Portulacaria Afra

Portulacaria Afra is a soft-wooded and semi-evergreen upright succulent shrub or small tree that can reach 1.5m high. You may know it better as the elephant bush, but there are no prizes for guessing that elephants love to chomp it down for breakfast. 

It has fleshy, glossy little leaves on red-tinged stems and looks pretty similar to the unrelated jade plant – which is why it’s also called the small-leafed jade. Elephant bush has smaller, rounded pads and more compact growth though. It’s also tougher and faster growing too – just saying.

Elephant bush thrives indoors if you can find a spot that’s bright but free from direct sunlight. If those pretty leaves burn they’ll drop off – eek! You’ll also need to back off with the watering can because succulents like it dry. Have a read through our houseplant care guide if you need some help.

If you don’t fancy indoor plants then elephant bush also makes a great container plant or unusual tropical addition to your flower border.

Quick Facts

• What to use me for:  I look good at the back of a succulent garden or kept indoors to green up your living space.

• I grow to:  I’ll reach 1.5 metres high and the same across.

• I am currently:  10cm

• Where to place me: I like full sun to part shade outside and indirect filtered light indoors, please.

• How far to space me: Even though I start out small I’ll need 100cms of space.

• Soil Conditions: I like free-draining soil or a container of gritty potting mix that’s on the dry side.

Our plants are beautifully grown and mature in size with developed root’s and guaranteed sun hardened. These plants can be inserted straight into the ground and make an excellent garden plant.

We carefully package your plants into a custom size box to ensure safe transport and a healthy plant delivered to your door.