SKU: 80010605405
elephant food plant succulent

elephant food plant succulent Shop 'Elephant bush - Portulacaria afra' Care and Info

Sale price$23.33 Regular price$25.92
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $6.48 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Aug 30 - Sep 4

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

elephant food plant succulent Shop 'Elephant bush - Portulacaria afra' Care and InfoIntroducing 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: 80010605405

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell elephant food plant succulent

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.6 ★★★★★
Based on 5 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
T
Verified Purchase
Tamlyn Sheng
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 5
BEST ART BOOK (GREAT GIFT FOR Legend Of Korra FANS)
It is a beautiful book. It was everything I hoped for, but it was bigger than I expected. (I didn't see the measurements/size...oops) The artwork inside is incredible, the detail and effort that was put into this book is amazing. I am a huge Legend of Korra fan, so I was a little nervous when I bought the book. I had my doubts but when received it I was so pleased with it. I could not be happier with this book. I highly recommend this book to anyone considering it to either give to a friend or to buy for personal use.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2015
P
Verified Purchase
Pablo
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 5
A good one, albeit not a perfect one
It is a comprehensive look into the series with lots of wonderful art. I felt that it was thinner than the previous book from the Avatar series but I'm not talking about the length of the book (I know this one has less pages an only covers one season) but rather about the "insights" into the creative process. While the previous book felt full to the seams and you could feel that there was a lot of important material that didn't fit, you also felt that all the material that did was included was the best. In this one for Korra, you feel that there were many important things left out that should have been included and there are some things that were included that doesn't feel as important...
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2013
D
Verified Purchase
Diwen
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
Everything you wanted put into a art book
I loved this art book. It showed me basically everything I wanted to see from back drops used and unused, old character designs and how some things came to be or what they were inspired by. The commentary is great though rarely confusing (Ex: at one point they commentary refers to a picture in the top right but says "As you can see by the design in the middle" the middle being something completely different) I feel like this book is a must for fans and people interested in the art of the series alike.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2015
B
Verified Purchase
Bunny Wolf
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 5
This is how you make an artbook!!
It's so awesome to open an artbook and see every stage of the character and how it all came together. It's always fun and interesting to know how Korra was made, and why whe looks the way it looks. It's really cool to read the different ideas that came up for a certain character and why they decided that a certain design worked better than the previous ones! It's also really interesting and delicious to read about how they inspired themselves in known architecture to create the environment in this tv series. I simply loved it and I'm excited to know that I'll be buying the other Korra artbooks!!!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2014
N
Verified Purchase
Nicolas Calderon Eader
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 4
Great artwork for a great series!! Recommended to artists, animators and fans of the series
It's been a while since the Avatar: The Last Airbender series ran on TV. I really loved that series because it dealt with a lot of eastern cultures themes and it was not the average children TV show. Despite its children characters the show runners manged to find a balance between drama and comedy. Now about the art book: that series (Avatar) had its own book (all seasons in one single book) but this time we are getting one book entirely dedicated to the first season, which makes it great. Why? Because we are getting more artwork per episode, most of it in full-color. I would have liked to see more of the character design, I mean how they got to the final version. Most of the characters are shown in their final version with some costume variants but that's it, no development. One thing missing this time (both from the series and this book) is the animal designs. They had a lot 2-animal-fusion designs on the previous show but this time we get to see almost nothing. I know it is because the series is takes place mainly in Republic City. And wow! what a nice city it is. All the artwork dedicated to set Republic City's mood, the 1920s, the steam-punk influence, the fashion, everything just fits perfectly! There is a couple of aerial views (day & night) which are my favorite from the book. This new guy they hired to do the background paintings has done a great job! Every background and every building design have so much detail that they will make your jaw just drop. I like the fact they are paintings with no pencil lines, just paint brushed over the design, which makes it look richer! Now, I am giving this book a 4-star rating because of the reasons I have already explained and the fact that we are not getting that much in-depth information like we got from the Avatar art book . I must say this is not an animation book, this is an art book that depicts backgrounds, characters and vehicles. You will get to see a few storyboarded sequences but this book is not intended to teach you about animation. I seriously recommend this book to any person interested in art and animation. The artwork is so well achieved that you will be left wanting to see more.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2014

recommand products