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elephant bush (Portulacaria afra)

Portulacaria afra is a succulent shrub to small tree with an upright, much-branched habit and stems that range from fleshy to softly woody. It is an evergreen to semi-evergreen perennial shrub.

LightPortulacaria afra grows in full sun to partial sun and takes full sun; indoors, a bright location is suitable, with some sources recommending bright indirect light.
WaterIt is drought tolerant; water thoroughly after the growing medium dries and avoid prolonged wetness, provide normal watering during the spring-to-autumn growing period, and reduce watering substantially in winter while k
HumidityIt is generally reported to prefer low humidity and needs moderate airflow.
TemperatureThe few available sources place the reported cold minimum at about -1 °C, while a USDA hardiness-zone range is also reported from a single source. It tolerates brief light frost. It tolerates heat and can grow in hot, dr
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Overview

Portulacaria afra is a succulent shrub to small tree with an upright, much-branched habit and stems that range from fleshy to softly woody. It is an evergreen to semi-evergreen perennial shrub.

Origin and habitat

Sources differ on its native range: it occurs from southern Africa into parts of East Africa, principally including South Africa, Eswatini, and Mozambique, while some accounts extend the native range north to Kenya. Its habitats include dry rocky slopes, rocky outcrops, dry river valleys, scrub, and savanna, and it can form dense, dominant populations in some areas. It favors warm, relatively dry subtropical to tropical environments and is strongly drought tolerant.

Characteristics

Sources differ on mature size, with height reported at about 150–500 cm; the few sources addressing spread report about 100–150 cm. Sources differ on its growth rate, describing it from slow-growing to relatively fast-growing depending on the basis of comparison and growing conditions. The small, opposite leaves are thick and fleshy, green and often glossy, with entire margins, while their shape is variously described from obovate and elliptic to nearly round; it stores water in several organs. The very small flowers are mainly pale pink to pink, with some sources also recording white or purplish-pink flowers, and they may occur in clusters or inflorescences at branch tips; flowering is mainly from spring into summer, with some cultivation sources indicating that flowering is more likely after ample sunlight and drought stress, while the fruit is described differently by sources as small, three-winged, indehiscent, and single-seeded.

Light

Portulacaria afra grows in full sun to partial sun and takes full sun; indoors, a bright location is suitable, with some sources recommending bright indirect light.

Watering

It is drought tolerant; water thoroughly after the growing medium dries and avoid prolonged wetness, provide normal watering during the spring-to-autumn growing period, and reduce watering substantially in winter while keeping conditions on the dry side.

Humidity and airflow

It is generally reported to prefer low humidity and needs moderate airflow.

Temperature and dormancy

The few available sources place the reported cold minimum at about -1 °C, while a USDA hardiness-zone range is also reported from a single source. It tolerates brief light frost. It tolerates heat and can grow in hot, dry conditions, but airflow should be considered during high summer temperatures.

Growing medium and mounting

A well-drained sandy loam or succulent growing medium is suitable; loam or sandy soil may be used, and it favors a loose medium that may contain organic matter. It is prone to rot and needs a fast-draining mix.

Feeding

A slow-release fertilizer may be applied periodically during the growing season, with feeding stopped or reduced in winter.

Propagation

Propagation is mainly by stem cuttings, which root readily; spring is suitable, while some sources report that cuttings can be taken throughout the year and favor spring and autumn.

Common problems

Scale insects may occur and are more likely under hot, dry conditions; disease is generally reported to be uncommon. Overwatering during cold periods can cause root rot, while prolonged dark, wet conditions or poor drainage are unfavorable for growth. It is drought tolerant but more sensitive to cold, frost, and excessive moisture, although some established plants can tolerate light frost.

Identification

Portulacaria afra has small fleshy leaves and stems that are often red to reddish brown; it can be confused with Crassula ovata, but its leaves are usually smaller and its branches are more slender and flexible.

Photos

Portulacaria afra
📷 Frank Vincentz · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Portulacaria afra
📷 Dinkum · CC0 · source
Portulacaria afra
📷 Shaun Swanepoel, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by S · CC BY · source

Sources