Portulacaria Jade Plant

Portulacaria afra, commonly known as the Dwarf Jade Plant or Elephant Bush, is a hardy, fast-growing succulent native to South Africa. It features small, rounded green leaves on reddish-brown stems and is often mistaken for the traditional Crassula jade. However, it’s lighter, more compact, and better suited to bonsai, terrariums, or cascading arrangements.

This plant is a favorite among indoor gardeners and bonsai enthusiasts for its ease of care and attractive branching form. In its native habitat, it is even used in reforestation efforts due to its carbon-capturing abilities.

Key Characteristics:

• Small, glossy, round green leaves

• Reddish stems that add contrast and visual interest

• Grows upright or cascading depending on pruning and pot size

• Excellent for bonsai, hanging planters, or as a structural accent

Care Tips:

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light to full sun. Indoors, place near a bright window.

• Watering: Water thoroughly when soil is dry. Tolerant of drought but sensitive to overwatering.

• Soil: Requires well-draining soil, such as a cactus/succulent mix.

• Temperature: Grows best between 15°C and 30°C. Not frost-tolerant.

• Humidity: Adapts well to low-humidity environments.

• Fertiliser: Feed with a diluted, balanced fertiliser during the growing season (spring and summer).

• Maintenance: Can be pruned to maintain shape or encourage bushier growth.

The first photo serves a display purpose only. The succulent plant housed in the red pot comes in a 190mm diameter container. While the image provides a representative depiction of what you will receive, but may vary slightly because no two succulents are the same. 

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