SKU: 40554684955
elephant food jade plant

elephant food jade plant Elephant Bush

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Description

elephant food jade plant 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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Sana
Boise, US
★★★★★ 5
The best ever continuation of the TV show!
Format: Kindle
'Ultimately, your story is yours to tell. You'll know when the time is right to share the news.' THIS VOLUME IS BASICALLY HERE'S A BI, THERE'S A BI, EVERYWHERE'S A BI AND I'M LIVING FOR IT. I been knew Kya is gay but Avatar Kyoshi being bi is too good of a reveal, ahhhh (also, so much more excited to read The Rise of Kyoshi now). The best part is how it starts right where the show ends like this is what dreams are made of and then the juxtaposition of Korrasami becoming a couple and whatever is now happening in the Republic City is done so well like, they definitely nailed the pace and I was into all of it. The nuances of Korrasami coming out to their family and friends (Mako's reaction, though LOL PERFECT), what different nations think about queer relationships and whether Korrasami want to reveal it to the public just yet, so many feels. I just want to yell about Korrasami in love, though. I'm crying. 😭😭 THEIR CONFESSIONS FREAKING SLAYED ME. Korra feeling like she was always too intense (one of the things I love about her, LBR) but now feels like she doesn't have to hold herself back in front of Asami. 😭😭 VULNERABLE KORRA IS FREAKING PRECIOUS AND NEEDS TO BE PROTECTED AT ALL COSTS. By the way, shoutout to Lin Beifong being the badass-est of all. Besides Korra, she's easily my favorite. As for the art, it's fantastic! Irene Koh definitely channeled the original art but she also brought her own style into it and the result is great. It honestly felt like I was watching the show since it was so easy to give voices to characters' dialogues and to follow the action sequences (which translate so well in this form !!).
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Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2024
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Kim Lynch
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 4
Gorgeous art, story, and romance
Format: Paperback
This book is a must-read for any fan of The Legend of Korra! Irene Koh's art is absolutely gorgeous (I would literally pay for her to just paint page after page in the spirit world), and Michael Dante DiMartino's writing is as strong as ever. The LGBT representation is so important and woven seamlessly into the plot and character arcs; I'm so glad that the comics can go to a place that the television show could only ever hint at. I've read this book several times already and I get new joy every time.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2018
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DRUNKENBOXER24
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 5
DEAL WITH IT.
Format: Paperback
Just arrived and I'm freaking out. Loved every minute of the series and I'm so glad it continues in comic form. I can't wait to read through this. KORRASAMI FOR THE WIN!!! Update: Aug 9th. Finished it in record time HAHA. Wonderfully drawn and written, felt like a true direct continuation of the series. I believe they did a wonderful job delving deeper into Korra and Asami relationship and where it truly developed from, giving more context to the series and especially does a good job addressing many unanswered questions of how the world of the Avatar looks at it's LGBTQ community and im not surprised to discover that it is not so different from our own. The new villain didn't feel as fleshed out as it could have been, but we have 2 more issues coming, so I'm confident it will be explored well. Wonderful too see Bolin and Mako working as a team again. Overall I give Turf Wars part 1, 4.5 stars, its a wonderful read, especially if your a fan of the series, hope I did t spoil to much for you 😁
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Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2017
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Kevin Aguirre
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 5
I absolutely LOVED! The legend of Korra, A must buy for any Legend of Korra Fans.
Format: Paperback
I absolutely LOVED! The legend of Korra and when the animated series came to an end I was very sad but then I heard about these books I was over joyed. If you enjoyed the series buy the book its a great read I spend a lot of time reading manga and the artwork is beautifully drawn the moments between Korra and Asami are drawn so tenderly it's lovely. It was incredibly brave of the creators of the show to end it they way they did it meant a lot to many people around the world the relationship was developed slowly and I am glad they did it that way the show made history and is continuing to break barriers its so different from the usual Disney mindset which we all need to break out of. Cannot wait to see how they continue to develop the story and more of Korra and Asami's relationship developments, I really feel like Asami keeps Korra balanced if you watch the show and read the book I think you will see what I mean, Already signed up for book 2 when it comes out so excited I will continue to support the show which has brought me and many other people so much joy.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2017
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Minh
Grantham, US
★★★★★ 5
Good
Format: Paperback
Got it for my class reading (not surprising tho, the book was great). Quick delivery and great packaging.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2026

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