Portulacaria afra (Elephant Bush)

🌿 The Elephant Bush, scientifically known as Portulacaria afra, is a succulent shrub from the family Didiereaceae, native to the semi-arid regions of South Africa. In its natural habitat, this drought-tolerant plant grows on rocky hillsides and can reach heights of up to 3 metres, though it stays much smaller indoors. It's a beginner-friendly plant that thrives with minimal attention, making it perfect for busy plant parents or those new to succulents. Here's a fun fact: elephants in the wild actually eat this plant, which is how it got its common name, and it plays an important role in carbon sequestration in its native ecosystem.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This succulent has a bushy, upright growth habit with thick, reddish-brown stems that become woody as they mature. The small, rounded leaves are jade green, glossy, and grow in pairs along the stems, creating a dense, textured appearance. Each leaf is about the size of a lentil, plump and smooth to the touch, storing water for dry periods. The foliage has a pleasant, fleshy quality that gives the plant a cheerful, miniature-tree look, especially as it grows taller and develops more character over time.
FLOWER DETAILS
Elephant Bush produces tiny star-shaped flowers in shades of white, pink, or pale lavender, though flowering indoors is quite rare. When blooms do appear, they cluster at the ends of branches and have a delicate, understated beauty with no noticeable fragrance. The flowers are small but charming, adding a subtle accent to the already attractive foliage. In outdoor conditions or very bright light, mature plants may bloom in late spring or summer, but don't expect flowers regularly when growing indoors. To encourage flowering, provide maximum sunlight, reduce watering slightly in winter to mimic a dry season, and ensure the plant is several years old and well-established.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright, direct sunlight is ideal. This plant loves full sun and needs at least 4-6 hours of direct light daily. It can tolerate partial shade but will grow leggy without enough brightness.
💧 Water: Water deeply but infrequently. During spring and summer, water when the soil is completely dry, roughly every 10-14 days. In autumn and winter, reduce to once a month or less. Always allow soil to dry out fully between waterings. The soak-and-dry method works best.
🌡️ Humidity: Average home humidity of 30-50% is perfect. This succulent actually prefers drier air and doesn't need any extra humidity.
🪴 Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix is essential. Add extra perlite or coarse sand if needed to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
🏺 Potting: Use terracotta or unglazed clay pots with drainage holes. Choose a pot just slightly larger than the root ball. Repot every 2-3 years in spring, or when roots fill the container.
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate growth in good conditions. Expect 15-20 cm of new growth per year. Can reach 60-90 cm indoors over several years, though it's easy to prune and shape.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed monthly during spring and summer with diluted succulent fertilizer at half strength. Skip fertilizing completely in autumn and winter when growth slows.
🐾 Pet friendly: Yes, Elephant Bush is non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it a safe choice for homes with curious pets.
WHERE TO PUT IT
Elephant Bush thrives in bright spots like south-facing windowsills, sunrooms, or covered patios where it can soak up plenty of sunshine. It's perfect for kitchens, home offices, living rooms, or even bathrooms with good natural light. This succulent also does well outdoors during warmer months if you have a balcony or patio. Avoid placing it in dim corners, north-facing rooms, or areas far from windows, as it will stretch and lose its compact shape without adequate light. Keep it away from cold drafts or heating vents that create extreme temperature swings.