SKU: 80635359916
portulacaria afra flor

portulacaria afra flor Elephant Bush

Sale price$19.42 Regular price$21.58
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $5.39 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 17 - Jul 22

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

portulacaria afra flor 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.

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: 80635359916

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell portulacaria afra flor

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.0 ★★★★★
Based on 29 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
H
Verified Purchase
Hermes Marrero
Boise, US
★★★★★ 5
Great product
Color: 3 prong, Size: 5FT
This product works perfectly, I plugged it in the back wall of my bed and connected everything I needed and completely forgot it was there, which means it holds the plugs perfectly in place and so far I have not had any problem. The length is perfect for a queen size bed.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2026
J
Verified Purchase
jessicag13
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 5
Great shelves!
Size: 10"D x 15.7"W, Color: Black, Size: 10"D x 15.7"W, Color: Black
Perfect for what I needed. I sanded them, painted them white, then hung them above my washing machine and dryer to hold some laundry supplies. They made laundry easier! The are sturdy. It took no time to install. They’re heavy but not so heavy that they sag or drag. It came with screws and anchors that made installation a breeze. They look great! Highly recommend.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2026
C
Verified Purchase
Cathy
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 5
Stylish & sturdy 3 floating shelves
Size: 11.6"D x 15.7"W, Color: Black, Size: 11.6"D x 15.7"W, Color: Black
I bought these 12-inch deep floating shelves for my son’s room and they turned out great. The extra depth makes a big difference compared to standard floating shelves. He’s able to fit books, trophies, and some of his collectibles on them without everything feeling cramped. The shelves feel sturdy and well made once installed. The hardware that came with them worked well, and they sit flush against the wall which gives that nice clean floating look. They really helped add storage while also making the room look more organized and put together. I added lights underneath which I also bought here on Amazon... I also like that they’re deep enough to actually be functional, not just decorative. My son is using them every day and they’re holding up really well. Overall I’m very happy with this purchase and would definitely buy them again for another room.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2026
J
Verified Purchase
James Garcia
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 5
Good looking shelves
Size: 11.6"D x 15.7"W, Color: Black, Size: 11.6"D x 15.7"W, Color: Black
These shelves turned out perfect for my bedroom project! I read lots of reviews about people having trouble with the wall anchors not holding up, but I’m going to equate that to user error. I had no trouble installing these and even took a couple shortcuts. I only used two wall anchors per shelf, but also pre checked the holes for studs. I used one dry wall screw per shelf as well. Knowing how wall anchors can be, I used one drill bit size smaller than the directions suggested. They said use 1/4, but I used 15/64. Probably could have gotten away with one smaller than that at 7/32. With all screws, I made sure not to press too hard into the wall and just turn the screw. That helps the anchors and threads stay snug in the dry wall. There was only one shelf that came out feeling a little saggy, but I think it’s because the holes in the shelf are not quite right. However, it still holds strong and no problem with a box of shoes on it. All this being said, I pre weighed my shoe boxes and knew I only needed to hold about 5-7 lbs. I was super detailed with measuring the bracket spots to make sure everything was spaced and leveled appropriately. The wood on the shelves does feel a little cheap, but it looks great so I couldn’t care less. I would purchase these shelves again and might have to as my display collection continues to grow.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2026
K
Verified Purchase
KREY
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 5
Easy install, wide and sturdy
Size: 10"D x 15.7"W, Color: Brown, Size: 10"D x 15.7"W, Color: Brown
I put these shelves in a strange little cubby that was created in my kitchen by removing the sad excuse for a pantry that was once there. Super easy to hang, I’ve only hung two here and have other plans for the 3rd one. Good purchase for sure. Very sturdy and look expensive, without the high cost.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2025

recommand products