SKU: 38923390944
elephant food plant succulent

elephant food plant succulent Elephant Bush

Sale price$21.83 Regular price$24.26
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $6.07 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Sep 14 - Sep 19

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

elephant food plant succulent Elephant BushIntroducing 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.

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 38923390944

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell elephant food plant succulent

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.7 ★★★★★
Based on 11 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
J
Verified Purchase
J. Taylor
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 5
Thin, Light, Very Functional - Fantastic tablet
Color: Gray, Size: 256 GB, Style: Tab A11+, Color: Gray, Size: 256 GB, Style: Tab A11+
First off you only get a tablet, an USB-C to USB-C cable, quickstart instructions and Sumsung care info. That's it. No charger, no nothing else. Even the screen doesn't come with a protector, the tablet itself comes in a fabric/paper like bag. So advice: Buy a screen protector and/or case for this tablet! It's very thin and light weight! The tablet itself is fantastic. It plays all the games so far I threw at it, even the graphic intense ones. Compared to some Chinese ripoffs, this shines like a champ. The 256 gigs of space is plenty and 8 gigs of ram help alot! Truly the tablet is great for my use - Playing games and watching videos. I'm a little upset for the fact that it doesn't come with any charging device, but my phone's charger works fine. The USB-C to USB-C cable may come in handy (but my old PRO12 tablet uses the older usb port). Overall I'm very pleased with it. The games I played on my Moto G phone play fantastic on the A11+ plus it can play much more. Also I don't stream so I put videos on the tablet. My old tablet I had to convert them to make the compatible. The A11+ and Android 16 shines here. It can play most all my videos without conversion, even 4k HDR videos natively! And the sound it great with four speakers as well! Only downfall is the warranty. When I registered the tablet says something about the country of origin so I don't have warranty for the tablet. Just remember to have a charger for it, screen protector and I recommend a case!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2026
R
Verified Purchase
R1SG2019
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 5
All you need in retirement
Color: Gray, Size: 256 GB, Style: Tab A11+
Great purchase in comparison with Fire and the Tab S. Does everything I need it to do: read books, email, pay bills, chat, etc. The price was right and it's a good solid tablet without too much complications. I have a Samsung Galaxy smartphone so both are complementary to each other. One comment, Samsung does not provide an actual plug, just the cable...not the best customer service act for sure but seems like all of them are doing it now. Otherwise, I'm pleased with it.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2026
J
Verified Purchase
J2toes
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 4
No Fingerprint reader.
Color: Gray, Size: 128 GB, Style: Tab A11+
Nice tablet. I find the video quality to just OK. That may be because I haven't found the optimal settings. The biggest drawback is my fault for sure. The tablet doesn't have a fingerprint reader. All my phones and previous tablets had that. I now know it a higher end feature. But as a casual tablet this is fine.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2026
M
Verified Purchase
michelle a lawrence
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 5
amazing tablet
Color: Gray, Size: 128 GB, Style: Tab A11+
absolutely love this tablet. It’s easy to use in perfect size. The screen has great resolution in the speakers wow. It also charges quite fast and keep the charge for quite a long time.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2026
T
Verified Purchase
Tony G
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 5
Great tablet
Color: Gray, Size: 128 GB, Style: Tab A11+
Bought this for my wife on her birthday and she loves it. Really great tablet - right size, great color and screen clarity and plenty of storage and speed.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2026

recommand products