SKU: 8855547171
elephant bush spekboom portulacaria afra

elephant bush spekboom portulacaria afra Elephant Bush

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Description

elephant bush spekboom portulacaria afra 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.

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lcca exchange
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Color: A) 2-Pack (2.5" Balls)
I can't say enough good things about this glowing fetch ball! It's perfect for outdoor play at night—my dog loves chasing it in the dark, and the bright glow keeps the fun going even after sunset. What really impresses me is the quality; this ball has withstood my pup's enthusiastic chewing (and believe me, he can demolish a regular ball in seconds). It’s durable and built to last, making it a fantastic investment for any dog owner. If you're looking for a fun nighttime activity, this glowing fetch ball is a must-have!
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Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2026
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Addie
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★★★★★ 5
My Dogs Favorite for throwing
Color: D) 2-Pack Lattice (3.25" Balls), Color: D) 2-Pack Lattice (3.25" Balls)
We brought our new adoptee home end of July, and I quickly had to find him replacements for his tennis balls because those balls are inherently abrasive and our yard has sand which gets in the fuzz and makes them extra abrasive and they were already causing tooth wear (our previous shepherd chewed tennis balls like gum for a week after his adoption, wore his teeth tips enough I noticed and I took them from him too but this guy didn't like the hand me down replacement, it was too big for his preference so I had to hunt down different ones for the current dog). I tried the glow in the dark Chuk It ones, but he doesn't like to carry them, or the smaller regular chukits... My current dog prefers these web style ones. I like glow in the dark stuff and it makes them easier to find in the evening or over night (if you have night adjusted eyes and not a lot of lights in the yard these are VERY glowy at night). Now I know he likes them I am thinking winter is coming and I may lose the glow color in the Michigan snow, so I'm here to order some in some in non snow camouflage because I want to be able to play in the winter without as much groping for hiding balls (literally he will chase and then snub any other balls in the yard I throw except the huge jolly ball but that isn't a fetch type ball, its a thrash toy. these are the only ones he will actually return for me to swap and throw indefinitely). I included video and a picture of them at the local beach. They float with enough above the water for maybe a few ants to use them as a flotation device, but take a bit of time to come to the surface when they splash down. I think brighter colors will help make them easier to find in the water as well as the snow. I think my dog likes them because the webbing design makes it easier to grip, even when slobbery his teeth can get a hold in the gaps (so can fingers haha) without slipping too badly. They also compress almost flat and boing back into shape and seem to be durable over at least 6 weeks of summer living in the yard, so far so good. They don't have a huge amount of mass so they don't whip super far but if you get a technique down you can get very reasonable distance on throws. He doesn't gnaw on them, so I can't speak to resistance to actual shearing attempts with teeth, just grab and chomp for fun, then holding in his mouth. My dog weighs about 68 lbs (we are trying to gain a bit), he is a German Shepherd, and this size fits him well (can't remember which size I got but usually Amazon shows what size the reviewer got near the title of the review. They're big enough I'm not worried he will accidentally swallow or choke on them, small enough his mouth fits them comfortably, his grip is secure because of the gaps, and he loves them. I suggest get two at least unless your pooch is super good about dropping it and letting you pick it up. With two, I can whip a ball, find the one he just dropped, and by the time he is back, I have the other one in hand. He knows I won't throw it unless he drops the one he just returned (I will wait for him to remember this), and this makes it way easier to play thow and bring it almost back (he often drops it at speed when he is nearly back to me so it rolls past me) without playing chase me for the toy... and makes reinforcing Drop It as an safe thing to do, like he isn't going to lose out if he drops the fun ball in his mouth, I have the second ball to mark (say YES!!! when he drops it) and immediately reward by throwing the ball I already had... he loves them enough that he thinks other balls are stupid so I don't want to throw a less cool ball to exchange for the cool ones haha Anyway hope this was helpful, Im off to order some of these balls in brighter colors for lake and snow visibility.
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Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2024
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Mark H. in the Garage
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 4
Fun Glow Balls for Night Play, Great Value
Color: A) 2-Pack (2.5" Balls)
The Chew King 2 Piece Glowing Fetch Balls are a solid, budget-friendly alternative to Chuck-It glow balls. While my pups prefer the mouth feel of the Chuck-It balls, these still provide bright, visible fun for dusk or nighttime play, and can even be used indoors with a flashlight to get the game going. Durable, glowing, and engaging—a good option for evening fetch sessions which always insures that our pups get a great night of rest.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2026
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LH
Belleville, US
★★★★★ 5
Durable, Perfect Size, and Glows
Color: A) 2-Pack (2.5" Balls)
I bought these for my 23 pound Bojack (Boston Terrier/Jack Russel) mix and he absolutely loves them. He’s an aggressive chewer that has destroyed Kong toys. This ball has just enough flex or give in it that he can’t tear it apart as it compresses in on itself. After about 6 months it started to wear down and tear a bit by the hole so I just tossed it and gave him the other one. I’ll be buying more of these as they wear out over time.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2026
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R. C.
Belleville, US
★★★★★ 5
A Must for Nighttime Fetch!!
Color: A) 2-Pack (2.5" Balls)
These are an absolute Must!! We have an ESS who is nearly 2yo and destroys Every toy he has. For some reason, he doesn't try to annihilate these glow balls. If he chomps on them, it's just for a moment while he is bringing it back to you. Has just a little weight to them so it goes far enough when thrown and a nice bounce when we have to play in the house, due to weather. Wish the bright 'glow' held a little longer but stays dim for quite some time and overall, just Awesome! Also purchased the 'chuck it' brand and sent them back because these were so much better. Will be buying more, if ever needed, but haven't had to because they are So Durable.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2026

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