, which should be allowed to dry for a day or two before being planted in well-draining soil. The cuttings usually root quickly and can be grown into new, young plants.

Key Takeaways

  1. Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra) is a fantastic succulent with small, jade-like leaves.
  2. Visually appealing and easy to care for, adaptable for both indoor and outdoor growth.
  3. Tolerates a wide range of warm temperatures, between 65°F and 75°F, and handles higher humidity levels.
  4. It can thrives in bright, indirect light. It is suitable for beginner and experienced plant enthusiasts alike.
  5. Often grown as a seasonal accent plant or houseplant.
  6. Order your Elephant Bush today and add something truly exceptional to your garden.

The Bottom Line

Overall, Portulacaria afra, or Elephant Bush, is a remarkable plant that combines beauty, resilience, and ecological value. Its succulent, jade-like leaves and sprawling growth make it a striking addition to both indoor and outdoor settings, while its ability to tolerate drought and thrive in poor soils underscores its low-maintenance appeal. This plant’s capacity to attract friendly pollinators such as bees and butterflies further enhances its value in promoting biodiversity. With minimal care—bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, occasional watering, and protection from frost—Portulacaria afra can flourish for years, serving as both a stunning decorative element and an eco-friendly choice for any garden or home.

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Joseph Blanton
Phoenix, US
★★★★★ 5
Don't be drama, this is a great kindle.
Digital Storage Capacity: 8 GB, Offer Type: Ad-Supported, Color: Black, Option: Without Kindle Unlimited
My wife attempted to buy the previous generation Kindle, because of some of the negative reviews about this kindle. Thankfully Target didn't have the previous gen so she got me this one instead. I love it, it is light, has a super fast page turn, it's nice knowing that a little splash of coffee won't kill it and it has made me a fan of kindle reading all over again. The backlight is perfect, and turning it all the way down is perfect for reading in the day/sun. I am back to my minimalist ways after getting tired of books piling up around the house. Here are a couple of the negative comments that people have been leaving. 1. "the glare, oh the glare, how can it say anti-glare and then I go out in the sun and I have to squint!" First of all, that's just drama. Try wearing sunglasses next time you are outside or sit in the shade. I am pretty sure, the last I checked, even paper books can be hard to see without them. First day I had it, sat by the pool all day and read. Not once did I notice a glare. 2. "the slick glass layout of the design makes it prone to chipping, my toddler knocked it off the couch and it chipped the screen a little bit." hmmm, I have toddlers. You leaving your device in their reach is not the kindle's fault. They are known to destroy everything in their path, and no fortress is strong enough to withstand their furry. This is definitely a "you" problem. 3. Here are some highlights of other comments. “It’s infuriating that Amazon went to market with this machine. Do not upgrade from prior Paperwhites.” Amazon producing a new kindle is infuriating? Forget everything I know about human rights issues. Sound the alarm bells. “To unlock the device, it goes through a long “waking up” period where the backlight is turned up full blast for some reason. It then reverts to your normal backlight setting after unlocking. I blind myself every night reading in bed.” Please just go to a doctor, any doctor. They should be able to help you with these feelings. “Bottom line: this is not a finished product, and they shoved it out the door because they wanted to have it out for Christmas.” Hey you are the one who wanted it for Christmas, so there is that part of it as well. “Without Wi-Fi, you can't use it.” Yeah that’s been true for a decade now. But since it’s waterproof, you can use it as a coaster. I am being sarcastic because people are drama about the funniest things. It’s a great kindle. Buy one, and remember you do need Wifi lol.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2019
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Megan
Alexandria, US
★★★★★ 5
Perfect size though smaller than expected
Digital Storage Capacity: 8 GB, Offer Type: Ad-Supported, Color: Twilight Blue, Option: Without Kindle Unlimited
I love my kindle paperwhite so far, I've had it a week now and love the portability of it! It is so lightweight and I really have been able to read it anywhere. I love that I got 15% off AND a $20 ebook credit, that made getting it for myself for my 40th birthday an even better deal! I was stoked! I had a kindle shortly after they first came out and wasn't really sold on the e-reader vs an actual book experience. I loved the concept of it, just not the actual product at the time, BUT as I've gotten older and more used to reading on a screen (I use my kindle app on my phone quite a bit) I really craved something that doesn't have all the extra distractions of emails, text messages etc. popping up while I'm reading, plus I'm on my phone way too much already anyway, AND I loved the idea that I could take it in the bathtub with me (I will not do that with my phone). So when this deal popped up and it was close to my birthday I got so excited to treat myself that I originally ordered it without adding the code for the deal itself....whoops! But I contacted customer service and they assured me I could cancel and reorder it without issue so I did. Now, I'm not sure if I messed something up here but my order took forever to process after this and after multiple chats with customer service was told my bank was authorizing then deauthorizing it but after this particular chat session it finally switched to shipped and showed it would arrive on August 31st (10 days after my birthday when I had ordered it 5 days before my birthday). To be fair when I ordered it I was given a window of Aug 18-Sept 1st (on prime delivery mind you) and because I work for a shipping company I figured that much like we have to deal with an influx of more orders than usual due to covid that this was an over cautious estimation but as it turns out, it was not. Now, when I contacted my bank they also assured me that they do not authorize and deauthorize charges like that and it had to be on the other end so with that knowledge it does upset me that I am paying for a 2 day shipping service (that I do not use all that much to even justify the cost I'm paying) that I now have to wait 2-3 weeks for, so that's really the only complaint I have at this time, the product itself I am in love with. I was surprised by the size of it, I am terrible at interpreting dimensions by measurements and sometimes even the comparison pictures don't quite sink in so when I opened the box and saw how slim the box it actually comes it was I was shocked and then when I opened that and saw that the kindle itself was about half the size of that I felt kind of disappointed at first until I realized how perfect the size really is, I can hold it comfortably in one hand and it's lighter than most books, not to mention I don't have to hold the pages open as well so those are all pluses for me, (even though I absolutely adore books and own tons of them also and never want to get rid of them either) I love that I can get a brand new book delivered instantly to my device without having to go anywhere, BUT books I love the tactile feeling of plus anytime illustrations or pictures are included they are much better in the book, especially since this is only black and white though this isn't a deal breaker as most pictures in the books I read aren't usually so integral to the story that I need to see them in color, though if I was reading the kids picture books I got way back when my son was small I'd want the color for that. I am also new to Audible and see I can hook my device to a bluetooth device to listen to but have not tried that yet to let you know (I usually do this on my phone) whether I like it on this device or not but if I do eventually try it I will update the review.
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Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2020
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Will
New York, US
★★★★★ 5
ABSOLUTELY AWESOME DEVICE (small issue with touchscreen)
Digital Storage Capacity: 8 GB, Offer Type: Ad-Supported, Color: Black, Option: Without Kindle Unlimited
Received this for Christmas and it is awesome! Disclaimer: this is my first e-reader so I have nothing to compare it to. I am also a very new user and still haven't made it through the user guide... which is like 1000 pages and is very helpful but slightly intimidating! Battery life is great and lasts for weeks. I like the 'paper-like' option with no back-light for daytime reading. Easy on eyes and reads like a book. Honestly, I'm surprised at how 'book-like' the Kindle actually reads (also thanks to the leather-like amazon cover I received as well. I know that sounds like a bad advertisement but it's not. Another item I wouldn't have purchased for myself but so glad I got for the protection and feel). Only concern is that if you accidentally take brightness all the way to 0, you won't be able to see anything in the dark and it may be hard to find the 'increase brightness' symbol. The Kindle looks to be OFF in this mode if you are in the dark. NOT a complaint because I love it during the daytime, just a caution to anyone out there that may be reading while trying not to bother kids or spouses. Low-light is really good (better than my cell phone) but stop at 1 unless you have light. Only issue I've had is that the Touch screen can be finicky if your hands are super dry. Noticed this after working outside in cold. Seems like touchscreen doesn't recognize finger if hands are too cold/dry. Lick your finger, put on lotion, or don't abuse your hands and I think you'll be fine. Cant speak to it yet but I recently downloaded the ESV Bible translation (for FREE) and I'm looking forward to being able to bookmark, highlight, and make notes wherever and however I want without limitations of margins and poor hand writing. This makes it worth the cost to me for this feature alone and all the books are a bonus! Dont quite understand it yet but you seem to get 2 free books every so often but you have to choose from a list of 6 or so books. I think they might be new releases on the Kindle format maybe? Overall extremely satisfied with the Kindle so far. It's very intuitive and you really don't need to even read the guide unless you want to learn more about some of the lesser used or less obvious features. Definitely beats reading on iPad or phone by a long shot. The battery life and ease on the eyes make it worth the investment (although I must admit I was VERY hesitant to get one and would have waited for next years' Cyber-Monday sale if Santa hadn't hooked me up). Best gift and so glad I have one now. No longer have to leave lamp on to read and you can't beat the portability. At 4.75" x 6.5" in the case it's pretty much a large cell phone. On that note, also love being able to read without interruptions from text, emails, calls, etc. Hope this was somewhat helpful. Good luck and happy reading! -Will
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Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2020
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Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 5
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Format: Kindle
And fun ensues, with healing and new friends and new neighbors to make a perfect summer read! I read through this at a gallop, and loved the ending.
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