Elephant Bush
Portulacaria afra
$29.99
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- LightBright indirect
Care at a glance (click to expand or collapse)
| Light | Bright indirect light |
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About this plant
Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra), also called dwarf jade, in a 4" pot.
Small, round, glossy green leaves line reddish-brown stems. It is a succulent shrub that holds a tidy, branching shape, so it sits well on a sunny windowsill or desk. Many people also train it as a bonsai.
How to care for elephant bush
- Light: bright light, with some direct sun if you can give it. In dim rooms the stems stretch and the leaves thin out.
- Water: water when the soil is dry, then let the pot drain fully. Soggy soil is the usual cause of trouble.
- Soil and pot: gritty, fast-draining succulent or cactus mix in a pot with a drainage hole.
- Temperature: normal room temperatures suit it
Read the full succulent care guide.
Where to put this plant
Needs: Bright, indirect light
Find the window you have. Each one gives a different kind of light.
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East-facing windowGentle morning sun, then bright shade.Best spot
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South-facing windowBrightest, with sun most of the day.3 to 5 ft back
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West-facing windowStrong, hot afternoon sun.Use a sheer curtain
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North-facing windowSoft, steady light with no direct sun.Too dim
Distance changes it too
Grows well alongside
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$26.99Sold outPlanters that fit this plant
See all plantersMatched to the pot size of Elephant Bush. Planters ship separately from live plants.
Care guides from the Journal
All articlesQuestions people ask
How to care for elephant bush?
Give it bright light, water only when the soil is dry, and use fast-draining soil. The care guide above has the full routine.
How fast does Portulacaria afra grow?
Growth is steady in bright light and slower in a dim room. Pruning the tips encourages a bushier shape.